Snow may not be on your radar right now, but it won’t be long before this winter weather arrives in Bergen County, NJ. Now is the best time to hire a Snow & Ice Management Contractor, as it gives you time to do your homework. Ask for references and find a New Jersey service provider that will meet your needs. Here are helpful tips on hiring the best snow plow contractor in your area.
Get Several Estimates
Bergen County commercial snow services are based on the amount of work, size of the area that will need to be serviced, how many obstacles there are in the parking lot and the hours of operation. Other services, such as snow blowing, shoveling, and deicing are also taken into consideration. When you receive these quotes, make sure you compare apples to apples. The lowest quote is not necessarily the most inclusive or best service.
Ask about Additional Charges
You don’t want surprises in the middle of a snowstorm, so ask ahead about additional charges you may be faced with. For instance, some contractors will charge more once the snow reaches a certain depth. Ask how the snow plow company calculates snowfall, or if they stick to a fixed rate for the season. Be sure everything is in writing and it clearly spelled out.
Know What You’re Getting
Remember when we said to make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples? Know what types of services you are getting in your contract. Will your lot be plowed periodically during the storm or only at the end? Will walkways and steps be shoveled? Does the company shovel during a storm, or only after? Can you call the snow service vendor during the storm and speak to someone? Are deicing materials included? Will your property be pre-salted to minimize icing conditions? Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay a little more if you’re getting a complete service.
Snow and Ice Management Contracts
There are a multitude of contracts available for commercial snow & ice management services in Bergen County. You can do contract that covers snow by:
Per push
Per event
Per inch
Contract covering all events/services in a set year.
Contract covering a set number of inches per year.
Contract with a discount if a set number of inches is not met.
Although everyone likes to have a set cost for the year we prefer to charge for the work that is performed. No one wins and no one loses. The work that is performed is the work that is paid for. In the end, everyone comes out on top.
If you choose to go with a three or five year contracts based on the law of averages. Over a set number of years – the cost will remain constant and the snow events should even out over the years. This may or may not be true.
Ask for References
Contractors with good references are pleased to show them to potential customers. You can get a good feel for how the company conducts business, prices their services and handles special accommodations. Not only should you get a few references, but also use the internet to read online reviews and ratings from local customers and the BBB. Your contractor should be licensed, bonded and insured.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you have an agreement, make sure to get everything in writing. Agreements over the phone do not hold up, so don’t take these for granted. The best estimates come from contractors who come out to assess your particular property and walk the grounds with you so they know your needs and can make recommendations. Ask about how you would terminate the agreement in the future. Also, if prices are locked in for a certain amount of months or subject to change.
New Jersey Insurance
Slip and falls are a serious issue. Be sure you know the contractor has the required New Jersey insurance. Consider steps you can take to mitigate costly insurance events. Are you taking the services that will keep your property in excellent condition for all who will be walking in your parking lot? Are cars parking in your lot overnight that may be a cause of melting and refreezing after the storm? Build a team with your contractor as no-one wants to see someone injured and pose a slip and fall event.
Commercial snow service companies can be a great team player for you. Snow and ice are inevitable weather conditions and having the right player on your team can protect you and give you more peaceful sleep on those cold snowy nights! Contact Horizon Landscape for an estimate on snow & ice management services today!