Overflowing gutters mean water where it shouldn’t be—foundation pools, stained siding, and repair bills that climb fast. Most homeowners pay roughly $100–$450 for a professional gutter cleaning, depending on stories and access; Bay Area jobs routinely sit at the higher end.
Here in the Bay Area, teams like California Glass & Solar (Woman‑Owned, 18+ years) offer free estimates, photo documentation, and bundled exterior service plans—the sort of credentials you should expect when comparing quotes.
Quick cost guide: typical price ranges and a simple pricing formula
National 2026 averages: single‑story homes typically run $100–$240, two‑story $150–$320, and three‑story $250–$450. Per‑foot benchmarks fall roughly between $0.40 and $2.50 per linear foot; locally in the Bay Area you’ll commonly see $1.00–$2.00 per foot.
How the per‑foot rate moves: height (number of stories) raises time and risk; access difficulty and heavy debris push the per‑foot rate up; downspout clogs, guards and steep roofs add discrete fees.
Use this simple estimate formula to sanity‑check quotes:
Estimate ≈ (linear feet × base $/ft) × height multiplier + access surcharge + downspout fee + debris/repair fee.
Quick example (for comparison only): 200 linear feet, two‑story, moderate debris, local Bay Area pricing.
Base $/ft = $1.00
Linear feet = 200 → 200 × $1.00 = $200
Height multiplier (two‑story) = 1.25 → $200 × 1.25 = $250
Access surcharge = $30
Downspout flushing (2 downspouts) = $35
Moderate debris fee = $40
Estimated total ≈ $250 + $30 + $35 + $40 = $355
That result puts you near the higher end of a two‑story range—reasonable for Bay Area labor and add‑ons. If a quoted price is far below this, ask what’s been excluded.
What a professional visit should include (and common add‑ons)
A thorough service should remove all visible debris, clear and flush downspouts, test water flow, inspect for leaks or sagging, tidy the work area, and provide a short report or before/after photos. Professionals trained for rooftop work will also note obvious problems—loose fasteners, rusted sections, or fascia issues—and flag anything that needs repair beyond a standard clean.
Common add‑ons and typical ranges (2026): downspout unclog/flush $25–$75, heavy nests or roof debris removal $50–$150, minor repairs like sealant or re‑fastening $50–$150. Guard removal/reinstall varies widely; some companies charge a separate fee, others include it when guards must be removed to clean properly.
Ask whether guard removal is included; guards reduce cleaning frequency but often require partial removal for a truly clean gutter.
Make sure the written quote lists linear feet, explicitly describes included tasks, explains debris disposal, and states whether minor repairs are billed separately.
How to vet local pros: insurance, licenses, safety and red flags
Ask for current general liability and workers’ compensation certificates before work begins. In California, contractor licensing becomes important for repair or installation work over $1,000—cleaning alone is generally considered maintenance—but verify license status at the CSLB website if the job includes repairs.
Good workmanship indicators: ladder safety training, use of harnesses on steep roofs, photo documentation of before/after, and a written satisfaction guarantee or re‑service window. Ask how the crew protects landscaping and collects debris during the job.
Red flags to watch for: cash‑only deals with no paperwork, no insurance proof, companies that treat gutters as a drive‑by add‑on without inspection, or outfits that pressure‑wash shingles (which can harm roofing). When a price looks too low, ask what’s being left out.
One local example of standards to expect: About California Glass and Solar | The Bay Area Experts is insured, provides before/after photos, offers free estimates, and bundles exterior services—demonstrating the sorts of credentials you should require from any crew working on your roofline.
DIY vs hiring a pro: costs, tools, time and when to call someone else
DIY costs: a sturdy ladder (or rental), gutter scoop, tarps, work gloves, bucket liners, and 3–6 hours of your time. Add disposal trips and the hidden risk: falls are the most common serious home‑maintenance injury.
Hiring a pro buys speed, insurance protection, a safety‑trained crew, a proper inspection, and documented results you can show an insurer or a future buyer. Pros commonly spot issues homeowners miss and can perform minor repairs on the spot.
Decision checklist (pro vs DIY): hire a pro if you live in a two‑story (or higher) home, are uncomfortable on ladders, have heavy tree cover, complex or multiple downspouts, or you want a written inspection and photo record. DIY only if you’re single‑story, comfortable with safe ladder use, and willing to invest the time and cleanup effort.
Practical liability note: if a worker is injured on your property, a company’s workers’ comp protects you—another strong pragmatic reason to hire professionals for taller or risky jobs.
Hiring checklist + exact script to call three contractors and compare quotes
Seven essential vetting questions (copy‑paste friendly):
- What is your price basis: per linear foot or flat rate, and what is the base $/ft?
- What specific tasks are included (debris removal, downspout flush, cleanup, photos)?
- Do you include guard removal/reinstall if needed, or is that extra?
- Can you provide certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation?
- Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or free re‑service window?
- Will you document the job with before/after photos and an itemized invoice?
- Are minor repairs (sealant, re‑fastening) included or billed separately, and at what rate?
Ready‑to‑use phone/email script (paste or read aloud):
Hello — my name is [Your Name]. I live at [Street, City]. The house is [single/two/three] story with approximately [≈200] linear feet of gutters and [light/ moderate/ heavy] tree cover. We have [gutter guards: yes/no].
Please provide:
• Your per‑foot or flat price and what’s included.
• Any extra fees (guard removal, downspout flush, repairs).
• Proof of insurance (liability and workers’ comp) and license number if repairs exceed $1,000.
• Available dates and whether you offer a free estimate with photos.
Thank you — I’d like three written quotes to compare.
What a written estimate should contain: itemized scope and cost (per‑foot vs flat), total price, start date or window, payment terms, insurance/cert numbers, and cleanup/guarantee language. Compare quotes apples‑to‑apples: same scope, same add‑ons, and identical assumptions about guard removal and repairs.
Ask about bundled discounts—California Glass and Solar teams (window + gutter + solar) will combine services for a better per‑service price. Also request references or before/after photos from similar local jobs.
Seasonal schedule, add‑ons, and a local next step
Schedule gutters at least twice a year (spring and fall). With heavy tree cover plan 3–4 cleanings annually or inspections every 6–8 weeks during peak leaf fall. Coastal and windy locations merit extra attention before the rainy season.
Useful add‑ons to consider when booking: gutter‑guard inspection or cleaning, fascia/soffit checks, minor sealant work, and bundling exterior cleaning (windows, Soft Washing Services in The Bay Area | California Glass & Solar or pressure wash) for better overall value.
Bay Area tip: book fall slots early. Ask about off‑season maintenance plans to lock lower rates and priority scheduling for winter storms.
If you’d rather hand this off, Expert Gutter Cleaning Services in The Bay Area offers free estimates, photo documentation, insured crews, gutter‑guard service, and bundled Property Cleanup & Maintenance Services | The Bay Area—call or Exterior Cleaning & Solar Services in The Bay Area | CGS to schedule online for a transparent, itemized estimate. We show the work so you know what you’re paying for.
Bottom line
Cost takeaway: expect roughly $100–$450 depending on height and complexity; use the simple per‑foot formula above to compare quotes. Three things to do now: get three written estimates, ask the seven vetting questions, and book your cleaning before the rainy season. If you want a vetted local team that documents results and bundles services, consider scheduling a free estimate with the Bay Area provider you can trust, Melanie’s company California Glass and Solar has been keeping customers happy since 2007 with her technicians’ proficiency, on time appointments, and beautiful clean solar panels, windows, and gutters.