Roof and gutter access services
Clear gutters, remove roof debris and inspect roofs safely for property owners.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
NAICS 561730 “Landscaping services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Lower-risk jobs at height on homes and small buildings: gutter cleaning, roof debris and moss removal, visual roof inspections with photos and fixing loose items, using ladders and fall protection.
Your first three steps
- Complete a fall protection and ladder safety training course
- Buy a quality ladder, harness and anchors, and a basic tool kit, and get insurance quotes
- Offer a trial service to neighbors and local real estate agents, and ask for reviews
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, real estate agents, property managers and small businesses.
How it makes money
Flat price per job or per building, with seasonal repeat visits and add-ons like inspection reports before a sale.
Skills that help
- Safe ladder and roof work
- Attention to detail
- Clear photo reports and communication
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone
- Check your state's rules on when roofing work needs a contractor license; repairs may need one even if cleaning does not
- OSHA fall protection rules, and never work on wet, icy or steep roofs without the right equipment
- Check your city or county for a business license
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: roof and gutter access services
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a roof and gutter cleaning business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your equipment, ladders, fall protection and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own kit and cover before you commit.
How much can you earn cleaning gutters and inspecting roofs?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take and local demand. Estimates start at about 10 hours a week, so it can begin part time.
Do you need a license or insurance for roof and gutter work?
Check these before starting: general liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire anyone. Check your state's rules on when roofing work needs a contractor license, since repairs may need one even if cleaning does not. Also check OSHA fall protection rules and your city or county business license.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Small-parts blasting from a garage cabinet
Strip rust and paint from small parts, wheels and tools using a blast cabinet, working in your own shop space.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Subcontract window installer
Install windows and doors for dealers and remodelers who need skilled hands, with no selling needed.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home workshop piano restoration and repair
Repair piano parts, action assemblies and casework in your own workshop for local clients and dealers.
- $1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Solo flooring installer
Install vinyl plank, laminate and carpet for homeowners and landlords, working alone with a small tool kit.
- $2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Drywall hanging, finishing and repair
Hang, tape and finish drywall for homeowners: remodels, basements, water damage and patch repairs.
- $2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online wire and cable reseller
Sell electrical wire and cable online to electricians and contractors, shipped straight from your suppliers.
- $1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Photo: HansLinde on Pixabay