Commercial Snow Removal Mistakes Not to Repeat This Winter

Common Mistakes Made When Planning Commercial Snow Removal

SNOW REMOVAL | WINTER LAWN CARE

For most small businesses, snow and ice removal may seem like something you can tackle on your own. A commercial snow removal contractor has many advantages and ultimately saves you time and money. However, don't make these mistakes when planning this winter's snow removal for your business.

The biggest advantage of going with commercial snow removal versus doing it yourself is you don't have to do it. It may sound simple but if you are a small business there is already enough to manage without having to deal with snow and ice removal. Big businesses also benefit but in different ways. For example, a large business would want to hire a commercial snow removal contractor because typically their employees are not trained or covered in their job descriptions to be responsible for snow removal. Doing so puts employees at risks and you at unnecessary liability.

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Mistake #1: Underestimating Your Winter Budget

Weather is unpredictable as we know. This fact makes it incredibly difficult to estimate your commercial snow removal budget effectively. Many businesses underestimate their budgets and hope that it will be a mild winter.

However, underestimating you snow removal budget can end up being more costly in the long run. A lot of commercial snow removal contractors offer a discount in service if you schedule before winter. Having to call them during an unexpected snow storm because you neglected to have a contract in place can sometimes be more than double the regular price and not to mention they delays and issues it may cause your business.

The best way to plan for snow removal costs is to rely on data from previous years and also utilize the projected winter outlook for this year. Weather.gov and other weather websites offer historical data on locations that can help you plan how much to budget for snow removal. In addition, you also want to look at what snowfall is predicted for the upcoming winter. Finally, you always want to have a little extra set aside in case this year's winter is worse than planned or predicted. The last situation you want to be in is literally holding the shovel in the middle of a late season snowstorm.

Mistake #2: Waiting Until Winter

The second common mistake not to repeat this winter is waiting until winter to plan for your snow removal needs. There are only so many commercial snow removal contractors in a given area, and their schedules fill up early and fast. To ensure you have a commercial snow removal contractor for your business, start reaching out in September and October to lock down a provider for your snow removal needs. If you plan to bid out the winter work, it may be best to start earlier so you have plenty of time to receive bids and follow up before the snow flies.

Mistake #3: Not Understanding What Makes a Good Commercial Snow Removal Contractor

By far the most important characteristic of a snow removal contractor is safety. How detailed and complete a contractor is when completing snow and ice removal services is a good indication of how much they value safety. Safety matters because it can cost you and your business big time. A slip from a customer on an improperly cleared sidewalk or snow pushed onto another property that causes damage all comes back to you in the end. You want a contractor that has good reviews (ask for references) from previous clients and a known track record in the community for completing safe and quality work.

Furthermore, a good commercial snow removal contractor is also well-prepared and communicates well with clients. You want to ask questions such as "what can I expect from you when a snowstorm hits?" and "how will you communicate your service delivery throughout winter?". These questions will help you understand what to expect and how well-prepared a particular contractor is to handle your snow and ice removal this winter.

Fall landscaping projects have wrapped up for the most part in much of central Pennsylvania. Now is the time, if you haven't already, to be planning your winter snow and ice removal. Businesses large and small have an important need for a commercial snow removal contractor. Hiring one saves time, money and headaches Mother Nature can bring during the winter months.