It can be tough to predict what snow removal costs will be, especially since you can't predict the amount of snow you'll get. But the prices may not be as high as you might think. There are a few factors that will influence the price of snow removal

 

COSTS:

• Contracting with our company to plow a standard driveway (of average length and with a two-car garage) varies considerably depending on location, but can run about $30-$45 per storm; longer, steep or gravel driveways can be $50-$65 or more depending on the length, slope and condition of the driveway.

• Also called snow throwers, snow blowers start about $100-$500 for electric snow shovels or snow throwers for light snow removal (generally less than 4 inches deep). For up to 7 inches deep or heavier snow, single-stage gas snow blowers are good for moderately difficult conditions and cost about $350-$800.

• For tough jobs -- a large area, steep slope, heavy snow -- a two-stage gas snow thrower that can clear a path 28-30 inches wide may cost $1,000-$3,500 or more.

• Charges for one worker using a shovel, snow blower or a mower with snow blade attachment can run $25-$75 an hour, and the time required will depend entirely on conditions and the size and type of area to be cleared. Clearing sidewalks and walkways is more time-consuming than plowing driveways, and will generally cost more.

 

What is included:

• Electric snow throwers are less powerful than gas models, but easier to store; they're good in areas that don't receive a lot of snow, or for clearing extremely small areas. Single-stage gas snow blowers don't work well on slopes. Two-stage gas throwers first break up the snow then blow it out through a chute in two separate actions, and are generally considered the best buy if you tend to have snow more than 6 inches deep or snow that is heavy, wet or icy, or on a steep slope or rough gravel surface

 

• Equipment used for snow plowing can range from a truck with a plow attachment, a tractor-mounted snow blower or a large front-loader (a tractor with a front blade). Ask which types you'd prefer. Some homes are laid so that the driveway is parallel to the garage door and plowing the driveway can leave a snow bank in front of the garage door. We will view your property before the snow starts to determine what sort of plowing challenges exist.

 

Additional costs:

Driveway Size

The size of your driveway will affect snow removal costs, but usually only in bigger increments. The difference between a one-car driveway or a four-car driveway, for example, probably won't make much of a difference. But if you have an especially long driveway, or a driveway made out of gravel, then the snow removal costs will be higher.

 

Special Conditions

If your driveway is especially steep or curvy, then your snow removal costs might increase. This will take a plow longer to clear than a standard short, straight driveway so that will be reflected in the price.

 

Snow Removal Equipment

Different professionals might use different tactics to clear your sidewalk or walkway. A snow blower or thrower will take less time than shoveling, which will keep snow removal costs down. But what they choose to use will depend on the conditions and the size and type of area to be cleared. Be certain that your professional will pick the equipment best suited to complete the job quickly and thoroughly for any situation as they typically need to keep with up with all of their customers throughout a storm.

 

Removal Frequency

Some companies charge for a certain amount of clearings, and if you surpass that amount then the costs increase for the season. Just make sure to ask in advance how they charge for a full season of snow removal. Some may charge by the season versus per plow. One-time removal may be an option, as well, but tends to cost more.

 

Preventing Snow Plow Piles

Snow plowing typically leaves a pile of snow at one end of your driveway. Make sure to talk to your snow removal company about how this will be taken care of. You don't want the pile to end up blocking your mailbox or your garage, but it's something that should be agreed upon from the beginning.