What's actually in a residential snow plowing contract?

Snow contracts get signed in a rush in October when the first cold snap hits. Then you spend the winter wondering what you actually agreed to. Here's what's typically in one — and what to ask before you sign.

The basic structure

A residential seasonal snow contract usually has:

• Term: November 1 – April 15 (in our area)
• Trigger: the snow depth at which we automatically plow
• Services: driveway plow, walkway shovel, salt
• Price: flat seasonal fee or per-event
• Damage clause: what we're responsible for if something goes wrong

The trigger

Two-inch trigger is standard. That means: when snow accumulates to two inches, we plow without you needing to call. Most companies use 2"; some use 1.5" (more expensive); a few do 3" (cheaper but more shoveling for you).

If a storm dumps 8 inches overnight, we'll plow more than once. The contract should specify unlimited visits per event — don't sign one that caps it.

Response time

How fast we show up after the trigger hits. Standard residential is by 6 a.m. on weekdays if it stopped snowing overnight. If snow's still falling, we'll do a first pass and come back.

Commercial contracts are different — those usually have 2-hour or 4-hour response windows because businesses need to open.

Walkway shoveling

This is where contracts get cheap. Some "plow" companies only blade the driveway with the truck and call it done. Walkways get a quick pass with the snowblower if you're lucky.

Look for explicit language about:

• Walkway from driveway to front door
• Walkway around to side door (if you have one)
• Porch and step clearing
• Whether they shovel or just blow

We shovel. The blower is for big stuff — a real shovel finish is what makes the walk actually safe.

Salt and ice melt

Three approaches:

1. Included: bulk salt on driveway, calcium chloride or ice-melt on walks, applied after each plow
2. On request: you call/text when you want it, billed per visit
3. Extra: not included, billed separately

Make sure you know which one you have. "Salt as needed" can mean very different things.

Damage clauses

What happens if we tear up your sod, scrape a curb, or whack your fence?

A good contract specifies:

• Sod damage repaired in spring at no cost
• Hardscape damage (concrete, interlock) covered up to a limit
• Vehicle damage (yours or ours) handled by insurance
• Property markers (stakes set in fall) define the plow zone — anything outside isn't covered

We stake every property in October. If your decorative rocks are inside the stakes, that's on us. If they're outside, that's on you to have warned us.

What to ask before signing

1. What's the trigger? Should be 2 inches or less for residential.
2. What time will I be plowed by? 6 a.m. on weekdays is standard.
3. What about big storms? Confirm unlimited visits per event.
4. Walkway: shoveled or blown? Shoveled is the right answer.
5. Salt: included, extra, or on request? Know what you're buying.
6. What's covered if you damage something? Get specifics.
7. What's the cancellation policy? Most of us pro-rate if you move mid-season.

What we charge

For a typical Hagersville-area driveway in 2026, we're at $450 to $700 per season for a standard residential contract. Bigger driveways, longer laneways, or commercial-style requirements price higher.

That's a flat number. No per-event surprises. Includes walkway shoveling, salt on walks, and unlimited visits for any storm.

When to book

October. Most companies (us included) stop taking new residential contracts by mid-November because the routes are full.

If you're calling in December asking for a snow contract, you're going to get told no by most of us — or pay a premium for what's left.

Bottom line

Snow contracts are pretty standard but the details vary a lot. Ask the questions above before you sign. The cheapest contract is often missing the things that actually matter when it's snowing at 4 a.m.

If you want a quote for our area, get in touch in October. We'll send you the actual contract before you sign anything — no hidden clauses.