Have I been scammed by my plumber?

I would recommend getting a second opinion, but things like leaf guards do keep your gutters a little cleaner--though the stuff still finds a way to get in there. And a new downspout won't cost you too much. It sounds like he's trying to save you a bit of money by fixing minor problems before they turn into major problems/expenses.

I would always first try to do the repairs myself unless they were dangerous. Cleanng gutters is something most householders do themselves round here, usually twice a year, but then we get a lot of rain and its not as if its hard to hop up a ladder and hook out any moss. Anyone roudn here who can no longer climb a ladder themselves gets a friend to do it for them. Roofing, well I probably would get someone to help, I don't like walking around on rooves, makes me feel a bit ziddy, but basic plumbing I'd always try to sort out myself or with the help of a friend before paying someone to step in.

I think you did get scamed, i sure feel sorry for you. Good luck in the future and be more carefull!

Well I do know that all houses in my country have the downpipe and maybe your home does need this but I do not understand why your husband is not removing the leaves from the guttering as my husband always does this as it can be very dangerous to have leaves in your guttering as if you have a fire then this of triggers more than a normal fire and could burn your whole home down. I do not think that the plumber is pulling your leg as probably you do have other problems with your roof. I would see to the house maintenance as the longer you leave it the more it would cost you in the way of repairs.

First off, I'm hoping he wasn't charging you plumber's prices for flushing your gutters, that's a "handy man" type job, you don't need a licensed plumber to be doing that. Having not seen your house, I can't say how good his advice is but nothing you have written sounds outragous. Most houses have a downspout at each corner, more downspouts mean less likleyhood of your gutters overflowing, but your house won't fall down if you don't have one (unless the absence of one is causing pooling water that is rotting the soffet or siding, then you may want to look into it). Ditto for the leaf guards, they aren't vital, but they keep the leaves out and then you don't have clogged gutters as often. I think just about any handyman would suggest the same things, if your gutters seem prone to clogging. As for the roof repairs, I would certainly call a qualified roofer to have a look, the sooner a roof problem is caught, the better. It could be the difference between just having to replace a few shingles and having to rip out the rotted plywood underneath because you left it too long. And you should go with your gut, too. Did you feel the guy was trustworthy over all? Did he do the job he said he would for the original price he gave you? Was he referred by a friend? If you felt he is trustworthy, go ahead and also get an estimate from his friend (check for insurance, etc, of course). Good Luck.

Having leaf guards fitted would probably be worth it seeing as you've already had trouble with your gutters, the downspout may help prevent future problems but sounds a little excessive to me. As for the roof, definitely have someone else check it out to find out if it really needs work.

It sounds like yes he want some more work either for himself or his friends like you said. I would think about half of it is true. I would ask my husband about it. And see what he says.

It sounds like yes he want some more work either for himself or his friends like you said. I would think about half of it is true. I would ask my husband about it. And see what he says.

He could of just been trying to be helpful, but I would definitely get a second, maybe even a third opinion. Don't do anything major without getting someone whom is licensed and insured. Check the contractor out! Ask for references! I just recently moved into the New Orleans area and SO SO SO many people were scammed by contractors after Hurricane Katrina. It's so sad...A lot of these scam artists took off with every cent that some of these people had!!! It's horrible! So be very careful! Good luck!

My only suggestion to you would be to get a second opinion. Also, have a man present. I know this sounds so sexist, but when people see a woman they think they can take advantage of us. Usually if there is a man present (who at least looks like he knows a little), they won't try and take advantage of you. I know if I ever take my car in to the shop it miraculously has so many problems. It is a wonder how my car even still works according to them. That is why I just let my husband deal with it. They don't realize though that you could sell him sand in the desert or snow on a mountain, but hey at least he has the appearance of not being gullible!

Why on earth did you call out a plumber to do your gutters?? .. It's not a plumbing job at all .. all you needed was an odd job man .. And I'd be instantly suspicious of anyone telling me they had 'friends' who could do work for me .. send him packing ..

It is possible that he was just rying to be helpful. I would (cause I'm cheap lol) either wait till I knew there was a problem, or have someone come out to evalutate the house if I was really concerned. He might have noticed the roof problem and decided to let you know before it became a huge problem. If he didn't ask for money for telling you about it I wouldn't say he was scamming you. Before I did anything to the house though I would have it evaluated. The cost of having someone come out to do that could save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Well, you know what the say about jacks of all trades--they're masters of none. However, that's not to say that he hasn't given you some good advice there. What I would suggest you do is get a second opinion before committing to any work. Plumbing is such a competetive field and, as such, plumbers are often willing to work something out with you if you tell them John Doe around the corner is willing to do the job for X amount of dollars. Whatever you do, though, make sure the person you decide upon has some good credentials. I don't want to see one of my new myLot friends get a bum deal. :)