A prospective buyer who sees a house without gutters, or with a faulty gutter system, can very easily be turned off and won't even continue to look at the rest of the house.
A home with no gutters enables water to pour directly down from your roof to your foundation. Any small cracks or pores in your foundation can let that water into your basement, which causes flooding.
Gutters aren't typically an aesthetic feature of a home, they're a functional requirement--something an inspector would pick up on, but not necessarily a potential homebuyer. They are not a desire for anyone, but are a part of the function of the building system of the house, to prevent water intrusion.
Definitely don't get rid of gutters, they aren't just a luxury, they're essential to keeping water away from your foundation. If you don't have gutters you'll have water intrusion in your basement, and erosion of the soil around your foundation. Not to mention, mud will splash on your new siding whenever it rains.
In short, the answer is no — a house does not need gutters to pass inspection. Gutters aren't code-mandated, so a home inspector is unlikely to call out missing gutters. However, if the inspector notices damage to the property that could be due to the lack of gutters, they may recommend that you install them.
With this in mind, some might wonder if gutters in California are needed at all. According to California codes, at least as of this writing, “gutters” themselves are not required, however positive drainage away from the foundation of a building, while controlling erosion, is required.
An appraiser will look to ensure that gutters are present and in good condition, and directing water away from the foundation of the house.
Gutters are a necessary part of any home's drainage system. They collect and channel rainwater away from your roof and house, protecting your property from water damage.
Gutters do not necessarily add to the value of your home. If you spend $2,000 on gutters, your home's appraisal value probably won't increase by $2,000. That doesn't mean they're a bad investment though. In fact, they could be one of the best investments you make for your home.
When your home doesn't have gutters installed, water can seep through your basement windows, damage the foundation, and slip through these cracks. If you want to avoid this type of situation, install gutters to protect your house against leaks that lead to mold growth.
Rain gutters are designed to divert water away from the home's foundation. You run the major danger of structural damage, mold issues, foundation sinking, foundation damage, or foundation collapse if you remove them from your home's basement or crawl space. Repairing any of these is pricey.
Gutters are most often installed by professionals, but there's no reason you can't do it yourself. Even many common gutter repair needs can be done by homeowners. All the materials and accessories are readily available at home centers, lumberyards, and roofing-supply firms.
Drip Path
Looking to replace the traditional gutter system at your place? Enter the concept of a drip path. Drip paths, simply put, are a smart method that directs rainwater away from the foundation of your home without using gutters. It's essentially a narrow strip filled with gravel or rock bordering your home.
While clogged gutters can cause damage to your roof, not having gutters can result in just as many issues. Rainwater can collect on your roof causing deterioration, flooding in your attic and interior damage. This can also lead to mold and mildew growth and even attract more bugs to your home.
Gutters are an essential part of any home. They ensure water properly drains off of your roof, helping to protect the roof, siding, landscaping, and foundation from water damage. On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years.
If a windstorm, lightning strike, or another covered peril damages your home's gutters, your homeowners policy may pay for their repair or replacement, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible. Your homeowners policy won't cover damage to your gutters due to negligence or wear and tear.
Lowe's offers professional gutter installation services, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $6,300, depending on the size of your home and the type of gutters you choose. With a variety of styles and materials available, Lowe's makes it easy for homeowners to find a solution that fits their needs.
LeafFilter Cost for Different Home Sizes
The length of your gutters and the number of floors in your home help determine the cost of your LeafFilter system. A 1,500-square-foot home typically has between 150 and 200 linear feet of guttering and costs an average of $2,520–$3,360.
Without gutters, water never makes it very far from your home. Often it will land directly below where your roof ends and stand in pools unless there is a natural slope present. That high volume of water can create problems.
No, gutters aren't required for passing a home inspection. However, installing them is highly recommended to minimize water damage and maintain the property's structural integrity.
Rain gutters serve many important functions that will ultimately benefit your home for years. From keeping your possessions dry to preventing damage to your home, gutters can help save you additional money and maintenance.
Gutters do not add much to the value of a home. However, gutters (and gutter guards) are an attractive feature to buyers in areas that receive rain because they offer a lot of benefits.
More specifically, the model codes do not contain any minimum requirements for the durability of such items as doors, windows, gutters and downspouts, painting and wall coverings, kitchen cabinets and carpeting.