Are Gutters Needed for Cottage in the Woods?

My contractor is building a small 2 bedroom and loft cottage in the woods with a very steep pitch roof. He is advising no gutters and that he will grade the area around the house and install a layer of river rock for drainage. Does this sound correct? The cottage is on a sealed foundation with dehumidifier.

Thanks so much

Our Answer

This sounds like a lovely home! But as for your contractors advice, maybe no so lovely if you are on a basement. Gutters are critical and should not be left out. Gutters prevent many, many problems with a home, including preventing a leaking basement!

Grading the soil away for the home is correct. River rock can be used as a top cover after that but only to prevent erosion, and not for "drainage." Since the rock is porous, water will flow through and if the soil below is not properly graded, it will just force it to collect water, where it can weaken the foundation and also potentially flood the basement.

Tom Kraeutler