Week 1 — Gutters: The Trust-Builder Service (Lesson)
If you’re new and you want momentum fast, gutters are one of the smartest first services you can sell.
It’s visible. It’s functional. It’s emotional. And you can run it like a premium company with basic tools — if you follow a repeatable workflow and document the result.
What you’re doing today
You’re learning why gutters are one of the best “first services” in this trade — and how to run it like a premium company.
Why this matters
Gutters are visible, functional, and emotional:
- customers hate overflow stains
- they worry about water damage
- they notice the result immediately
Your goal isn’t just “debris removal.”
Your goal is trust + documentation + a clean jobsite.
Tools & materials (minimum viable)
- Ladder + stabilizer
- Gloves
- Blower (optional) + contractor bags / containment
- A way to verify downspouts (hose / water)
- Phone camera (Proof Pack)
What you sell (clear scope)
- Gutter cleaning = debris removal + downspout flow verification.
- Gutter brightening = restoration/tiger stripe removal (separate service).
Gutter brightening is restoration, not “a regular wash.” If we can improve it safely we will — but tiger striping and oxidation are their own scope, their own risk, and their own price.
Step-by-step: what “premium gutters” looks like
- Walk the home once and identify downspouts + overflow zones.
- Stage containment so debris doesn’t become a mess.
- Clear the gutter runs.
- Verify downspouts (document restrictions).
- Cleanup: beds/patios/driveway.
- Proof Pack + completion message.
Decision points
-
If downspouts don’t verify:
- document it; don’t pretend it’s fine.
-
If ladder work feels unsafe:
- stop and reset. Don’t “tough it out.”
Common mistakes + fixes
- Throwing debris into beds
- Fix: containment system.
- Skipping downspout verification
- Fix: treat outlets as a checklist item.
What good looks like
- Gutters cleared
- Downspouts verified flowing (or documented)
- Yard is clean
- Proof Pack delivered
How to prove it (Proof Pack)
Minimum shots:
- before: heavy debris + overflow stains
- after: clean runs + downspout discharge verification
The 3 upsells that fit naturally
- Roof soft wash (if roof growth present)
- House wash (if walls show organics)
- Windows (curb appeal bundle)
Do this next (assignment)
- Walk a home and mark every downspout + overflow zone.
- Write your “scope line” for gutters in one sentence.
References (SOPs + checklists)
- Gutter SOP: 04_sops/gutters/gutter-cleaning-sop-v2.md
- Proof Pack SOP: 04_sops/proof-pack/proof-pack-sop-v1.md
- Final Walk checklist: 04_sops/universal/final-walk-checklist-v1.md
Printables
- Operator Checklist Pack (truck copy): 03_curriculum/printables/operator-checklist-pack-v1.md
Gear Box (Amazon)
Gear Box links (Amazon): Coming soon.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.