With all the winter storms in Ontario recently, some consumers are glad they hired reputable snow removal companies to clear what has been thrown at us. Hiring a snow removal service is an easy way to get rid of ice and snow from your property without the aches and pains of shoveling in lousy weather conditions.
This season, BBB has received an influx of complaints regarding various businesses, indicating many consumers have been left out in the cold after paying for service and not receiving it. Complaints indicate that attempts at communication with the companies have been unsuccessful.
When using this type of service, BBB suggests keeping the following in mind:
- Do not pay for a snow removal service upfront. You could end up paying for an entire season of snow removal where nobody returns to complete any work, or where it does not snow at all. Most reputable snow removal services will offer to bill you after they’ve completed work on your property. These bills can be issued seasonally, monthly, bi-weekly, or per trip – detailing every trip the company made to your property and the amount of work they completed there.
- Do your research. Verify if the business belongs to any associations or if they're accredited by your BBB. Visit bbb.org to research company information, along with ratings, complaints, and customer reviews. These details can often help you verify the legitimacy and professionalism of the business.
- Do not sign a contract with any business going door-to-door offering services. This is not a typical practice for most snow removal services. If anyone approaches your home offering to perform snow removal, kindly take their information and consider your options before agreeing to anything.
- Obtain estimates. BBB recommends seeking at least three detailed, written estimates from different companies. These estimates should be supplied by businesses you contacted directly and personally invited to your home to survey the property. This will ensure that a representative physically assesses your property in order to provide an accurate quote.
- Review your contracts carefully to ensure you get the service you want. Some contracts may state that a truck will come by after three centimetres of snow and others after five centimetres. A reputable snow removal contractor will usually stipulate what time you can expect your driveway to be cleared following a snowfall as well. Knowing this information can help you determine whether the company can meet your needs.
If you are worried about half-completed work, tire tracks on your front lawn or snow piled in front of your mailbox, you should discuss these concerns with your potential snow removal provider. A reputable business will answer these questions and effectively solve problems with you when required. Do not be afraid to walk away from a potential service provider if they fail to meet your expectations.
For a list of BBB Accredited Snow Removal Services, please visit our Accredited Business Directory.
