Choose between gutter-cleaning quotes only after the included work and required charges match. Mark each item below as included, excluded, or not stated. An empty line is not evidence that the item is included or free.
If one offer covers only the house and another includes the garage, ask for matching scopes before comparing totals. You do not need a provider ranking to find that difference.
Quote comparison worksheet
| Question | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price and taxes | |||
| Structures and gutter runs | |||
| Highest story included | |||
| Interior debris removal | |||
| Visible downspout path check | |||
| Guard handling | |||
| Ground cleanup or haul-away | |||
| Exterior-face washing | |||
| Before/after proof | |||
| Inaccessible-section policy | |||
| Repair and buried-drain exclusions | |||
| Price-change rule | |||
| Visit window |
Three checks before you choose
- Use the scope worksheet so every quote covers the same structures and access conditions.
- Separate cleaning from repairs, exterior washing, and underground drainage. Read cleaning versus repair.
- Decide whether you need photos, notes, or a visible-flow result. Use the completion checklist.
The FTC recommends written estimates that describe the work, materials, completion date, and price. Treat a price given by phone or an online range as a starting point for clarification, not a complete written scope. Source checked November 3, 2026.
Resolve differences before doing the arithmetic
| Difference between offers | Ask for this clarification |
|---|---|
| One has a visit minimum | Does the minimum replace a smaller job charge or add to it? |
| One omits disposal | Does the provider leave bagged debris onsite or take it away? |
| One says "downspouts included" | Which above-ground sections, and does the scope stop at buried connections? |
| One excludes a difficult upper run | Can both quotes be revised to the same reachable sections? |
| One mentions an extra-work fee | What finding triggers it, and must you approve it first? |
Once the scope matches, add the base charge, required extras, and stated taxes or fees. Do not double-count an included item. If a required amount is still unknown, the comparison is not complete. See cost factors.
Portland distinguishes rain drains from the downspouts connected to them. Ask for that boundary explicitly; "downspouts included" should not be treated as a buried-drain promise. Source checked November 3, 2026.
Limits
This worksheet does not rate providers or prove insurance, licensing, workmanship, roof condition, or buried-drain condition. It does not turn a cleaning quote into a repair quote. Ask for written answers when a line is unclear.
Request a matching cleaning scope
Send the same structures, gutter runs, access notes, and required cleanup in your request. Online results here are planning estimates. Provider availability is checked after the request; a request is not a booking. Scope, price, and a visit window need written confirmation before payment.
Sources
- FTC: written estimates and home-improvement decisions, verified 2026-11-03.
- City of Portland: stormwater maintenance, verified 2026-11-03.
See an estimate for your home.
Start with your ZIP and gutter details. We confirm the scope, availability, and written price before a visit.
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