Keys to Selecting a Snow Removal & Ice Control (SRIC) Contractor

Sign a written contract
Whether it’s the contractor’s blanket contract or your own, be sure to have the responsibilities clearly defined.  Some items to consider:

1) How much snow must accumulate before the contractor 
should plow?
2) Are certain areas to be plowed and not others?
3) Are de-icing chemicals to be spread?
4) If so, where?  How much?  What kind of chemicals?
5) Are there water sources nearby where the chemical runoff needs to be considered?
6) Is there any new concrete that should not receive chemical treatment?
7) Is there a minimum amount to be paid per year?  Maximum?
8) Is the contractor paid a flat rate?  By the number of times they plow? By the quantity of snow? By the number of times they spread?  By the amount of material they spread?
9) Can the contractor be asked to come re-plow/re-treat the area again?  Who can authorize this?  How will this be paid?
10) What is the time frame the contractor has to respond to a winter event?  What, if any, penalties are there for failure to respond in a timely fashion?
11) How much liability insurance must the contractor maintain through the life of the contract?
12) How many years is the contract valid?  Is renewal of the contract available?
13) When must payments be made?  Monthly? Per storm? Seasonally?  Upfront?
14) How can the contract be terminated?
15) Consult an attorney before signing any legal document.

Hire an expert
When costs allow, hire a professional, not just someone who plows snow as a side job.  You wouldn’t hire a part time heart surgeon, why hire a part time contractor?  Hiring a professional contractor will pay off in the long run.  

Check references
Be sure to get at least a few references from the contractor and follow through with checking them out.

Look at their equipment
Is their equipment new? Used?  Look like it came from a junk yard?  A contractor lives and dies with their tools.  If they don’t take care of their own equipment, chances are they won’t take care of you.  You can tell a lot about a contractor by one quick look at their equipment.  Have them bring it by to show you or set up a time to meet them at their location.  You’ll be glad you did.

Are they an LH Jones VIP customer?
Being a VIP at LH Jones gives contractors access to quicker service and better pricing for equipment, parts, and service.  LH Jones VIPs also get free annual inspections of their equipment.  This  means they should have equipment that is up and running earlier in the season, they’ll have less down time, and less cost of maintenance and repairs.  All these benefits trickle down to their customers in reduced prices for snow removal and ice control, better response, and a more thorough job.