Any snow-stricken homeowner would understand the need to sign a contract with snow removal services to ensure that the heavy snow will be safely collected, hauled away, and disposed of by professionals. But there are some things to watch out for when signing a snow removal contract.
1. Check It for Any Hidden Fees
As with pretty much anything in life, there are always fees that pop up at the last minute. Depending on whom you hire, your contract may include hidden charges like ground rent, homeowner association fees, and more. Before you sign a contract:
- Review it carefully and look for anything that doesn’t add up. If there is a charge you believe doesn’t belong, ask your contractor what it’s for to make sure you know about it before you sign.
- Read your contract carefully to avoid added costs.
- Research companies by checking out their customer reviews online to know if they have a history of overcharging customers.
2. Be Wary of Unlicensed Vendors
When it comes to contractors, you need to ensure they are licensed before you hire them. Checking whether or not a company is licensed is easy. Do a search on the DOL website and then click on the state where you were thinking about hiring your contractor to see their license status. Additionally, look for information about whether or not the contractor has any history of complaints filed against them before you hire them.
3. Ask About Their Size of the Equipment
When you first start shopping around for commercial snow removal services, you will notice that some companies have a fleet of trucks much larger than others. That isn’t always a sign of a good company; it just means they have access to more resources than smaller and newer businesses. The type of equipment that your company owns will say a lot about their skill level and experience. For example, a small plow-equipped pickup truck is likely only to be able to clear driveways, while front-end loaders can handle much more substantial jobs.
4. Make Sure They Are Insured
Any company that does business with the public must have general liability insurance. Make sure that your contractor has this before you sign a contract. You can tell by checking their website or calling them directly and asking them if they have it.
5. Know How Much Snow They Will Be Collecting
No one wants to hire a snow removal service with a small number of available trucks and equipment. You want to ensure they can stay ahead of the storm if necessary. So when hiring a company, ensure you know how many trucks they have available and if they are enough to keep up with the snowfall. Always try to hire a business with enough available trucks or equipment to deal with all those snowstorms when they come.
6. Find Out How They Handle Hazardous Waste
There are certain things that a snow removal contractor might need to handle as hazardous waste, including motor oil or detergents. You need to make sure that your contractor will be able to handle these materials properly. Otherwise, you might find yourself in violation of local hazardous waste laws. Check with your local government and see what your regulations are so you can ensure compliance before signing a contract.
7. Ask for References
Even though most contractors won’t like giving out references, it’s important to find out what other people think of them. Call a few references and ask if they would hire the contractor again if they needed snow removal services. Depending on the circumstances, it may be worth it to pay a little more for better service just because of how many positive comments you get from people who have used them in the past.
The Bottom Line
Homes and properties are often covered in slush and hardened ice when it snows. Sometimes footpaths and sidewalks become dangerous obstacles for kids or pets that need to get around safely.
Although it may seem difficult to find the best snow removal company for your needs, it can be accomplished in a few simple steps. By taking care of the issues above, you can find a snow removal company that will offer high-quality workmanship at an affordable price.
Featured Photo by Maria Orlova: https://www.pexels.com/