Blog originally published on December 6, 2019. Updated on January 10, 2023.
Having a solid snow removal service for your business to cover the winter before the snowstorms hit is crucial to your business continuing operations without any downtime or safety concerns. Snow and ice management is no easy job, but it is a necessary one. Knowing what to expect from professional snow removal companies can help you get the right deal for your business.
There are three basic types of snow removal agreements, including a per occurrence price rate, seasonal flat rate, and a time and materials plan. There are pros and cons for each type, and snow removal services offer different options that work for them and their clients. Keep reading to learn more about each option for your business and how you can best remove snow this winter.
Per Occurrence Price Rate Contracts
The per occurrence price rate option has a standard rate for each time the service removes snow for a property. The owner and the contractor will draw up an agreement for the rate and what counts as an “occurrence” (1,” 3,” etc.). The contractor will usually bring estimates from past years of what that set up would have looked like (how much it would have cost based on how many “occurrences" were in the previous year).
Some companies include a baseline of one occurrence per month, even if there is no occurrence. The contractor may list this as a “snow readiness fee” for being on hand for your company.
Seasonal Flat Rate Contracts for Snow Removal Companies
Charging a flat rate for the entire season is another option you might encounter. Business owners and property managers like this plan for its reliability. There is one price for the season, no matter what, and all the snow and ice removal will be taken care of by the contractor. (Yes, even if it turns out to be a particularly snowy winter!)
Your snow removal company will plan for the season based on past years and weather predictions to set a contract that will be fair for both parties. There may be a service limit that caps the number of total service occurrences that could happen in a month without an overage. Independent Lawn Service™ always keeps you informed about our policies, so you will always know where you stand.
Time and Materials Contract
In a time and materials contract, you will pay your contractor for the time they spend on your property, as well as the materials they use to clear snow. These plans are rare. Good time and materials plans from professional companies are also highly specific to protect both the service company and the client. However, these agreements will tend to leave the final numbers ambiguous because different days may have different needs.
Don’t Forget the Most Important Part: The Right Snow Removal Service
No matter what contract option you and your contractor agree on, it is important to partner with the right service for commercial or residential snow removal in Detroit, MI. When you connect with a trustworthy snow removal service, you can be sure they will work with you to get you the best deal and the best service in the area. If you have your doubts, check testimonials and reviews for a better idea of their local reputation.
This Winter, Don't Hassle with Your Own Snow Removal. Trust the Pros at Independent Lawn Service.
In addition to our wide array of lawn maintenance and lawn care services, Independent Lawn Service™ offers prompt commercial snow removal during the snowy months. We provide professional snow plowing, snow shoveling services, and even gutter cleaning. Make sure to get in touch with our Detroit snow removal service soon to get your property set up before the storms hit.
Give the team at Independent Lawn Service™ a call today at (734) 887-1081 to chat through your options and experience quality service from local landscapers.
