Hiring Landscapers to Shovel Your Snow

Many homeowners would rather hire professionals to clear the snow from their properties than do it themselves, but they think it will be too expensive. Depending on the size of your driveway and sidewalks, the cost to hire a local landscaper may be more affordable than you think. With a little research, you can find a professional to do the job for you.

Who to Hire

Because garden maintenance is a warm-weather activity, some landscaping companies offer snow removal as a wintertime service to their customers. The advantage to hiring an existing, reputable business is that it is licensed and insured in the event of an accident. You can also research businesses online by searching the Internet for reviews or by performing a search at the Better Business Bureau. Of course, your friends and neighbors may also provide the names of reliable snow removal companies.

How Much to Pay

The rates for an average home can range from $30 to $50 per visit. Homes with longer or wider driveways than average or with long sidewalks that need clearing can expect to pay more.

A professional snow removal team will generally include one or two people with shovels and a snow blower for an average home. Some companies use plows. Larger projects may require additional equipment and expense. To ensure a fair price, seek bids from at least three professionals.

How to Arrange Removals

Some homeowners call the professionals as needed and pay a per-visit fee. The potential problem with this scenario is that the homeowner must call early to be placed in the queue for service. This option generally operates on a first-call, first-served basis.

A more reliable option is to obtain a contract for the winter season. Elderly or disabled homeowners, in particular, may want to choose a season contract to guarantee prompt attention after a storm. Homeowners who travel extensively during the winter season may also consider this option. Even though they are not home, clearing the property after a storm will make the home look lived-in and less desirable to criminals.

In this case, the snow removal contract will include a clause stating that the snow will be removed within a specified period after snowfall and it will delineate the duration of the agreement. These contracts will also detail a payment plan. If you don't have an existing relationship with the contractor, your best course of payment action may be to pay installments on the amount due. To ensure that the professionals comply with the terms of the contract, stipulate a deposit and period payments rather than paying the entire amount up-front.

For homeowners who would rather hire a professional to clear snow from their property, a little research and a contract will provide peace of mind during the winter months. It may be cheaper than you think to hire your landscaper to do the job on your behalf.