Most snow removal contracts are 1-2 pages long. Bare bones. Light on details.
Here at RainMaster, ours is 17 pages.
Why so long? It’s not because we love typing. It includes all the details that often frustrate customers, gets us both on the same page, clarifies everything, and puts it all up front.
A clear, detailed contract prevents a lot of frustration and hassle when hiring a snow removal service.
Read more about snow removal contracts, including:
- Precise Pricing for Different Snow Events
- Understanding the Scope of Work And Snow Trigger Events
- Your Exact Snow Removal Expectations
- Slip & Fall Provisions and Liability
- Repair Provisions for Property Damage Caused by Snow Removal
What should a commercial snow removal contract include? Of course, the snow removal basics, like start and end dates and how much you’ll pay.
But look for other important details, too. Where will they pile the snow? Can you sign a multi-year contract? Do you want your property pre-treated before a storm? Should your service come any time it snows or whenever there’s at least an inch? Who’s responsible for any damage?
The more details in your snow removal contract, the better.
Precise Pricing for Different Snow Events
Of course, your contract should include payment terms. In the professional snow removal world, that can get complicated, with a flurry of language about per push, time and materials cost and seasonal contract options.
But like all our other services at RainMaster, our snow removal pricing is clear and upfront. You won't have to worry about how much time our crews spend on your property or how much ice melt product we’re using.
You'll know your cost, period.
We use statistics from years of Minnesota snow data to predict a range of snowfall for the season, then we’ll suggest a cost to service your property with professional snow removal.
And we use a third party weather service to certify snow totals, so everything is right up front.
We know you appreciate transparency.
Up-front pricing helps you budget accurately and efficiently, easing your budget stress. You know exactly how much you’ll pay, no matter how much snow falls or how many visits to their property are needed.
Most RainMaster customers divide their cost over 5 equal payments over the season.
A multi-year contract makes hiring a snow removal service even easier. If you sign a three-year contract, those low snow years and high snow years even out over the span of the contract.
A multi-year snow removal contract protects you from rising prices each year. Your price is locked in, even if costs rise.
Understanding the Scope of Work And Snow Trigger Events
What exact services will be delivered? Your snow removal contract should detail everything. Do you want your property pre-treated? Are the sidewalks included?
Will your professional snow removal show up whenever it snows or at least an inch? (Anything over an inch is too much liability.) These are critical questions to ask before signing your contract, though it can be tough to picture every detail before the snow begins to fly.
Is hand shoveling included? Don’t assume this is part of your professional snow removal company’s offerings.
Not all professional snow removal services in Minneapolis, MN, and Eau Claire, WI, offer sidewalk, door, and step clearing.
RainMaster does - but why is this important? Not all properties can be safely cleared with a plow alone.
Sometimes, hand-shoveling is the only way to safely clear entrances, pathways, steps, and stairs.
Your Exact Snow Removal Expectations
Beyond the scope of services, your individual expectations for your property’s snow and ice management should be in your snow removal contract.
What are your high-priority areas? Where do you want the snow piled? Where are all your drains so they don’t get covered with snow and clogged? Do you need curb-to-curb plowing or just a path in the parking lot? Do you have any restrictions for the types of snow-melting products used on your property?
It’s easy to get frustrated over snow removal services. You get upset when you think your service should be there, but they aren’t. You’re annoyed when you don’t think they need to be there, but they are. It drives you crazy when they pile the snow in an inconvenient spot.
Avoid all this frustration and upset by ensuring your expectations are spelled out in your contract.
It makes perfect sense, right? But you’d be surprised how many snow removal contracts don’t specify where the snow should be piled.
At RainMaster, we’ll meet with you on your property ahead of time to discuss these questions and hear your expectations.
After you accept our proposal, we’ll put together a custom snow response plan with a map and photos of your property to ensure we meet all your expectations. That map will include exactly where to put the snow.
We don’t want you frustrated. Let’s get on the same page upfront.
Slip & Fall Provisions and Liability
When hiring a snow removal service, look for a contract that clearly states who is responsible for what regarding liability.
Your RainMaster contract will state that we do everything you ask according to your agreement.
That includes providing several layers of documentation, from before-and-after photos to time clock in-and-out details to exact GPS documentation.
We can tell you the day we were there, for example, from 12:12 a.m. to 2:15 a.m., and we can even tell you the exact weather conditions during that time.
We know you worry about liability when winter’s snow and ice blow in.
Of course, our crews clear your snow, melt your ice and do our best to help keep your property safe for customers, visitors and employees.
You’ll also know exactly when we were there. Software tracks our crews’ time on site for plowing, shoveling, and deicing. Time stamps and GPS tracking verify snow removal activity on your property.
You’ll have no doubt about whether your property receives timely care.
If somebody slips and falls on your property, there can be serious consequences for you. That cost can include legal costs, medical costs, potential insurance rate increases, plus workers’ compensation if an employee slips.
How can you prove you did everything possible, taking every precaution to protect your property?
Hiring a snow removal service can help you prove it. Not every professional snow removal company does.
Repair Provisions for Property Damage Caused by Snow Removal
Your snow removal contract should be clear about property damage, too. Who will pay for what?
Our contract spells it out, which is rare in this industry.
If you ask us to pile snow in a place we don’t recommend, like on your grass, crews will have to drive plows over curbs. Your curbs will likely be damaged, but fixing them will be your responsibility, and it will stay so in your contract.
But if our crews accidentally push over a small tree or a pole, that’s negligence and we’ll pay for that. Again, it’s all spelled out in your snow removal contract.
Hiring a Commercial Snow Removal Service? Trust RainMaster
When you’re hiring a commercial snow removal service, you want reliability, peace of mind, a detailed plan, reduced liability, and solid communication.
Ensure you get it all in writing, in a comprehensive snow removal contract that doesn’t leave any unanswered questions.
We aim to help you stop worrying and maintain a functional and safe commercial property.
When you’re ready to trust in us, we can’t wait to meet you and help you make the best choices for your property with expert professional snow removal in Minneapolis, MN, and Eau Claire, WI.
Ready for dependable snow and ice management? Request a quote today! We’ll review your snow removal options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can rest easy and stop worrying when snow piles up.
