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Are Gutters Important to Your Home??

By
Home Stager with Innovative Artistry

How many realize why Gutters are so important to your home??  While they can be "upgraded" to be more cosmetic, they actually serve a very important function.

  • Gutters help to prevent foundation damage as a result of improper drainage surrounding your home.  Too much exposure to water can create mold, cracks, & unnecessary shifting of the foundation.
  • Gutters also help to protect your landscaping, pathway, or nice pavers from floating down the street by not allowing the pouring of the run off go straight onto your plants & hedges or walkways.
  • Gutters help prevent water from going into your basement
  • Gutters help water not accumulate on the roof which would create structural damage.
  • Gutters also protect the exterior paint from water exposure which in turn may cause fading.
  • They also help keep the exterior of your home clean so that you don't have that dirty splash against your stucco or siding chipping away or fading your facade.
  • They can also assist with protecting you from the rain if you are walking on the outside of your home.

Gutters are definitely way over looked for their importance they serve in the upkeep & preservation of our homes.  I personally love some of the creative aesthetics that they have now.   However, I think that the "seamless" gutters take the lead for practicality & elegance.

PictureModern Seamless Gutter

Gargoyle Gutter spoutDecorative Gutter Systems

 I just love the simplicity & cleanliness of "seamless"versions.

Seamless Gutters

 

When I went looking today for the value of Gutters, to further present the case, of which I found several comments from Real Estate professionals on Trulia, when the question was posed ~

"Does installing gutters add value to the home or is it something that buyers don't care about because it's not "fancy and shiny" ?"

(I think you will recognize a familiar face in this response that popped up on my screen)

Alan May, Real Estate Professional in Evanston, IL 

Alan May - He is a recognized professional in the Real Estate Industry.  You will definitely find him as a highly respected opinion & source on Active Rain.  On Trulia he has badges as VIP "3" & "MAYOR"  Alan is with Coldwell Banker.  Please visit Alan on his AR Profile & his Blog.
 
He had the perfect response I needed for this case.  Thank you Alan! 
 
"in Michigan, where rain gutters are the norm, missing gutters could be a problem. Asking the question: "would adding gutters add value" is almost the same as asking "would adding windows add value".

A home in Michigan is expected to have gutters, windows, roof, etc... and while NEW gutters might be worth a little more than old beat-up (but functioning) gutters... they are expected on a home so they don't really add value. While missing gutters certainly deduct from a home's value."
Wed Jun 23 2010, 13:04
 
I loved the comparison(s).  This certainly helped me to bring home the 'necessity'. 

That is how linking our reputations, experience & integrity in the Rain can interconnect in the outer world...& in this case assist others.

I saw his familiar face & knew he had the wisdom for the answer.

I have since found the source (here in Miami) for wonderful Gutters.  If anyone is need of Gutters, I suggest Surfside Seamless Gutters  (305) 552-9495  or 305) 382-2526 Albert Perez is a wonderful person & he will be more than happy to assist you with your needs!

Okay, I wanted to share my findings regarding various gutters & the expanded knowledge I gained, of just how much they are an intricate part of our home.  I could go on & on with the really creative downspouts...but I will close with the link....there is a fairy, a horse & cowboy, & some very historical ones as well.   I look forward to your feedback on any other information on this (or any subject)  :)

http://www.collectionsetc.com/downspout/search.aspx?cm_mmc=PAID_SRCH-_-MNB-_-0-_-0&cm_lm=&mr:trackingCode=&mr:referralID=

Comments (10)

David Popoff
DMK Real Estate - Darien, CT
Realtor®,SRS, Green ~ Fairfield County, Ct

Gutters are an important part of a home, keep them clean though.

Oct 23, 2011 12:13 PM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear David - Thanks so much.  YES, they do need to be kept clean!!  If not then they don't function very well....  Thanks so much for visiting!

Oct 23, 2011 01:19 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

them's some pretty cool copper gutters... and I love the copper gargoyle.

Oct 23, 2011 02:02 PM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Alan - Look who pops in again!!  :)  So glad you like them....  :) ..... so which of these would you stick with as far as value??   Thanks truly, as it was the perfect comment.   We would love more insight though :)!

Oct 23, 2011 02:12 PM
Doug Bullwinkel
E Mortgage Capital, Inc. NMLS 1416824 - Roseville, CA
Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #281609

I think gutters that conform to what is common for the neighborhood and the style of home are the best bet.  I've seen some copper gutters that were spectacular on some custom homes in the area.  Thanks for the post. 

Oct 23, 2011 05:20 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Pam,  Even in California gutters are important.  I look for them and the condition they are in.  They may not add value ... but the absence of them will decrease value ... just as Alan points out.  I like the seamless gutters as well. 

Oct 23, 2011 05:20 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

some insight... ?  sure, why not?   Did you know the word Gargoyle was originally french... and kinda, sorta meant "gargle"... which is the sound of the water gurgling through the little beasties who were orginally just intended as ornamentation for water spouts that routed water away from the sides of the building (just like the copper sample shown in your article).

Oct 24, 2011 01:57 AM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Doug - I love the copper one also :)....It is a difficult choice as there are so many, but I agree they should conform to the neighborhood....  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Oct 24, 2011 02:08 AM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Kathleen - Yes, I agree & that was the discussion & basically how it started was the absence would devalue.  I needed other words to back it up besides mine & there were Alan's comments.  Then selecting which one, well that was the fun part.... :)  Thank you so much for visiting!

Oct 24, 2011 02:12 AM
Pam Hills
Innovative Artistry - Kendall, FL
ASP/IAHSP- Stager Miami, FL, Creative Minds Innovatively At Work

Dear Alan - :), no I didn't!!  They are so CUTE & that is their purpose to begin with gargle the water down... :) & not just an ornament :).  They have been with us for centuries in architecture.  Thank you for that insight.  It added a LOT to the post !!  Double thanks for stopping by again :).

Hmm, this is making me rethink what I should call this...

Oct 24, 2011 02:16 AM