Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Gutter Cleaning and Guard Installation Business
A twice-a-year repeat service that can start with a ground-level vacuum system for a few thousand dollars, and grow into gutter-guard installation, which in California needs a contractor license on jobs of $1,000 or more.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$2,290 – $3,090*Pending verificationSourcesXERO Products — XERO Gutter Vac Pack(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Moderate
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Spring and fall peaks
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.3 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $3,090
4 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
3 / 59.7% a yearPending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 3 brands: The Brothers that just do Gutters 10.0% (2025); Window Hero 16.1% (2025); ABC Seamless 2.9% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
3 / 58.2% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
113 of 1,375 SBA 7(a) loans to Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 128 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
1 / 5Growing much faster than all businessesPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Other services to buildings and dwellings, which includes gutter cleaning (NAICS 561790): employer establishments +21.8% (14,841 to 18,069) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
Cleaning needs only a city or county business license while each job stays under $1,000; installing guards or gutters needs a CSLB C-43 license (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Many households, mostly once or twice a year; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (3 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $49,500 – $59,900Pending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $145,250 – $363,744Pending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands. | $2,290 – $3,090*Pending verificationSourcesXERO Products — XERO Gutter Vac Pack(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 3% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $20,270 – $21,470Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $20,270 – $21,470 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $211,424 – $502,937 | $22,560 – $24,560* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $49,500 – $59,900Pending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 3 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $145,250 – $363,744Pending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 3 brands.
- Independent
- $2,290 – $3,090*Pending verificationSourcesXERO Products — XERO Gutter Vac Pack(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 3 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (3 brands)
- 3% – 7% of revenuePending verificationSourcesThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Window Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026ABC Seamless 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued August 19, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 3 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $20,270 – $21,470Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Jobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $20,270 – $21,470
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (3 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (3 brands)
- $211,424 – $502,937
- Independent
- $22,560 – $24,560*
5-year totals assume $84,760–$181,740 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
The Brothers that just do Gutters
Item 19 reports gross sales and selected expenses for operational franchise outlets for 2023–2025, plus one company-owned outlet; the figures below are gross sales before most expenses, not profit.
- Average gross sales, 2025, 71 operational franchise outlets (1 to 12 territories each)$1,147,556 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales, not profit. 20 of 91 operational outlets were excluded (no reliable records or closed part of the year). 27 outlets (38%) were above the average. Most outlets in this group run several territories. Your results may differ.
- Median gross sales, 2025, same 71 operational franchise outlets$1,001,899 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales, not profit. Your results may differ.
- Average gross sales, 2025, 5 single-territory franchise outlets$1,157,269 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales, not profit. Only five outlets; 2 of 5 were above the average. Your results may differ.
- Median gross sales, 2025, same 5 single-territory franchise outlets$1,089,870 a yearPending verificationSourceThe Brothers that just do Gutters 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 24, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales, not profit. Your results may differ.
Window Hero
Item 19 reports 2025 accepted contracts, proposal conversion, and revenue and profit-and-loss figures for franchisees open all of 2025; revenue covers all Window Hero services, mostly window cleaning, not gutters alone.
- Average revenue, 2025, 11 franchise locations (30 territories) open all 12 months that submitted P&L reports$824,105 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Revenue before expenses, not profit, from unaudited franchisee P&Ls. 19 locations were left out (no P&L, transferred, opened in 2025 or terminated). All services, not just gutters. Your results may differ.
- Median revenue, 2025, same 11 franchise locations$543,810 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Hero 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 30, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Revenue, not profit. The lowest location reported $145,035. Your results may differ.
ABC Seamless
Item 19 lists each franchise's 2025 gross receipts (siding, gutters and related work) one by one, from $0 to $7,223,448.51, and the combined total of four company-owned outlets; it gives no average or median.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- Brand recognition customers may already know
- Initial training before you open
- A call center or booking system that handles incoming leads
- Established pricing, operating systems and software
- A network of other owners to learn from
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground-level gutter vacuum with poles (reaches 30 ft gutters)Pending verificationSourceXERO Products — XERO Gutter Vac Pack(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026XERO Gutter Vac Pack list price: pole and vacuum, three motors, works from the ground. One published price; other brands (such as SkyVac) cost more or less. | $2,220 | $2,220 | $2,220 |
| Extension ladder, stabilizer and fall-protection gear | Data coming soon | ||
| Legal setup: California LLC filing (Form LLC-1)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Secretary of State filing fee only. California also charges LLCs an annual minimum franchise tax; check with the Franchise Tax Board. City business license fees vary and are not included. | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Marketing launch (door hangers, yard signs, listings) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $2,290 | $2,290 | $2,290 |
Share of mid estimate
- Ground-level gutter vacuum with poles (reaches 30 ft gutters)97%
- Legal setup: California LLC filing (Form LLC-1)3%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
The total leaves out 2 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's national average range for gutter cleaning. Jobs per week, ramp-up, variable costs and the spring/fall seasonality are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $60,409
- Year-2 profit
- $70,413
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 11.7 | $1,907 | $577 | $1,330 | -$960 |
| 2 (Apr) | 23.5 | $3,832 | $808 | $3,024 | $2,064 |
| 3 (May) | 28.8 | $4,697 | $912 | $3,785 | $5,850 |
| 4 (Jun) | 24.4 | $3,973 | $825 | $3,148 | $8,998 |
| 5 (Jul) | 22.5 | $3,673 | $789 | $2,884 | $11,882 |
| 6 (Aug) | 25.6 | $4,167 | $848 | $3,319 | $15,202 |
| 7 (Sep) | 35.8 | $5,827 | $1,047 | $4,780 | $19,982 |
| 8 (Oct) | 55.4 | $9,023 | $1,431 | $7,593 | $27,574 |
| 9 (Nov) | 69.3 | $11,301 | $1,704 | $9,597 | $37,171 |
| 10 (Dec) | 34.7 | $5,651 | $1,026 | $4,625 | $41,796 |
| 11 (Jan) | 17.3 | $2,825 | $687 | $2,138 | $43,934 |
| 12 (Feb) | 21.7 | $3,532 | $772 | $2,760 | $46,694 |
| 13 (Mar) | 39.0 | $6,357 | $1,111 | $5,246 | $51,940 |
| 14 (Apr) | 60.7 | $9,889 | $1,535 | $8,354 | $60,294 |
| 15 (May) | 60.7 | $9,889 | $1,535 | $8,354 | $68,648 |
| 16 (Jun) | 43.3 | $7,063 | $1,196 | $5,868 | $74,516 |
| 17 (Jul) | 34.7 | $5,651 | $1,026 | $4,625 | $79,141 |
| 18 (Aug) | 34.7 | $5,651 | $1,026 | $4,625 | $83,765 |
| 19 (Sep) | 43.3 | $7,063 | $1,196 | $5,868 | $89,633 |
| 20 (Oct) | 60.7 | $9,889 | $1,535 | $8,354 | $97,987 |
| 21 (Nov) | 69.3 | $11,301 | $1,704 | $9,597 | $107,584 |
| 22 (Dec) | 34.7 | $5,651 | $1,026 | $4,625 | $112,209 |
| 23 (Jan) | 17.3 | $2,825 | $687 | $2,138 | $114,347 |
| 24 (Feb) | 21.7 | $3,532 | $772 | $2,760 | $117,107 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Gutter cleaning, typical price (most customers)$233Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — gutter cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Thumbtack data; no published sample size.
- Gutter cleaning, national average range$163 – $333Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — gutter cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Low end $98, high end $560. Thumbtack data; no published sample size.
- Gutter cleaning, single-story home$135 – $250Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — gutter cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Thumbtack data; no published sample size.
- Gutter cleaning, two-story home$160 – $300Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — gutter cleaning prices (last updated March 31, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Thumbtack data; no published sample size.
- Gutter cleaning, 150 linear ft on a two-story home (Fixr)$200 – $400Pending verificationSourceFixr — cost to clean gutters (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr national average $300. Per linear foot: $0.70–$1.50 single story, $1.50–$2.50 two stories, $2.50–$3.20 three stories. No published sample size.
- Gutter guards installed, 50 linear ft$622 – $2,053Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — gutter guard cost estimates (last updated July 1, 2026)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Most people pay around $1,179; low end $221, high end $4,187. Material type is the biggest driver. Thumbtack data; no published sample size.
- Gutter guards, 150 linear ft of metal mesh (Fixr average)$335Pending verificationSourceFixr — cost to install gutter guards (updated January 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr's range is $69–$600. The same page lists labor separately at $82–$149 an hour, so this figure may not include full installation labor. It is far below Thumbtack's figure; quote locally.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average yearly receipts per solo (nonemployer) business, NAICS 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (includes gutter cleaning), 2023$40,915 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2023, national file (nonemp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us from two Census figures: $5,814,574,000 total receipts ÷ 142,112 nonemployer businesses (whole dollars). The industry also covers other building services, not only gutters. Gross receipts, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561790 (includes gutter cleaning), 2022$312,395 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS and enterprise size(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us: $4,013,029,000 receipts ÷ 12,846 establishments (whole dollars). Covers many building services besides gutters. Gross receipts, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average yearly receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 238170 Siding Contractors (includes gutter and gutter-guard installation), 2022$402,579 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS and enterprise size(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Calculated by us: $2,761,692,000 receipts ÷ 6,860 establishments (whole dollars). Most of this industry is siding work, and receipts include materials. Gross receipts, not profit. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Falls from ladders and roof edges
This is the most serious risk in the business. NIOSH found work-related ladder falls killed 113 workers in 2011, and the fatal rate rises with age: 0.16 per 100,000 full-time workers aged 55–64 and 0.35 for 65 and older, versus 0.04 for ages 20–34. For someone in their 50s, a fall can end the business.
How to manage it: Build the business around ground-level vacuum and pole systems, refuse roof walking, use ladder stabilizers and a second person on tall jobs, or run it as the owner-manager with a trained crew doing the climbing.
Two short busy seasons
Most demand comes in spring and fall, with slow summers and little winter work in cold climates.
How to manage it: Sell twice-a-year service plans in advance, add gutter guards and downspout work, and pair it with window or pressure washing to fill gaps.
Damage to roofs, gutters and landscaping
Ladders can dent gutters and crack shingles, and debris lands on decks and plants. Customers expect you to pay for it.
How to manage it: Carry general liability insurance, photograph the gutters before and after, use ladder standoffs, and bag debris instead of dropping it.
Crossing into contractor work without a license
In California, cleaning is not construction, but installing guards or gutters, or repair jobs of $1,000 or more, needs a CSLB license, as does any job needing a permit or a hired helper.
How to manage it: Keep installation jobs under $1,000 and do them alone until you are licensed, or get the C-43 Sheet Metal license before selling guards.
Hiring and workers' compensation
Growing past what one person can climb safely means hiring, and California requires workers' comp from the first employee. Ladder work can make that coverage expensive.
How to manage it: Price jobs to cover labor and insurance, train helpers on ladder safety before their first job, and get insurance quotes before you hire.
Price competition
Gutter cleaning is easy to enter, and many handymen and roofers offer it as a side job.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, before-and-after photos and scheduled twice-yearly plans rather than the lowest price.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
Verify with the CalGold business permits(opens in a new tab)Cleaning: no contractor license, but watch the $1,000 line
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gutter cleaning on its own is maintenance, not construction. For repair or installation work, an unlicensed person may only take jobs under $1,000 in total (labor and materials), with no employees and no permit, and any ad must say you are not licensed. Since January 1, 2025 (AB 2622).
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Guard and gutter installation: CSLB C-43 Sheet Metal license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCSLB — C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor classification(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB — List of fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026CSLB Industry Bulletin #24-07 — License requirement for minor work increases from $500 to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026CSLB's C-43 Sheet Metal classification names gutters and leaders (downspouts) in its definition. Installing gutter guards or gutters on jobs of $1,000 or more needs a contractor license. Fees: $450 to apply plus a $200 (sole owner) or $350 initial license fee. Ask CSLB to confirm the classification before you apply, especially for guards attached to the roof.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Workers' compensation once you hire
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB — Workers' compensation requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California requires workers' comp from the first employee. CSLB licensees must file a certificate or an exemption saying they have no employees. C-43 is not one of the classes that must carry it with no employees (C-39 Roofing is).
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Cal/OSHA portable ladder rules (employers)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCal/OSHA Title 8 §3276 — Portable Ladders(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Title 8 §3276 sets rules for choosing, inspecting, placing and climbing portable ladders, and requires ladder training for employees. It applies once you have employees.
Verify with the Cal/OSHA(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Decide your path: ground-level cleaning only, or cleaning plus guard installation
- Form your LLC and get a city business license
- Buy a gutter vacuum system and a stabilized ladder
- Get general liability and commercial auto quotes
- Set up scheduling and invoicing software
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Safety
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Operations
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Adding guard installation
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Hiring
Included in the complete kit
Phase 8
Growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Ground-level gutter vacuums
Vacuum and pole systems for cleaning gutters from the ground.
Ladders
Extension and multi-position ladders rated for professional use.
Scheduling and invoicing software
Quoting, recurring scheduling and payments for service businesses.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Can I do this without climbing ladders?
Mostly. Vacuum and pole systems clean gutters up to about 30 feet from the ground, and you can see the result with a pole camera. You will still need a ladder now and then for clogged downspouts and repairs, so plan for help on those jobs or hire a crew and manage.
Do I need a contractor license in California?
Not for cleaning alone. You do for installing gutter guards or gutters on jobs of $1,000 or more (labor and materials), or for any job that needs a permit or a hired helper. Check with CSLB before you start selling installation.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.