When you picture the most sought after features of a home, you probably imagine things like brand new kitchen appliances, a spacious deck, or plenty of yard space. It’s likely that functioning gutters wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of the list. The only time we really think about our gutters is when they are malfunctioning. However, malfunctioning gutters can decrease the value of clients attempting to sell their home and introduce a slew of issues for new homeowners.

The Importance of Functioning Gutters

Every year, homeowners’ insurance companies pay out roughly $2.5 billion in water damage-related losses. 37% of homeowners have claimed losses due to water issues, and some of those are caused or worsened by poorly maintained, inadequate or even missing gutters. Gutters work by moving water away from your home and its foundation, as well as properly guiding water off your roof during rainfall. A home appraiser will examine the condition of a home’s gutters when estimating its value and include their condition in their valuation.

What Happens If a Home’s Gutters Are Missing or In Poor Condition?

Home appraisers will typically provide a price estimation when gutters are missing, poorly maintained or inadequate. That figure is a rough estimate of what it would cost for the next homeowner to install or repair the gutters and downspouts, and it would be subtracted from the overall value of the home.

The Effect of Gutters on the Value of a Home

Functioning gutters are more of an expectation than a luxury. As such, they typically don’t add value to a property. On the other hand, malfunctioning gutters can certainly decrease the value of a home.

It is critical that all your home sellers have their gutters professionally cleaned and maintained before the home appraisal occurs, or the value could be decreased a significant amount. No home seller or real estate agent wants to risk losing a sale over the gutters, and Clean Sweep can help ensure they are in excellent condition.

Prepare Your Home Ahead of a Sale with Clean Sweep Maryland

Clean Sweep Maryland has the professional equipment necessary to remove any amount of creosote from your chimney, along with performing repairs to your chimney, your liner or your insulation.  Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, dryer vent cleaning, air duct cleaning and gutter cleaning services designed to keep your home in wonderful condition and your family safe.