If you own a business in the Ada/Cascade or airport area, this early fall cooldown probably has you a bit worried about what the Michigan winter will bring. Are we due for a hard winter? Early snowfall means that you should be preparing now for a contract with a snow removal company. Here are a few questions you should ask before signing on for a winter season.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

You should always look for a contractor who is insured to avoid any liability issues that might arise in bad weather. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has established a good reputation and is trustworthy.

2. What are the policies and procedures for days it snows?

A snow contract should include clear parameters for the work that will be done. Where will the snow pile be located? Is there a plan for snow removal by truck if there are visibility issues? Are you a business that is open 24/7 and you need instant snow removal? Or just before business hours? It’s also a good idea to ask how many customers are on the snow removal route and what number you are on the list.

3. What does the cost cover?

You should always know if you are signing up for a blanket snow removal contract, for the whole season, or for a certain number of snow removals for the winter. Will the contractor be doing everything? For example, does snow removal include sidewalks and walkways as well as the parking lot? What about ice melt products?

4. What is the communications plan?

Snowstorms might require that a contractor changes plans. If that happens, what is the communications plan for contacting you as the business owner? Make sure you know when your contractor is due to arrive at your business and how to get ahold of the contractor if you’re not satisfied with work.

5. What do current customers say?

A great contractor will always have happy customers who will offer references. If you aren’t given any online reviews to read or numbers to call, that should be a red flag. Happy customers will use the same contractor again, instead of shopping around.

If you’re looking for a professional commercial snow removal contractor with experience, contact Greenbud Landscaping today for a free consultation and quote. Greenbud won’t overload the routes and has been a trusted contractor in the Ada/Cascade area for over 20 years.