In search of a gutter van

[Jimroot]

I will see if I can budget for it smurf, and try and set up like you. You wouldn't try the 80 pound one sans bacpak? Seems a bit crazy to spend 30% of my van budget on the camera, but could be worth it. But if camera set up is naff, it's not even worth doing

 

[Smurf]

Might be a daft question but are you ok working at roofline height as gutter clearing is not a good career choice if ppl are scared of heights going up ladders even when using the kit I use?

Maybe the first thing you should get before shelling out any more money is a set of 12 rung triple ladder, ankalad & microlite standoff to see if you like it or not. It is totally different skill set than say traditionally cleaning windows using ladders as if you fall from roof line height you are more likely to sustain life changing injuries or worst be killed.

I will see if I can budget for it smurf, and try and set up like you. You wouldn't try the 80 pound one sans bacpak? Seems a bit crazy to spend 30% of my van budget on the camera, but could be worth it. But if camera set up is naff, it's not even worth doing

 

[Dave B]

I agree with that smurf

I know some trad windys who don't like to work at that height

I am happy at roofline on a 3 floor townhouse but only from having a lot of experience

But i would try it first before spending

I always try to land on my head as then i won't damage anything lol

 

[Jimroot]

It's a good question. I'm not bad at heights if I feel secure. One of the reasons I came to this idea was the impending need to fix up my own guttering, not having the gear, and not wanting or being able to afford to pay someone. Unlike windows, gutters are something I've found people to be concerned about.

I intend to get the safest gear as recommended by yourself, then spend several weeks learning to set up, scale, and pack away the ladders. Acclimatise slowly. Use gutter vac where pos and think risk at every turn.

I have to make it work to feed my children.

 

[Smurf]

It is still a very dangerous job no matter how careful you are so keep safe Jim

 

[boarcity]

they say that you should allus ride the ladders down if they slip . but from my own experience of a fall from sill height theres only perhaps 1 or 2 seconds before youre down on the ground anyway . smurfs right a fall from gutter height is riskier , theres an element of luck in all these things too . i will do 3 storey gutters but only with a helper ,to advise or hand stuff up. the few gutters i did on my lonesome way back i knew i was taking a risk on

 

[Dave B]

If you need any advice just shout mate

Smurf knows what he is doing and i am an ex roofer/rock climber and been on ladders for 23 years

If in doubt ask as safety is important

 

[Smurf]

Sorry I was not trying to be negative but you have obviously given this a great deal of thought so fair play to you for wanting to give it a go. :thumbsup:

It's a good question. I'm not bad at heights if I feel secure. One of the reasons I came to this idea was the impending need to fix up my own guttering, not having the gear, and not wanting or being able to afford to pay someone. Unlike windows, gutters are something I've found people to be concerned about.
I intend to get the safest gear as recommended by yourself, then spend several weeks learning to set up, scale, and pack away the ladders. Acclimatise slowly. Use gutter vac where pos and think risk at every turn.

I have to make it work to feed my children.

 

[Jimroot]

Will keep asking loads of questions if that's ok

Safety is my primary concern, and doing a good job, then if I get just enough money, great.

I'm happy to be questioned on the wisdom of my ideas, it will help refine and condense them

 

[Dave B]

No question about the wisdom of getting out and working for yourself instead of "the man"

Just make sure you plan properly and you'll be fine

I am of the opinion that you can build up a good business doing gutters but i would also advertise for some window work to keep money coming in while you have quiet spells

You will be ok mate and i can see by your answers that you have it well thought out and won't be a half arsed attempt

 

[Jimroot]

Holding my tongue at work with the management, and dealing with endless **** **** paperwork and insanity...

Being up a ladder is very appealing.

I didn't realise before this forum folk in this trade were so forthcoming and helpful, it feels like a community, unlike the teams at work I've been in.

Would like to specialise in gutters, but if it's slow I can try windows, lawns maybe, I think having the van will be useful. I can also do some agency work to begin with to actually pay the mortgage

 

[Tuffers]

If you bought a van you could always do a bit of courier work too to bring some cash in while you build up; just a thought :thumbsup:

 

[Smurf]

Main thing is to have enough money coming in to pay the bills so agency work or full time employment is a safe bet. Then you can start up gutters etc afterwards in your spare time and see how it goes.

 

[Jimroot]

The big thing smurf is being made redundant, apart from a loan, it's the first chance in years to have a bit of spare cash to try and break out of the world of work I don't like anymore. No way could I affird the vac and van otherwise. By the way, me about to order the ladder, do you recommend any leveller to start with or just the stand off and ankalad features?

In hindsight, I would have liked to try it earlier in life, but better late than never.

 

[Dave B]

This forum is the best i have found jim

Have tried other forums and they are just people trying to 1 up each other

Here we seem to be all on the same page

I have worked for others and myself and am much happier lining my own pockets

The more i do the more i get unlike in the employed world

I did work delivery driving while i built this business up but it was just a means to an end

Do what you have to mate but you will be much happier once you are all sorted

Just have to be mentally disciplined enough to make yourself get up and get out the door on the days you feel rough and be reliable and then you will be laughing

 

[Jimroot]

Thanks davey, I found being employed, everyone tries to out do each other to do the least, but when some one ends up doing it, they resent the slacker!

Ends up everyone has a warped work ethic. At least that's how I found it.

I've never chased bucks, I just want a peaceful existence with minimal fuss and hassle