Gutter installation may look intimidating at first. But most homeowners can install or replace their own gutters (only if it's sectional—if it's a full house gutter installation, you need tall ladders and pros to perform the job)—without calling in the pros.

If you own a home, gutters are a large but necessary investment for your property's safety. The average homeowner will pay between $1,284 and $3,725 for gutter installation, with the overall average cost being $1,795 for an installation totaling 200 linear feet.

K-style and box-style gutters are great for homes in areas with heavy rain and snow since they can handle large volumes of water. Seamed gutters are affordable and easy to install but prone to leaks. Aluminum and vinyl are excellent low-cost gutter materials; copper and zinc are more expensive but longer-lasting.

The short answer is yes. Gutters are necessary to protect most homes' foundations, basements, attics and surrounding landscapes. There are only a few instances when gutters aren't necessary, such as if you live in a dry climate or on a hill.