by Terri Mooney-Hooker, Administrative Coordinator

Spring is here! It’s time to consider a little preventative home maintenance. One important item to not overlook is the gutters on your home. Why, you may ask? Because a debris-clogged gutter can cause all kinds of problems from a leaky roof or even water damage to the interior or the exterior of your home. Also, it could make a nice nesting place for pests, rodents, mold, and honeycombs from bee infestations.

So, you may wonder, “what is the best time of year to clean out the gutters,” and, “what can I do about it?” Before trying to accomplish this feat on your own, you may want to consider hiring an expert. The cost of a gutter cleaning may run anywhere from $75 to $225, depending on the home; length of the gutters; height of the home; and scope of the work.

Here are a few to-do lists you can keep handy:

  • Try to have the gutters cleaned at least twice a year.
  • Consider cover screens or gutter covers. These could run anywhere from $1500 to $2500, depending on the size of the home, as well as the length of the gutters.
  • Before hiring a professional, always check to make sure they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance for any employees they may bring to the job with them.

And while you’re at it, you may want to consider a few other home-related tasks:

  • Swapping out the batteries in all smoke detectors in your home. (If you did not check the batteries during Daylight Saving Time weekend, why not check them now?)
  • Changing and/or replacing light bulbs on porches and patios.

Sources:  Angie’s List 2013 and HarryHelmet.com


HeadshotAbout Terri

Terri is the Administrative Coordinator at MAX. She performs all administrative duties, and helps out in other areas of the company when needed. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, two cats, and her extended family and friends. She is huge movie goer and an avid animal lover.