If you’re about to sign a commercial snow removal contract that’s just a page or so long, hold off on that signature — something’s wrong.
A good contract for commercial snow removal should be packed with details.
Let’s learn more about snow removal contracts, including:
- What Kind of Snow Removal Contract Are You Signing?
- Pros and Cons of 'Per Push' Snow Removal Billing
- The Beauty of a Seasonal Commercial Snow Removal Contract
- What Should Be Included: Your Quick List
- Snow Removal Contract Deep Dive: Snow Plowing vs Snow Hauling
Your snow removal contract is a legally binding agreement between you and a snow removal contractor that protects you both, spelling out all the details of the service and avoiding any misunderstandings or awkward standoffs in the snowbank.
A solid snow removal contract should clearly outline the services offered, including snow plowing, hauling, and de-icing, as well as how often crews will be on-site. It should specify the types of equipment used and include details about insurance coverage and snow removal liability.
Additionally, the contract should provide information on who to contact during winter weather emergencies and outline the procedures for repairing any damage to your property after the winter season. Including these elements will help protect your interests during the winter months.
And plenty more.
First, What Kind of Snow Removal Contract Are You Signing?
All snow removal contracts aren’t the same.
For instance, what’s a seasonal snow removal contract vs per-occurrence?
You can pay a snow removal services contractor “per push,” paying each time they plow your property through the winter months.
Or you can opt for a seasonal contract. Pay one set price to have your property plowed for the season, no matter how many times it snows.
Pros and Cons of 'Per Push' Snow Removal Billing
Per push is exactly what it sounds like: you pay for snow removal services every time crews show up at your property to plow.
How often they plow depends on the “trigger depth” you and your contractor agree on beforehand. Trigger depth is the amount of snow accumulation that needs to fall before plowing begins. Typically, it’s between one and two inches.
The per-push system is super straightforward: snowplows show up when it snows an inch—or whatever trigger depth you settle on. Then, you pay the bill.
Meanwhile, you’re crossing your fingers for a mild winter.
If that finger-crossing fails you, and winter keeps piling on the snow, commercial snow removal crews show up dozens of times. Then you heave a big sigh and pay up.
One thing to note: a monster snowstorm that lasts several hours will need more than one plow visit to clear your commercial property. We’re talking two or three visits throughout the day.
Each visit is a “per push,” with its own fee.
Unless you’re a professional meteorologist, predicting how many visits you’ll need from your snow removal services is tough. That’s rough on your snow budget.
The Beauty of a Seasonal Commercial Snow Removal Contract
If you’re not the risk-taking type and prefer peace of mind, opt for a seasonal snow removal contract.
Pay one fixed price to have your property plowed for the season, no matter how many times it snows.
You lock in the price for the time you agree on in your contract. Then, relax. Sip some cocoa. Commercial snow removal crews will show up every time it snows at least one inch or whatever trigger point is specified in your contract.
You pay the same fixed amount no matter how often your commercial snow removal contractor plows your property.
Instead of nervously guessing how much you’ll spend on snow removal services each month, you’ll know exactly how much. No sweat.
But what if you paid your money, and it turns out to be a mild winter? No fair, right?
That’s why seasonal snow removal contracts are multi-year. It all evens out over time, as the next year or two are bound to be plenty blustery here in Idaho.
A multi-year contract means no pesky invoices to deal with whenever it snows.
What Should Be Included in Your Snow Removal Contract: Your Quick List
Whatever type of snow removal contract you have, key details should be included:
Include your property's address and contact information to ensure a comprehensive snow removal agreement. Clearly state the start and end dates of the contract, and provide a detailed description of your property, encompassing driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and building entrances.
Outline the specific snow removal services that will be provided, such as snow plowing, hauling, shoveling, and ice removal. Specifying the trigger depth, which refers to the amount of snow accumulation needed before plowing begins, is important. Additionally, clarify the payment terms and define where the snow will be piled after removal.
Address snow removal liability by detailing what the company is responsible for and what it is not. Request proof of the snow removal company's insurance coverage to ensure protection. A communication plan should also be included, outlining how the company will keep you informed throughout the process and providing their contact information for easy access.
You should also establish the procedure for repairing any damage to your lawn, landscaping, or structures once the winter season is over, and specify the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract.
Finally, ensure the agreement is finalized with the signatures of both you and the commercial snow removal contractor.
Snow Removal Contract Deep Dive: Snow Plowing vs Snow Hauling
Ensure your commercial snow removal contract specifies what happens to the snow on your property when your snow contractor shows up.
Are they pushing the snow to an accessible area of your property? Or are they hauling it away? These are two very different services, and they should be specified in your contract.
When your snow is plowed, the snow stays on your property, pushed out of the way.
But what if you run out of room to store the snow pushed aside? Then, it has to be hauled away from your property.
There’s an extra charge for that. Hauling snow is expensive, requiring extra crew time and equipment.
Make sure your snow removal contract specifies which service you’re getting.
Sign a Solid, Detailed Snow Removal Contract with Outback
As a commercial property owner, you know how crucial it is to keep your property free of snow and ice. You need a comprehensive snow and ice plan with a contractor you trust — and a solid, detailed snow removal contract written in clear language so everybody’s on the same page.
At Outback Landscape, we’re snow experts. We provide reliable, skilled, and comprehensive snow removal in Boise and Idaho Falls.
We know you’re paying for more than snow and ice management — you’re paying for peace of mind.
You want fast, skilled, reliable commercial snow removal that will keep everyone who works at or visits your property safe.
Whatever type of snow removal contract you choose, we give you what you pay for — a complete menu of snow removal services, including snow plowing, hauling and ice melt applications. We only use environmentally friendly de-icing products, so they won't harm your property’s turf or plant materials.
Our team monitors the weather and prepares our clients for storms three to four days out.
Our staff includes certified snow professionals, and we’re also insured for snow removal. Our well-maintained snow removal equipment has GPS systems on board.
Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we serve residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Pocatello and Bonneville, Madison and Bannock counties.
Contact Outback Landscape for a free snow removal estimate at 208-656-3220, or fill out the contact form to schedule an onsite consultation. We’d love to hear from you.