How much does it cost to hire a snow removal service?

Snow is wonderful when you have nothing to do and nowhere to be, save snuggle in front of a roaring fire with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa. But when you have to leave the comfort of your warm house and spend hours shoveling snow just to clear your driveway, it can be a pain. A professional snow removing company can save you all that trouble and hassle. Snow removal services are also a boon for homeowners who cannot deal with the snow on their own due to health issues.

On average, removing up to 6 inches of snow from a standard driveway will cost you $75-$150 per visit/snow event.

Professional services vs. DIY

Professional snow removal companies have all the equipment and expertise needed to meet your snow clearing needs. If you set out to buy a snow plow attachment for your truck, it may cost you anywhere between $750 to $1,500. You also have to add the cost of incidental repairs, maintenance, and gas to the initial investment. Also, you need some expertise to clear snow from a driveway using a plow. You need to know just how many inches you can lift at one time, how to stack the snow properly and how to scrape without causing damage to the pavement beneath.

Though shoveling is another option for DIYers, it is strenuous and time-consuming work. With professional snow removal services, you have the advantage of not having to worry about all the snow just lying around. Also, if your contract includes snow plowing and snow removal, they will remove the stacked snow from your property and dispose of it in approved sites. Some companies offer additional services like salting and sanding ($20-$40 per session).

Snow removal vs. snow plowing

While the terms snow removal and snow plowing are used interchangeably at times, it would be good to talk to your provider beforehand about what they exactly do. If their service includes only snow plowing, then they will plow the snow from your driveway and stack it at one part of your property. If the service includes snow removal, then they will load the snow into a truck and dispose of it in an approved site. Make sure that the contract clearly specifies what is covered under the terms of your agreement.

Types

Depending on the type of equipment used, you have the following options for snow removal. In general, shoveling will need more time than using a snowblower or a plow.

Impact of driveway size and design on cost

The size and design of your driveway can impact the price of your annual snow removal contract. If you have an extremely long (over 90 feet), steep or curvy driveway, you may have to pay more (around $40-$75 for every additional 100 feet). Snow removal costs for dirt or gravel driveways are usually higher because they take a longer time to clear and de-ice when compared to paved driveways.

Labor

Ideally, the contractor or an employee from the snow removal company should visit your property before the start of the season to determine what sort of snow removal conditions they would face and what equipment they would have to use. Some contractors charge per visit/push ($75) or per hour ($50-$100) while others may use an annual contract ($400-$600). If they charge by the hour, the type of equipment they use would determine your final price. The less time they have to spend, the lesser you will have to pay.

If it snows regularly where you live, you may want to sign an annual contract or at least for the entire season. Be prepared to pay a small refundable deposit (around $50), which you will get back at the end of the season.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Using reflectors or snow markers (around $2 per piece) to clearly outline the driveway can help speed up the snow removal process.
• Most snow removal companies will also remove snow from your roof for an extra $300-$500.
• Some contractors include salting and sanding in their contracts, while others may charge you extra for performing these services. Typically, adding salt or chemicals to melt ice will cost you around $20-$40 per session.

Additional considerations and costs

• Always ask how the snow will be removed on your property and what equipment will be used.
• You may get a discount if you sign a year-round contract or if you hire a service provider before the snow season starts. The removalist will typically visit the property to assess the situation and determine an estimate, which you then pay over the course of twelve months, usually at a discounted rate overall. This also buys you priority snow removal service, which can be a big perk if you are waiting to access your driveway or leave for work.
• Your location plays a huge role in determining how much you would have to shell out for snow removal every year. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, you can expect to be charged more for snow accumulation greater than six inches. For example, if you pay around $80 for snow removal up to six inches, you may have to pay an extra $30 for every additional six inches. This is primarily because the extra inches make it difficult for the contractor to make bigger swipes with the plow, ultimately costing more time and gas.
• Always ask for a written quote and an inspection visit before signing the contract.
• Find out what your neighbors and other people in the area are paying for the same services to know what to expect.
• Verify references and make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured.
• Some driveways are parallel to the garage door and plowing them can leave a snowbank in front of the garage door. It's important to have the removal of this pile included in the contract.
• Some year-round contracts specify a certain number of plows per season. If you need more plowing, they would be charged additionally. These types of arrangements should be made ahead of the season, so plan ahead as there may be limited spots and availability in your region. 
• If you want your steps, sidewalks, patios, porch or walkways to be cleared, make sure they are included in the snow removal contract.
• Also, find out what is the average response time for the company and whether you would have to call them or they would come out themselves when the snow accumulates to a certain level.
• Some ground care companies provide snow removal during winter and lawn care during the warmer months. This may get you better rates and better service. A few companies may also allow you to turn in unused snow removal visits for lawn care.
• If you are hiring a national or well-established snow removal company, do a quick online search for any coupons or new customer promotions that could be offered in your region. 

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)