States differ widely
Read at the source, the rules for gutter work range from none at the state level to a license for any amount:
- Maryland: a home improvement license for work of any amount; deposits up to one third of the price.
- District of Columbia: a home improvement license for contracts of $300 or more; no payment before completion without one.
- Virginia: a contractor license for contracts over $1,000.
- Pennsylvania: registration with the Attorney General; on contracts over $5,000, deposits up to one third; three business days to cancel.
- Tennessee: a home improvement license from $3,000 in nine counties; a contractor license statewide from $25,000.
- North Carolina: a general contractor license from $40,000, well above an ordinary gutter job.
- Georgia: gutters are a traditional specialty that needs no state contractor license.
Each state page on this site says what its rules are where they have been read at the source, with the look-up link.
Check everywhere
- Insurance: a certificate of liability insurance with the insurer and dates. Ladder work at the roof edge is the risk.
- A written quote: material, size, linear feet, downspouts, hangers, fascia, guards, hauling, price.
- Payment: what the deposit covers, and when the balance is due.
- Warranty: on materials and on the work, in writing.
Sales at your home
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule lets you cancel a purchase of $25 or more made at your home until midnight of the third business day after the sale; the seller must give you the cancellation form. Repairs you called the seller out to make are among the exceptions.