As a business owner or property manager, keeping your employees and customers safe is a crucial part of your job. Developing a snow removal plan should be essential to preparing your business for winter. In fact, approximately 25% of businesses don’t reopen after a significant injury or disaster during the winter months, especially when there isn’t a plan in place.
The good news is you can prevent injuries and damage from heavy snow by hiring a commercial snow removal company. However, if you’ve never been through the process before, choosing the best company for your needs can be challenging.
You’ll need to keep reading this guide to learn five helpful tips for hiring the right commercial snow removal services for your business!
1. Get References and Check Reviews
Most of the time, large companies tend to be reputable, but you should still always check for references and reviews. Your first step should be to check with fellow business owners to see which company they use for their snow removal needs. You’ll also need to check Google for snow removal companies in your area and make a list of the top 3 to 5 companies.
Next, take the time to read through Google reviews for each snow removal company, focusing on the overall customer experience. It’s also a good idea to check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for reviews, ratings, and complaints.
Take the time to look at the company websites to learn more about their services. They should have trained and licensed employees that will remove your snow. Companies that offer snow removal services should also have the proper insurance coverage. Insurance helps cover the cost of accidents, equipment, and property damage. In most cases, you should look for general liability insurance or a business owner’s policy.
Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about a company’s licenses and insurance. Taking the time to do your research from the beginning will ensure that you find a reliable company you can work with long-term.
2. Get Multiple Price Quotes
Once you decide on your top three choices, you should get price quotes from each company. It’s essential to ensure that you understand the pricing while you’re getting these quotes. Many different factors can affect pricing, like shoveling, snow blowing, and clearing sidewalks. For example, if there is a large snow accumulation, your business may need both snow-blowing and shoveling services.
It’s also wise to ask each company what types of materials they use and how long it typically takes them to complete the snow removal. Some companies offer guarantees and free snow removal quotes, so be sure to ask these questions while getting price quotes.
Overall, you need to understand what you’re paying for before you agree to any snow removal services.
3. Ask About Snow Removal Processes
Your next step is to ask about the snow removal process in detail. Keep in mind that each company should have a specific method for clearing snow from your business. This process should include your parking lots, sidewalks, and other areas of your property.
Reputable snow removal companies will also offer a commercial property evaluation as part of their process. During this evaluation, the company will come to your property to conduct an assessment first. The evaluation involves identifying hazards and obstacles to be aware of when it comes to snow and ice removal time. Obstacles companies look for include things such as:
- Curves
- Ramps
- Fire hydrants
- Elevated sidewalks
- Electricity poles
The company will then note these obstacles and make a plan to ensure an efficient snow removal process. You should also check for weather tracking and updating. Reputable commercial snow removal companies will track weather data and inform you of significant weather changes that could impact your business.
Finally, too much salt can harm asphalt, leading to costly damages that will come out of your pocket. So, look for a company that uses hi-tech equipment that measures temperatures and dew points, eliminating oversalting problems.
4. Check for Other Services
If you’re taking the time to choose a reliable snow removal company, then why not find one that offers other services you can use year-round? It’s best to use a landscaping company offering commercial snow removal and other commercial landscaping services.
You can use the same company for basic grounds maintenance in the warmer months, including services like:
- Edging
- Mowing
- Weeding
- Mulching
- Pruning and trimming
You can also use them for other services like planting, leaf removal, and weed control, making your business more appealing to customers. You’ll also be able to get a free quote for these services so that you can plan your budget for the warmer months.
All in all, if you can find one dependable company that can service all of your landscaping needs each year, you’ll save money and time searching for other companies.
5. Sign a Contract
Once you narrow down your choices and reach a decision, you should sign a snow removal contract that clearly outlines the services you agree to. Contracts ensure both parties are aware of the services and payment terms. In addition, the agreement can’t be changed once you both sign the contract, eliminating you from worry.
Take the time to read through the snow removal contract and ask questions before you sign. Check that the agreement outlines extensive service details, such as the time frame for clearing walkways and parking lots. You’ll also need to check if the company will provide the salt for ice management.
Finally, check for additional charges or price variations for situations like heavy snowfall. Remember, a reliable company will have no problem sitting down with you and reviewing contract details.
Hire a Commercial Snow Removal Service Today
Now that you know these helpful tips, hiring a commercial snow removal company will be an easy process. If you’re still looking for commercial snow removal in Maryland, you can turn to BAM’s Landscaping for all your commercial snow removal and landscaping needs.
BAM’s landscaping has officially offered landscaping and snow removal services since 2010 but began offering services in 2004. We’re the go-to landscaping provider in the Montgomery County region and provide commercial snow removal, lawn maintenance, weed control, gutter cleaning, and more.
We look forward to being your business’s number-one Maryland snow removal company, so contact us today to receive a free commercial snow removal quote!
