
The short answer
Clearance removes debris from inside gutters. Exterior washing cleans visible faces. Repair addresses faults such as leaking joints or damaged sections. State which outcome you need when asking for quotes.
Describe what happens when it rains
If water spills over a gutter, say where it happens and whether it appears to come over the edge or from a joint. A short video taken safely from the ground may help. Do not assume the cause from the symptom alone: blockage, damage and other faults can need different work.
List every gutter run
Include the rear, sides, porch, extension and conservatory if relevant. A front-elevation photograph can hide much of the actual job. Ask whether outlets and downpipes are part of the check and whether the provider will show you the result. Clarify whether removing debris from the property is included.
Ask about the visible finish separately
If the outside of the gutter, fascia or soffit is marked, add that to the brief as exterior washing. Cleaning inside the gutter does not necessarily change its outside appearance. Likewise, a bright fascia does not demonstrate that the rainwater route is clear.
Record faults before agreeing extra work
Ask the provider to describe any defect, show evidence where practical and confirm the proposed repair and price. Save the revised agreement in WhatsApp. Work that requires a different trade or access arrangement should be explained rather than folded silently into a cleaning visit.
Check the outcome
Agree what the provider will inspect after clearance and what remains outside scope. If overflow persists, refer back to the original photos and job description. The next step should address the continuing problem, rather than automatically repeating the same service.