What Does a Snow Removal Contract Look Like?

If you live in a climate that receives snowfall, it’s essential to find a trusted company to move your snow. But finding the right company comes with the inevitable snow removal contract, which can include a lot of information that you may have to sort through.

It can be challenging looking through the contract to determine whether you’re getting a fair deal. With a bit of knowledge about snow removal contracts and what should be in them, you can gain some confidence moving forward and agree to a contract you understand.

Types of Snow Removal Contracts

There are several different snow removal contracts, each identified by an individual type of measurement that will correlate with payment. Here are some common types of snow removal contracts:

  • Seasonal: Seasonal snow removal contracts include a fixed rate, often spanning a few years. Seasonal contracts are easy because they won’t require you to find a service each year — you pay the flat fee and have the service come out to clear your snow. It’s a suitable option, as well — one year might have more snowfall, and another might bring less. Because seasonal agreements usually take place over multiple years, the service and payment usually balance out to a fair deal for both parties.
  • Per event: In an area where snowstorms are uncommon, then you may want to consider a pay-per-event contract. When a snowstorm hits, the service will come out to plow, and you’ll pay a flat rate. This is a beneficial option because it saves you the hassle and stress of finding service in a snowstorm.
  • Pay per push: If you only want snow removal as needed, then a pay-per-push contract will be ideal. A push is simply a visit. If it snows for two days and the service visits your location three times, you’ll pay for three “pushes.” This pay-as-you-go method works if you’re looking only to pay when you need to.
  • Per inch: This type of contract is based on snowfall accumulation. This might be a more challenging contract, as it can be harder to narrow down a specific rate. You could agree on a local weather station to determine the amount of snowfall.
  • Time: Services could also charge by the hour, relying on time to set the rate. Depending on how fast and efficient the service works, this could be an appealing option.

It’s essential to understand each type of snow removal contract to have some more knowledge before you sign. Based on your geographic location and the amount of snow you get, one type might be more beneficial than another. Ultimately, your primary concern should be making sure the method is stated clearly, so you know what you’re paying for and how.

What Should the Snow Removal Contract Include?

A legitimate snow removal contract will be detailed and transparent and should include three primary sections:

  • Payment: The contract should clearly state how you’ll pay and what you’ll be paying for. Payment will usually fall under one of the various types listed previously. It should also explain when you have to pay and with what method. It’s essential you know the specifics of payment before you sign so that there won’t be any surprises down the road.
  • Insurance: Your snow removal service contract should have its insurance coverage outlined. Insurance builds trust between servicers and clients — it shows they’re invested in doing a good job. With snow plowing, accidents can happen, so it’s crucial to have insurance to make sure you won’t have to pay for repairs if something goes wrong.
  • Work details: Contracts should also detail the performance of their work or how they plan on giving you service. Work details will also include response time in case of snow events. The more detailed this section is, the more trust you can have in them as a company to the job well.

Each section varies from contract to contract, but every contract should have these three primary sections. Outlining payment, insurance and work details gives you a clearer picture of who you’re partnering with.

Commercial vs. Residential Snow Plow Agreements

One of the most significant factors that will affect a snow removal contract is whether your property is commercial or residential. The service you require may affect payment types, work details and other factors.

Residential

Residential areas will usually be more flexible with payment types and may opt for a pay-per-event or per push. It’s an often smaller property and will require less time and staffing. For seasonal contracts, services might only need a one-year agreement.

Commercial

Commercial snow removal contracts can vary over a wide range of location types, such as:

  • Large parking lots
  • Apartment buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Grocery stores
  • Retail stores
  • Homeowner associations

These jobs are more extensive, take more time and are generally more involved. Because of this, a commercial contract will likely differ from residential contracts in two common ways:

  • Payment rates: For commercial snow plowing contracts, services typically offer a seasonal payment method that spans multiple years. This method will make sense for both parties, providing convenience and fairness.
  • Work scope: The work’s scope is usually different, as larger commercial jobs require more workers and materials to get the job done efficiently.

Residential and commercial snow removal contracts have slightly different content. However, ultimately, you should still be looking for a detailed outline of your payment type, insurance coverage and the work’s scope.

Get Snow Removal Services From S&S Plowing Inc.

S&S Plowing is a veteran-owned company that can provide you with quality snow removal contracts and services. We’ve been in business for over 25 years, so we know what it takes to deliver excellent work to customers we want to satisfy.

We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, reliability and solid commitment to safety. We’re fully insured and have a 24/7 weather monitoring response. We head out to plow snow before the storm begins and continue plowing until it’s finished. Our partnerships with weather tracking services help us stay on top of potential snow events and plan to execute the job effectively.

We help large commercial businesses take care of their snow and improve safety, save time and labor and prevent damage that excessive snowfall can create. You can customize your service options, partner with certified professionals and receive comprehensive service from a trusted, reliable snow removal business dedicated to getting the job done safely. Browse our website to learn more about us, or fill out our online contact form today!

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