What to expect when hiring a snow removal company
With winter comes the threat of ice, snow and blocked-up driveways. You can brave the chilly labor of removing snow yourself, or you can hire a professional service to clear snowfall for you — sometimes before you even wake up.
You can hire snow removers for a one-time service, but be prepared to wait in that case. Reliable companies already have extensive client lists, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and find someone well before the first winter storm hits. priority.
■ What specific services do you provide? Depending on the forecast, many services are at the ready to lay down salt or other de-icing agents as soon as bad weather is expected. If a snow that can’t be handled with de-icing is expected, removal companies will plow, haul snow, and shovel sidewalks and other walkways in order to maintain safety.
■ What kind of staff and equipment do you use? Most companies employ radio dispatchers in addition to their snow removal specialists. They may also have at their disposal commercial-grade equipment such as skid steers, frontend loaders, snowplows and pushers.
■ What is the cost for snow removal, and how is it calculated? The cost varies on the market conditions of a particular area and current fuel costs. If you know you live in an area of the country that is likely to experience a certain amount of snow, you may be able to lock in a reasonable rate because the company will expect a minimum amount of work. On average, you can expect to pay between $350 and $400 for a seasonal snow removal contract, or around $75 for a one-time cleaning.
■ Are you covered? Confirm that the company is appropriately licensed for where you live and holds proper bonding and insurance. ■ ■ ■