Questions to Ask a Winnipeg Snow Removal Contractor
Asking the right questions to your snow removal company will equip you with the knowledge and insight into their business and operations before you invest in hiring them for your property.
What is your response time?
How quickly your hired professional response when it snows is key. Most snow removal companies in Winnipeg will clear the snow after a certain threshold of snow falls and they often will not clear snow during snowfall.
What services do you offer?
Depending on your property, you may require certain services to fit your needs, it is key to understand what services your Winnipeg snow removal expert offers before you hire them. For example, some snow removal companies may charge extra to clear sideways and walk-ways up to your front door. If you sign a contract and later realize this is not done, you may be faced with having to do some unexpected snow removal in the thick of a Winnipeg winter!
What equipment do you use?
The type of equipment your snow removal company uses could impact your property in different ways. Be it a manual shovel, snow blower or heavy equipment, your property may call for a certain touch. It's always wise to understand the type of equipment your snow removal company uses before hiring them to ensure their processes and equipment meets the requirements of your property.
Are discounts available?
Most Winnipeg snow removal companies will offer discounts when you pay a full season up front. Additionally some companies will have discounts if you recruit a fellow neighbour and encourage them to sign up. Why? Because they can clear two driveways to cut their costs, less travel time and gas when moving from property to property. Always ask if discounts are available on pre-payments for a season or if you can bundle properties.
Do you have any references?
Just like any business, references and recommendations from past customers are key to understanding the company you're hiring. Most quality snow removal companies will have these at the ready to provide when you ask because the good ones have a long list of happy and satisified customers.
How large is your service area?
If you haven't read it yet, you should check out our article on the costs of snow removal in Winnipeg, in this article we discuss the service area of a snow removal company being a key factor in the cost. If your provider is being asked to go to the edge or outside their service area, they may charge you more, or they may not even be able to service you (wasting your time).
Are you insured?
Most reputable businesses will have insurance to protect them from when their employees or equipment makes mistakes. Snow removal is no different, especially if the company is using heavy equipment that could damage your property.
Do you use any salt or anti-ice products?
Depending on the material of your driveway or property, certain salt/anti-ice chemicals could effect the surface of your driveway. It's best to understand what (if any) products are used and research if this is suitable for your property to avoid any unexpected damage come the end of winter.
How often do you come?
As we all know, Winnipeg winters are unpredictable and snow can happen at any time. Every snow removal professional will have certain thresholds of when they clear and how often they clear for the package you pick. You should clarify this understanding with your snow removal company before you hire them. Understanding how often your snow removal company comes and clears your snow is essential to avoid unexpected snow pile ups when you're needing to access your property.
How much do you charge?
Cost is always top of mind, while this question is obvious, don't forget to understand the costs involved and how often payments are due. It's always wise to pay upfront as most snow removal companies offer discounts in these situations.
What's Next?
If you've made the decision to hire a Winnipeg snow removal professional, our service can help your property, be it a commercial or residential property find the best company to fit the build and ensure your lot and driveway is clear of any snow throughout Winnipeg's long winter season. You can get a free Snow Removal quote using our online tool to send a quote to all trusted snow removal experts in Winnipeg!
