I’ve seen homeowners spend weeks agonizing over which shingle color and texture is best for their new roof. Then, after going to all this effort, they simply leave it to the roofing company to install gutters without much thought.

Since rain gutters and downspouts can be even more visible than the roof itself, you should choose new ones with at least as much care. But before you do, make sure they actually need replacement.

The rules of thumb regarding gutter replacement are simple:

1. If your original gutters are straight, solid and don’t leak, they don’t need replacement, period.

2. If they do leak, there’s a fair chance they can be repaired. In the case of steel or copper gutters, contact your local sheet metal shop.

3. If you do decide on replacement, demand gutters that are at least equal to the originals in quality. Ask a knowledgeable contractor to recommend the best material.

4.  Put at least as much thought into choosing the gutter profile (the cross-sectional shape) as you do into choosing the roofing material.

Take some time to do your homework and maybe go the big boxes and look around. The educated consumer is the best customer.