Should I install gutters

Question

Hey there, I was looking to get opinions on installing gutters on my rental properties. Do they add value to the house at all or have any other benefits than just rerouting water?

Nathan M kiefer · Answer

our rule- basement= gutters required

slab on grade =gutters optional. in my opinion it just shows value of home owner. most every nice home has gutters and downs

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

They prevent erosion, protect your grass, and keep your tenants dry. I recommend getting gutters.

Spencer Abeyta · Answer

If you live in an area with rain or snow, then gutters are essential. Without gutters, water can roll off the roof and land near the foundation of a building. If this happens continually you can have foundation issues or water leaks inside the home/basement. Gutters will direct water away from the home.

In addition, make sure the dirt is sloping away from the foundation so it directs water away from the home.

Obed Calixte · Answer

Gutters are worthwhile to have in Florida, especially if you have water pooling near the home's foundation.

In regards to adding value to your property - I have not seen that noted on or change an appraised value.

Jerry V. · Answer

(from a Roofer, w/ J's Roofing , Richardson, TX)

Re: Gutters.  Can't comment on the residual value, but for practical sense ... install gutters WHERE NEEDED.  (and there's usually no freeze/thaw cycles in FL!)  Meaning, most times the whole house doesn't need to have gutters all around it! Some times yes, but most times not.  But keep in mind, once you have gutters, you need to have soaker hoses in those areas now!  Before gutters, let's say the water ran around the house and distributed the water... now, the gutters direct the water output to ONE location (several really) so now those areas that usually got water onto the ground, NEEDS water on that ground! lol  You need to keep the ground "around" the foundation kinda moist, to help control the expansion/contraction of it.

Areas where the water runs off/away from the property may not need gutters. MANY factors involved; vegetation, slope of the ground, soil composition that may/may not absorb the water ... but those areas where it pools, or doesn't have those items listed prior, you may need gutters. And "convenience" areas like the driveway, walkway, path along where you'd walk... commonly people "want" gutters there. One of those instances where gutters may not be needed, but is wanted! :P

Honestly, find yourself a good and knowledgeable Gutter Company or person local to you, as they should know and understand all these things I've mentioned.  For those that just tell you, "oh, we'll put gutters all around no problem!"  They really don't understand the methods or issues involved, and NEXT!

Good luck with the project(s)!

Benjamin Aaker · Answer

If there isn't a current problem with water damage, I'm not sure I'd spend money on gutters. You might consider putting one in above the entryway as it is a pain to go through that much falling water to enter the house when it is raining. And the tenant will be bringing in a lot of that water.

Jordan Myer · Answer

Without gutters the rain will go under the house and create all sorts of problems. Those problems will get very expensive. Put gutters on your house

Jonah Hartsburg · Answer

I have not seen gutters increasing market value aside from potentially removing one item from an inspection report. But they certainly tend to help a property keep market value by preventing damage. There's a balance in everything, and I'm sure you're asking this, as you should in the decisions of your property, if the return justifies the investment. I'd recommend adding them when you can. At the basics of home preservation, water intrusion has to be mitigated. And in my situation further north, we have freeze-thaw cycles that compound these water erosion issues.

Should I install gutters

Most Popular Reply