How To Choose The Right Snow Removal Service For Your Needs
They say that two things in life are inevitable—death and taxes. Here in Winnipeg, we can add a third thing—snow.
Snow may be inevitable, but it’s not unmovable, and snow removal is an essential part of property maintenance in Winnipeg. Don’t stress over snow and ice—you can get snow removal from Bulger Brothers and turn your property into a real winter wonderland.
Finding the right snow removal service for your property isn’t always easy—but it’s still a whole lot easier than shovelling tons of the white stuff off your property by hand. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing a snow cleaning service:
Evaluate Your Property's Unique Needs
There are several factors to consider when evaluating which snow removal service is right for your property, including:
The size of your property
Landscaping features like walkways and parking lots
Obstructions like trees, rocks, and planters
Your location
When you’ll want snow removal
And more
Most people want snow removal in the morning before they have to leave for work. Businesses, on the other hand, would rather have snow cleared at night before any customers come in. Mother Nature, of course, doesn’t care and will dump snow at any time—but choosing a snow removal company that can work 24/7 is helpful.
You’ll want to find a company with various snow removal tools at its disposal, especially if you have a property that might require snow plows in one section, snow blowers in another, and delicate shovelling in a third.
Finally, you should find a company located near you—rural areas are especially prone to getting snowed in since highways can be closed down.
Ask About Available Snow Removal Services
Snow removal isn’t as simple as it might seem. Different property owners need numerous tools and services. We recommend you pair snow removal with de-icing if you run a commercial property. A reliable snow removal company will have access to a wide variety of snow removal equipment. Here are some of the snow removal services you might find:
Snow Plowing
Snow plows are designed to tackle tons of snow in a fraction of the time it takes other snow removal tools. These are heavy machines designed for commercial and industrial properties—they’re used to clear parking lots, broad walkways, and other hardscape features.
Snowblowing
Snowblowing is one of the most practical ways of clearing residential properties. A snow blower can quickly tackle large amounts of snow without using machines that don’t typically fit on residential driveways and sidewalks.
Snow Shovelling
Snow shovelling can tackle hard-pack snow that snow blowers may not be able to dislodge. They’re also perfect for working around obstacles and sensitive areas on your property.
Emergency Snow Removal
As we mentioned above, Mother Nature doesn’t work on a 9 to 5, and massive downpours of snow can hit at any time. Emergency snow removal services are key if you want to ensure your customers can access your property—or to make sure your car can get in and out of your driveway.
Verify Licences, Insurance, and Equipment
Here in Manitoba, there aren’t any licences required to run a snow removal business—but checking to see whether or not the employees of the company are trained in operating snow plows is a good idea.
Snow removal businesses should have commercial liability insurance—that way, if they damage your property, it will be easier for you to recover money to pay for the damages.
Finally, all of their equipment should be in good working order and compliant with any safety standards set out by the government.
Compare Rates and Contracts
Rates are key when looking for a professional snow removal service, as is the length of the contract. Typically, you’ll find it’s a lot cheaper to hire one company all winter long—they’ll be able to give you a discount rate because your business is guaranteed. Calling a company for emergency snow removal service without a contract will be the most expensive option.
Check References and Reviews
Having the right equipment and licences is one thing. Having a great price is another. Providing the services you offer on time, efficiently, and with great customer service?
That’s one of the best things you can have—but it’s intangible. The easiest way of determining whether or not a snow removal service is worth your time is to check its references and reviews. Use Google! Use Yelp! Contact the company and ask if you can speak to some of its customers. This kind of research is worth the effort.
Match the Service to Your Budget
Once everything is said and done, make a table of pros and cons for each company. Determine which services are within your budget, then choose the one that’s best aligned with your needs.
And with that, you’ve chosen the best snow removal service for your property! Congratulations—now you can enjoy the winter without stressing about snow removal.
