Leave the snow to a pro this winter
The saying goes, “what goes up, must come down.” But when it comes to snow, it’s more like, “what comes down, must go up.” It’s important to know how to hire a snow removal service to remove snow after a storm because snow-covered surfaces can become slippery and dangerous. If there’s enough of the white stuff, it can even make getting from your front door to your car difficult.
However, shoveling snow can be both time and labor-intensive, which is why some people prefer to leave it to the pros. Here’s what you need to know, including some important questions to ask, before outsourcing the oft-dreaded winter chore to a pro.
The good news is that when winter weather hits, you have options for who to hire to shovel your driveway or sidewalk. Whether you decide to go the professional route or DIY, this guide can help you determine which options work best for your needs.
In areas with heavy snowfall during the winter, there are dedicated snow removal services that specialize in shoveling snow and treating driveways and walkways to prevent snow from sticking. Your local snow removal company has the most updated equipment to shovel snow from your desired area in a pinch, which is especially helpful if you don’t have the time to shovel the snow yourself. The average cost of snow removal service is $120, but getting a season-long membership with a local snow removal company may net out to savings over time.
During slow or off seasons, lawncare and landscaping companies often offer snow removal services to commercial and residential properties. If you already utilize a lawn care or landscaping company in the fall, spring, and summer, you can likely add snow removal services to your package. Otherwise, you may pay more for one-off or emergency services.
Keeping your driveway, sidewalks, and walking paths free of snow is important for safety reasons, so you’ll want to find a service that is both reliable and reputable. To make sure you’re partnering with a service that fits that bill, you can talk to your neighbors, post on a local message board, and even search online for a snow removal service near you.
Decide exactly what spaces you want cleared and if there are any special steps you’ll want them to take. For example, if you have a four-legged friend who will be trekking through your freshly cleared areas then you’ll want to make sure any deicing agents they use (like salt) are safe for Fido. In some areas, residents are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear, and in others that may extend to the street.
Check any requirements from your municipality to ensure you know where you’re obligated to keep clear. Also, decide which areas you’ll want tackled. Some common spots are:
Driveways
Walkways
Sidewalks
You should try to get at least three quotes and make sure each quote covers all of the areas you want cleared. You don’t want to wait until there’s 16 inches of snow standing between you and your freshly plowed driveway to discover your snow removal service didn’t include your walkway.
Hiring a service that is licensed and insured not only protects them, but you and your property as well. Snow removal services work around some of the most expensive things you own (like your home and automobile) so you want to make sure you’re covered in case their work damages them.
You should also ask any prospective service for some references before you hire them. If they can give you the names of a few happy customers then you can feel a little more confident that you’ll be satisfied as well. Any company that can’t (or won’t) give you references might be trying to hide something.
Do I have to call you when there’s a snowstorm or will you automatically come out?
Do you wait until after the snow has stopped falling or make multiple passes throughout the storm?
How do you remove the snow (with a shovel, snow thrower, or plow)?
Will you use salt after you’re done and is it pet-safe?
How will I be billed?
Can I sign an annual contract for snow removal or will we set something up for each storm?
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiring a kid from the neighborhood who’s handy with a shovel or a big commercial outfit that has a fleet of plows in its arsenal, you should still make sure you’re having a conversation about exactly what services they will provide and any expectations you may have.
Talking to a few different providers will not only help you choose the one best suited to the job, but it will also give you a better idea of what your expectations should be. In a perfect world, a snow removal service would keep snowfall from keeping you from getting where you need to go. However, many don’t come out until after the snow has stopped falling, and some may even be prevented from getting out on the roads by the same conditions keeping you at home.
When interviewing potential snow removal companies, be sure to ask them specific questions about their removal process and how they’ll carry it out. For example, what kind of equipment do they plan to use based on the amount of snow and size of your driveway? Will they bring multiple types of equipment, such as a snow blower and snow plow?
You should also request an outline of the project schedule to ensure it aligns with your needs. If you need help removing snow within a certain time frame, ask the removal service to confirm they can meet that deadline.
You don’t want to wait to find out that your snow removal service only takes cash when you’re snowed in with an empty wallet. Setting up a contract that clearly states the areas to be serviced, how much it will cost, and how payment can prevent you from being surprised. You can expect to pay between $350 to $450 for an annual snow removal contract.
Unlike when you’re dealing with Old Man Winter, working with a snow removal service should always leave you satisfied. If you’re happy with the way the job’s been done you should consider leaving a positive review for the company online or offer to be a reference for future clients. This can make a big difference for small companies and help others find the best pro to deal with the snow.
