Can Clogged Gutters Really Fail a Home Inspection? A Real Utah County Story
If you’re buying or selling a home in Utah County, gutters probably aren’t the first thing on your mind, until they show up on an inspection report.
That’s exactly what happened to a recent buyer here. Their home inspection came back with a clear red flag: two gutters completely full of debris, and both downspouts clogged solid. That’s the kind of finding that can stall a closing while buyer and seller argue over who fixes it.
How the Gutters Got Fixed Before Closing
The buyer’s real estate agent, who happens to be my dad, knew I clean gutters locally and referred the buyer to me. I went out, gave them a quote, and got to work. The gutters were packed full, so it took a real, thorough clean-out: clearing every section and both downspouts completely, then polishing everything up. By the time the new owners moved in, the gutters were done, one less thing on their plate during an already stressful move.
Why Gutters Matter More Than People Think During a Home Sale
Gutters are an easy thing to overlook, but inspectors check them for a reason. Clogged gutters and downspouts don’t just look bad, they can signal (or cause) bigger problems:
- Water backing up under the roofline or fascia boards
- Foundation issues from water dumping right next to the house instead of draining away
- A red flag that makes buyers nervous about what else hasn’t been maintained
A failed gutter inspection doesn’t have to blow up a deal. In this case, a same-week cleaning got the issue resolved before it became a bigger negotiation.
If You’re Buying or Selling in Utah County
Whether you’re prepping a home to list, or you just got an inspection report back with gutters flagged, it’s usually a fast, affordable fix, not a reason to panic. If it’s been a while since your gutters were cleaned (or you’re not sure), it’s worth checking before it becomes someone else’s red flag.
Buying, selling, or just want peace of mind? Contact My Hearthside for a free gutter quote.