With our brutally cold Canadian winters, the temperature is not the only thing that we have to worry about. Dumps of snow can typically be expected every year. Though it is mid-November and we have yet to see more than a few flakes fall from the sky, Southern Ontario can expect what we have been missing in December if not before. In the “snow belt” around London, Ontario where I live, that can mean significant accumulations are on the way. With news of heavy snowfall awaiting us, homeowners need to start thinking about snow removal. Today, we are going to go through the checklist of things you, as a homeowner, should look out for in preparation for the heavy winter yet to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;For many homeowners, snow removal may have you hoping for a green Christmas. The time and strength it can take, especially for those who have larger driveways, can make the news of heavy snowfall extremely daunting. This is especially true as you age and your “teenaged snow plow” has left the home. The good news is that you don’t have to break your own back. Of course, you can always hire a bored neighbourhood teenager on their snow-day to come out and clear your property for you, although that more and more seems like a scene from the past. You can as an alternative enter into a snow removal contract. This legally binding contract between a customer and a snow removal company that outlines the terms of service and payment.&nbsp;So, what’s so special about these snow removal contracts? A snow removal contract can make your life a bit easier for a few reasons. First, you don’t need to worry about the neighbourhood kids slacking and missing a spot. As professionals, they know the most efficient and effective ways to clear your property. This said, check references. Many of these companies rely on volume to keep their costs and prices down. If you want “good”, not “just good enough”, you will need to be prepared to “inspect” the work. Second, you don’t need to call them up. According to Simple Solutions, your contract guarantees service each time it snows, although there is usually a minimum snowfall measure before they arrive. (They won’t come for every dusting.) However, a contract means that you won’t have to book them for each appointment. Doing this also means you can save yourself time in the morning. Unless you wake up hours earlier than you normally do to clear snow off your car and property, you likely won’t get the job done. This way, you can get to work like you usually do, subject to the caution in the next paragraph, without worrying how you will get your car back in the driveway when you get home; the spot will be cleared for you.&nbsp;There are issues to be aware of as in recent years consumer complaints related to snow plowing have been increasing. Generally, payment is required in advance and calculated for the entire season. Some unscrupulous contractors have taken the fees and then failed to perform the service as agreed. This can cause aggravation and extra expense for the homeowner. Use referrals, reviews, and recommendations from neighbours. Often landscapers take up snow plowing in the winter, so the crew that you trust to cut your grass may be your first option. Be careful to read your contract and be sure that it includes everything that you expect. Are the sidewalks included? The porch? The walkway to the house? Do they promise a specific response time? If you need to get out and off to work, having the contractor come at noon doesn’t help you. Also, make sure you define the season. December 15th to March 15th is a typical season. While many contractors will come as a courtesy and for customer care for a late or early snowfall, not all will and they are not obligated to do so.&nbsp;The costs will vary depending upon the size of the job and whether or not is a seasonal, monthly or per job contract. It also helps if the company has a number of clients clustered together in an area. This will help bring down costs, but also improve reliability and timely service. In Southern Ontario we see typical seasonal rates of between $350 and $500. Single plows for $50 to $100. The challenge is defining typical.&nbsp;Say you don’t want to pay for snow removal, what tools should you use to attempt it yourself? The answer depends on what you value and the size of the job at hand. Many people prefer the cheaper option, in this case being the shovel. There are designs that can ease back strain and sizes to fit your physical strength and the property size. Be sure that you are fit enough to take on the task though. Many injuries come from snow shovelling, especially if it is your only source of exercise. Others prefer the most physical energy-efficient method, which would be a snowblower. Backyard Boss gives a pros and cons list for the snowblower which you should read, but we will discuss some here. Some pros of snowblowers are that they are faster than the manual alternative and they take less physical exertion. The cons of snowblowers are that they require maintenance, they’re expensive, and they may be unreliable as machines sometimes are. They also require a fair bit of dedicated space to store them. Electric/ battery, gas, or plug-in corded models are all available. Climate change issues aside, for heavy jobs, gas may be your best option. After all this is said, the recommended method is to just do what suits you best. For some people that may be the affordable option, for others it may be the full-out ride-on option. If you go that route, you’ll be very popular, but be prepared to pitch in at the neighbour’s houses.&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to snow removal, you need to consider more than simply what will clear your property. When liability for injury, expenses, and physical labour come into play, the choice of whether you hire a professional, use machinery, or do it manually can make a large difference. For elderly homeowners, there are community programs that may help you. For others, if you are able, volunteering and looking out for those that may need a hand is pretty nice too. Please keep an eye out for neighbours that could use your help. Slips and falls can be devastating for the elderly, as can being shut-in. No one loves shovelling, but if there is anything that can bring us together as Canadians, maybe that’s it. And besides, Spring is only 5 months away.&nbsp;

Snow Removal: Winter-Proofing Your Property

Snow Removal Tips: Prep your property for winter with expert insights. Hire professionals or DIY, discover cost-effective solutions for a snow-proof home!

About RIFO

Business

Investors

News

Contact Us

Contact Us