Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot installed or $750 to $2,300 total for a one-story home with 150 linear feet of gutters. Gutter replacement costs $1 to $2 per foot more because it includes old gutter removal. Putting gutters on a two-story house may add $1 to $3 per linear foot for extra labor and safety equipment.

Rain gutter installation includes gutters, downspouts, hangers, brackets, and labor. Sectional gutters are easier to install but tend to clog and leak easily along seams. Seamless gutters are more expensive but last longer and require less cleaning. 

Gutter guards cost $4 and $12 per foot installed, or $570 to $1,530 for 150 to 200 feet of gutters. Gutter guards are thin screens attached to the gutters that prevent leaves and debris from clogging the system. Rodent guards cost $5 to $15 each and cover the ends of downspouts.

Gutters last 15 to 30 years, depending on the weather, maintenance, and if there are any trees nearby. Seamless gutters typically last longer than sectional gutters. The following materials have different lifespans:

• Vinyl or plastic gutters cost $3 to $17 per linear foot and last 10 to 20 years. 
• Aluminum gutters cost $4 to $12 per linear foot and last 20 to 30 years.
• Galvanized steel gutters cost $6 to $17 per linear foot and last 15 to 20 years.
• Galvalume gutters cost $8 to $25 per linear foot and last 20 to 40+ years.
• Copper gutters cost $15 to $40 per linear foot and last 50 to 100 years. 
• Zinc gutters cost $16 to $27 per linear foot and last 30 to 80 years.

Gutter installation takes 7 to 10 hours for one contractor to put up 150 linear feet of gutters. Total installation time depends on the house size, roof height and slope, crew size, and weather conditions.

It's not customary to tip gutter installers. However, you can tip $10 to $25 per person if you would like to or if their work exceeded expectations.

Search our list of professional gutter contractors, then:

• Get three or more free estimates to compare.
• Browse reviews and previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a licensed, bonded, and experienced company.
• Verify their insurance and warranty.
• Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
• Follow a payment schedule instead of making large payments up front.

After asking questions and verifying credentials, hire the best gutter company in your area.

When looking for local gutter companies, consider asking the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What type of gutter material do you recommend for my home?
• Will you subcontract this project to someone else?
• How long will the installation take?
• Will this job need a permit? If so, will you pull it?
• What does your warranty include?
• Can you give me a written estimate and contract?
• Do you offer a payment plan?