If you run a business, you know how important it is to think one step ahead. Or two steps. Or three.
Even if the sun is shining and you’re in the midst of a summer heatwave, the looming threat of bad winter weather is always there, and your business could be seriously impacted once the snow comes.
At Earth Development, we regularly work with customers who are always thinking ahead, creating robust winter defenses and ensuring our clients are ready for the colder months. We work with you to establish your company’s exact needs, we predict what dangers your customers, clients, and employees may face when working or walking on your property, and we put safety measures in place to ensure your company is fully compliant with state and federal laws.
As soon as the snow and ice come, knowing that local snow removal specialists are ready to help is a huge weight off your shoulders – and planning for Iowa winter in the summer is such an important step in this process.
4 Reasons Why Summer Is The Best Time For Arranging Your Snow Removal Contract
Here are four reasons why planning ahead is so important for your business.
Choosing a Solid Winter Service Company Takes Time
Choosing a company that will properly serve your needs is something you should take your time on. There are lots of companies out there promising reliable snow removal services, but everyone is different. At Earth Development, we believe in providing comprehensive consultations so you can rest assured that our full snow removal and salting services suit your needs.
But we get it. It’s important to spend your time choosing the right company, and starting in the spring and summer months gives you that valuable time.
Your Contractor Needs Time to Get Prepared for Servicing Your Company
Not only do you need to spend time choosing the right provider, but your provider needs some time to prepare, too!
Your new contractor will need to ensure that they have the equipment, staff, and materials right to cater for your business property (or properties!). That means sourcing salt, which is a resource that regularly sees price fluctuations and is often subject to shortages come the wintertime, as well as spending time getting familiar with your property.
It’s Always Better to Discuss Your Needs Without Rush
Who wants to rush? When the snow comes, you’ll take just about anybody who says they’re willing and able to clear your property and make it accessible for clients, customers, and employees.
But by taking the simple step of speaking to a snow removal expert in the warmer months, you’ll give yourself more time to ask questions, have your new contractor discuss your concerns, and analyze your property to find places that may pose the most danger.
You Don’t Want to Fall Behind When the Snow Hits
When the snow hits, it’s probably too late to fully mitigate the impact bad weather can have on your business. Even if you find a snow removal company to help at the last minute – which isn’t too likely – your business will already likely be unable to offer safe access to customers. It means you’ll be faced with the decision of shutting down temporarily or putting yourself and your customers at risk by remaining open.
Don’t fall behind when the snow comes. Have a local snow contractor ready to clear your sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, so you can stay open this winter.
Ask These 6 Questions Before Hiring a Snow Removal Service
What’s Their Plan for Managing Your Commercial Property?
First off, you’ll need to know how a snow removal contractor plans to service your property. When the ice hits and the snow falls, a contractor will need a full plan of action that’s designed to prepare your property and pre-treat your outdoors services, to remove snow that falls, and to minimize the risk of tripping and falling throughout your property.
A good contractor should perform a thorough consultation and analysis of your property during the warmer months, recognizing what areas are likely to experience more ice build-up and taking note of potential tripping hazards for later.
And with that information in mind, your new snow contractor can ensure they are ready for the moment the weather forecast predicts snow.
What’s Their Timing for Treating and Pretreating?
Timing is everything. Salt doesn’t work below 15 degrees, so it’s important to apply snow (and other deicing substances) to the ground before the weather hits those freezing temperatures.
It’s also essential to take action before the snow starts to fall. Arriving after the snow hits means your business will already have suffered the adverse side effects of the weather, with customers unable to access your business and employees stopped from safely parking entering your property.
Pre-treatment and taking early action are key!
Which Weather Forecast Do They Rely On?
Does your potential new snow contractor rely solely on the local weather channel, or do they consult professional meteorologists who provide their services specifically for industries like this?
Earth Development consults specialist meteorologists who provide the most accurate weather predictions based on specific localities and ZIP codes. That means super localized predictions and a team ready to take action before the snow arrives.
How Much Do They Care About Communication?
Communication is key in this industry. If you don’t know where your snow removal contractors are, then you can’t plan to keep your business operations open.
A good local contractor communicates with you throughout the winter season and lets you know when they’ll be attending your property to perform essential pre-treatment and snow removal work.
Do They Own the Right Equipment for the Job?
This is a key consideration that you may not have thought about. Some contractors rely on rental equipment, finding companies to temporarily provide snow removal equipment once the winter months come along.
But if you want regular services and reliability, you should know if your contractor owns their own equipment. That way, you won’t miss out on essential snow removal services because of a tool shortage!
Is Their Staff Trained and Certified?
Finally, you should always know whether your snow removal team is fully trained and certified. This ensures the work you receive is of the highest quality and that every team member on your property knows what steps to take to keep people safe.
Earth Development Knows How To Deal With Snow
Earth Development is the Midwest’s most comprehensive, professional, and communicative snow and ice removal specialists. For more than 20 years, we have connected Midwest businesses with local contractors.
We not only maintain a 24/7 line of communication with our clients, but we perform a full analysis of your property before we arrange your snow removal and plowing services. With all the tools required to fully prepare your parking lots, pavements, and driveways, you can count on us to ensure your business remains operational through the tough winter months.
For a free consultation or to ask us any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team today!