I have a basement that gets water in it when it rains heavily, covering one window helped, but didn't eliminate the problem there, and in heavy rain, it seems to be coming in from all over. How much help can cleaning and fixing gutters be? Do I need a french drain system, and how do I know what I should pay for installing something like that. I don't think there is anything in place now, sump pump or anything.

Chaseutley- A french drain would help if installed right, also getting something on the roof drains to devert water away from the house will also help. Ive seen a lot roof drains on bottom end have the black plastic field line , with your case get the kind with out holes , in order to get water away from house. Talk to a good plumber that has exp. In this type work . Also the inside of basement walls can be painted with ( waterlock) That will also help. Good Luck F.B.E.

You did not mention how your home is graded but you must do all that you can do to get rain water away from the building. Slope the yard away from the house, clean/install gutters,downspouts and extensions to the downspouts. Once you have done this then we may be able to tell how/where the water is still getting inside. The french drain may be needed if the ground water is raising above your foundation and then we'd go with tile onder the floor and a sump pump.