Gutter contractor quote check
Divide a quote by your linear feet to get dollars per foot, then see where it sits against the labeled band.
Calculator
A $1,650.00 quote over 110 ft works out to $15.00/ft — above the labeled band. This only compares YOUR quote to a labeled planning band, not a bid — always get itemized written quotes from licensed, insured contractors.
Reverse-engineer a quote. Divide the total by your linear feet and you get the real price per foot, which the tool compares to the labeled installed band for that material. Below, in, or above band — a fast sanity flag, not a verdict on the contractor.
Don’t know your feet yet? Measure with the linear-feet calculator first.
Formula
derived $/ft = quote_total ÷ linear_feet
Then compare against the labeled installed band for the material. Above band isn’t automatically a rip-off — but it’s a question worth asking.
Worked example
$1,650 ÷ 110 ft = $15/ft. The aluminum band is $4–13/ft, so $15 reads above band. Fair reasons: seamless, 6" size, two-story access, lots of corners, or fascia work bundled in. Ask for an itemized breakdown.
If that $1,650 were copper, $15/ft would sit well below the $25–40/ft band — a flag to confirm you’re actually getting copper.
Reading the flag
Above band — usually explainable. Seamless vs sectional, 6" vs 5", height and access, corner count, heavy gauge, and add-ons like removal or fascia repair all lift the honest price per foot. Ask the installer to itemize; a good one will.
Below band — also a flag. A price under the material’s band can mean thin gauge, sectional passed off as seamless, no tear-off, or corners cut. Cheap isn’t always a win.
Compare like with like. Get the feet, material, size and seamless/sectional the same across every quote before you rank them. Two bids at different scopes aren’t comparable — this tool only checks the $/ft math.
Always get it in writing. This compares your number to a labeled planning band. It is not a bid and doesn’t judge workmanship — get itemized written quotes from licensed, insured contractors.
Reference table
Typical installed $/ft (material & labor) — a labeled planning band, not a quote. You enter the real price from your bill.
| Material | Installed $/ft (labeled) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3.00–$6.00/ft |
| Aluminum | $4.00–$13.00/ft |
| Seamless aluminum | $6.00–$15.00/ft |
| Galvanized / galvalume steel | $9.00–$20.00/ft |
| Copper | $25.00–$40.00/ft |
| Zinc | $25.00–$50.00/ft |
Frequently asked questions
Is my gutter quote too high?
Divide it by your linear feet and compare to the band above. Above band can be justified by seamless, 6" size, height, corners or tear-off — ask for an itemized breakdown. A single flag isn’t proof of anything.
What is a fair price per foot for gutters?
As labeled planning bands: aluminum $4–13/ft, steel $9–20/ft, copper $25–40/ft installed. Your fair number depends on material, size, seamless vs sectional and access — which is why the tool asks for the material.
Why does a low quote get flagged?
Because cheap can mean thinner metal, no tear-off, sectional sold as seamless, or fewer hangers. A price under the band is a reason to ask what’s included, not just to sign.
How many quotes should I get?
At least three, all scoped to the same feet, material, size and seamless/sectional. Run each through this check, then compare the itemized line items — not just the totals.
Does this rate the contractor?
No. It only compares your derived $/ft to a labeled band. It says nothing about workmanship, warranty or insurance — verify those separately.