Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here’s How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House

Quality gutters are the unsung champions of real estate. While they may not receive the same praise as a property’s landscaping or tile choices, they play a crucial role in maintaining a home’s structural integrity.

Every day, 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies, while one in every 60 insured homeowners have filed claims due to water issues. According to Consumer Affairs, insurance companies pay out $13 billion dollars each year for water damage claims with the average household claim costing about $12,514. This number doesn’t include homeowners whose damage wasn’t covered and needed to pay for water damage out of pocket. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to go: away from the home to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks.

“When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn’t have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a state certified home appraiser in Washington with 16 years of experience.

“In this instance, I would be required to provide a ‘cost-to-cure,’ which is an estimate to install or repair gutters and downspouts. The cost-to-cure figure can then be subtracted from the overall home value.”

So, do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they’re like the tires of a car: Buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they’ll pay less for it.

We’ll help you get your gutters in top condition with insights from leading appraisers nationwide. They will explain:

How gutters protect your home from ice dams and foundation issues
The impact of dirty or damaged gutters on your home’s value
Expert tips on selecting gutter materials, installation, and add-ons to maximize your investment