Consumer Tips

Ask yourself; Does your current contractor provider provide consistent reliable and honest service? Do they have the equipment and trained staff to service you properly? Can/Do they handle unexpected storms or breakdowns? Is your current level of service lowering your exposure to potential litigation from slip and falls? Do they maintain proper levels of insurance? Does your current contractor have the financial position to fix, maintain proper levels of equipment? If you answered yes to all of these questions, why change?

Look for a company that is knowledgeable and experienced in the type and size of property you need to service.  Have they invested in the necessary types and amount of equipment. Will the company monitor weather conditions, your property, and respond automatically or do you have to call them? Do they have 24 hour contact numbers? Are they reachable during storms or do they just have an answering machine?

Do you require plowing, de-icing, removal (haulage) and sidewalk maintenance? Does your current service provider have sufficient experienced staff to cover major storms, breakdowns, staff sickness/absence?

Companies should have enough equipment to handle any size snowfall. Loaders and heavy equipment are often required during heavy snowfalls, standard plow trucks (pick-ups) will experience significant difficulty plowing amounts over 8 inches. Amounts over a foot are almost impossible with a standard plow truck. Companies relying on subcontractors to perform this function often have to “wait in line” while subcontractors service their own accounts. Proper back-up equipment for breakdowns and heavy or late snowfalls is essential. Professional companies have modern and reliable equipment.

Proper coverage is critical! Ask for proof coverage. Are employees covered by Workers Compensation (WSIB) or do they employ so-called subcontractors? These items should be non-negotiable!

Does the company respond promptly and in writing to your requests? Do they return calls regarding any questions about the estimate? Did the company visit the property prior to quoting or just quote hourly. Be wary of companies that will not quote fixed pricing either by the time or season. If they don’t respond in a timely and professional fashion this may be a sign of the service you will receive.

Most reputable companies will let you decide how you want to price the job. Each option has its own risks. If you can predict the weather, have a Farmers Almanac, or simply have a hunch about the coming winter there are different cost implications for each option. In reality if you pick one method of pricing and remain with it over the long term (several seasons) each option will, on average, be equal. There will be seasonal fluctuations but over the long term your costs should be equal.

These have the same meaning. A parking lot/property will be quoted a fixed sum for each plowing at a set level of snow. For example $75.00 to clear after a snowfall of 6in or more.

This option requires even greater experience. Pricing is based on an average number of plows per season. Often used when people require a fixed, budgeted amount each year. Some years there is a great amount of snowfall in others not so much, but this usually averages out over three year period.

A contract should be provided that clearly defines the level of service, pricing options and payment terms. This is just good business practise! It should also disclose any additional costs that may be charged and how those will be provided, either automatically or only at the request of the customer. The customer should be aware of all charges up front and if, how and when they will be charged.

Finding the right service provider can be tricky. Professional firms may not be the lowest bidder but are committed to providing consistent reliable quality service. This should be evident from the outset. Considerable investment is required to keep equipment modern and reliable and properly insured. If you receive an unusually low bid use caution, the company may not even last the season or quit on you after they realize their error!