What a proper cleaning includes
Hand scooping the trough (not just blowing the top layer), flushing every downspout with water until it runs clear, clearing the roof edge and the first few feet of valleys, bagging and hauling the debris, and telling you about anything worth knowing (a sagging hanger, a rusted seam, a downspout that drains against the foundation). That last part is free information, not an upsell.
The shortcut version to refuse
A leaf blower run along the gutter line from a ladder in eleven minutes. It looks clean from the driveway, the downspouts are still packed, and the first storm proves it. If a crew will not confirm they flush downspouts, keep looking. This is the single most common corner cut in this business.
What it runs around Sacramento
Most single-story homes land roughly between $100 and $250, two-story homes roughly $160 to $380, with heavy buildup, gutter guards, or steep rooflines adding more. Those are honest local ranges, not a quote. Our cost guide breaks down what moves the number.