Residents in regions experiencing heavy snowfall often rely on professional services to clear away driveways and entryways of snow, at varying costs.
Contractors typically charge by the hour, per inch of snow removed or season with minimum visits required; some also offer will-call services.
Always inquire about insurance coverage when hiring a snow removal service; it protects both you and the company in case anything goes awry.
Equipment
Snow removal services require special equipment that enables them to quickly clear driveways, sidewalks, roofs and parking lots of snow. Depending on your region, this may include snowplows or other snow removal tools that must be regularly maintained; as one example a snowplow can be an expensive investment that must be transported when needing repair work or must be towed when out of commission for repairs.
Some snow removal companies charge hourly, which typically ranges between $25 to $75 for single walkway or driveway snow clearing jobs. Others offer per event pricing based on average snowfall totals; this pricing model is often seen in areas that experience moderate amounts of winter precipitation.
No matter the pricing model of your business, having effective tools that allow your team to complete every contract on time is critical for success. FieldCamp provides job task management software that streamlines operations for faster client service as well as transparency for both you and the client regarding task at hand.
Fuel
Fuel costs vary significantly by region and can have an enormous effect on snow removal pricing. Opting to purchase bulk snow salt instead of pre-packed bags can help mitigate its fluctuating impact on your bottom line.
Another effective strategy for increasing profits is charging by the inch. Plow four to six inches of snow typically costs $60-$100, so charging per inch may be a viable strategy. Depending on where the snow lies, an extra fee may also apply if reaching areas is difficult (i.e. roof snow removal vs driveway snow removal).
Another popular pricing approach is seasonal contracts, which can be more cost-effective than per event models due to allowing more control of visits over an entire season and maintaining consistent profitability. Zuper tracks equipment and jobs so technicians maximize their time on the job while suggesting cost-cutting routes to save fuel.
Insurance
Snow removal services often charge by hour of work, per inch of snow removed, event, or limited contract visits. It’s essential for homeowners to understand these pricing methods in order to budget effectively and select a service that best meets their needs.
Snow removal services often offer seasonal contracts ranging between $350 and $450 for the winter season, but may also offer one-time or per event services for areas that don’t experience as much snowfall.
Snow businesses must carry commercial vehicle and general liability insurance to protect them in case of an accident between vehicles, or someone slipping and falling while working. Furthermore, snow removal services should consider adding worker’s compensation insurance in case an employee is injured while working.
Time
Timely snow removal services depend on factors like client location, snowfall patterns and equipment availability. Snow removal professionals should keep these factors in mind when setting their prices; some offer monthly clearing packages, others weekly service or event rates while some even offer per plow or event rates.
Cost-per-event models are an ideal way for snow removal contractors looking to keep prices competitive and ensure competitive pricing, while seasonal contracts often use this approach as it makes scheduling jobs for unpredictable weather events easy and efficient. Jobber’s map view and route optimization capabilities also facilitate scheduling jobs more effectively than other scheduling solutions available today.