I don't know why you're so insistent on gutters, JR. I think you can get by just fine without them. If you really want to, go ahead and put them in, but I don't think lack of gutters will result in rain in the basement. I do fear that not putting the french drain deep enough or doing something to treat that rubble foundation will. If it's only $75 for a trench, buy him two skateboards and have him dig all the way down.