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How to draft your own snow removal contract?
When the winter season is close, cold countries witness snowfall. The drop in temperature may get extreme with the snow piling up to several inches. This makes commuting difficult and dangerous. Therefore, ice removal is important to have a safe, clean, and maintained landscape.
Winter weather management can be done individually or by hiring snow removal contractors to keep your property snow-free. When we seek professional snow removal services, it is important to have a snow removal contract in place to establish important terms and conditions. This avoids any scope for liability and disputes.
However, drafting these kinds of service contracts is tricky and requires a significant amount of time and energy. Thus generally, individuals seek legal help or refer to suitable contract templates available on the internet to meet their requirements
What is a snow removal contract?
A snow removal contract is a legally binding agreement between a snow removal contractor and a client seeking snow removal services. It lays out the exact service expectations, the timeline, the rates, and more. Once this contract is duly signed by both parties, it becomes a handy piece of legal evidence.
Types of snow removal contracts
There are essentially four types of snow removal contracts. Each of them has particular specifications as per the service required. You may choose the ideal type of contract based on the snow accumulation frequency on your property.
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Per push contract: In the case of a per push contract you are liable to pay the contractor each time they remove ice from your property. This is ideal for low snowfall situations.
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Per event contract: Per event contracts also allow you to pay whenever the snow is removed. But, it goes event-wise. For instance, you will only pay if there is a snowstorm or heavy snowfall, where the snow has piled to an agreed-upon height, usually 4-6 inches. This kind of arrangement is beneficial for property owners, who have estates in areas where such events are less active.
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Seasonal contract: Seasonal contracts are generally considered to be the most popular due to their convenience. You pay the contractor a fixed subscription amount for seeking snow removal services as and when required. Such contracts usually last for 3-4 years, but can also be extended as per the frequency of snow accumulation in the city.
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Full-service contract: Full-service contracts are best for commercial properties situated in heavy snowfall areas. Thus, property managers get an ally to fight winter weather and maintain their property. Even if there is no one to supervise, snow removal contractors will make sure that the property is appealing and attracts footfall. Such full-service plans have many snow-clearing perks outlined for you to choose from.
Importance of a written contract
Written contracts are legally valid and can be used in a court of law. Though oral contracts are also valid, it might be difficult to prove legally during a breach. It takes less time and effort but the consequences of such an understanding might be unfavorable. Thus, it is best to go with a written contract as per the existing law.
A few terms to know when removing snow
Snow removal contracts involve some practices that property owners may not be fully aware of. Mentioned below are a few specifications to keep in mind while availing of snow removal services.
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Snow-plowing, shoveling, and blowing: When one says snow removal, generally people think of snow plowing. This is because snowplows can clear a broad area of land at a time. Snow plowing contracts are popular among individuals wishing to maintain their property. However, it may not always be the right option, as it can damage trees and shrubs. Instead, the snow-blowing and shoveling technique is a good alternative method to clear snow. This method can be especially considered beneficial for commercial properties as one can ensure that the landscaping is beautiful, with the flora and fauna visible to potential customers and employees
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Snow hauling: When the accumulation of snow is extreme, you may arrange for snow hauling services. Here, the contractor shall clear the accumulated snow on your property and transport it to warmer regions, where the snow would melt naturally. This is a good ice removal technique to permanently get rid of excess snow.
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Snow banking: If you are the property owner of a vast area, then snow banking may be an affordable option for you. Areas such as parking lots or lawns may have additional empty spaces where you can bank excessive snow. Your contractor will remove the snow from important areas of your property and bank it in such open areas.
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Estimate tonnage: Estimate tonnage refers to the amount of salting required to keep your property ice-free after the snow has been removed. However, you need to have a clear idea of such salting requirements for your property. Purchasing too much salt may become expensive whereas too little might not be enough for your property.
Some key essentials for your snow removal contract
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The executive summary: This section is the introductory part of your contract. Here, you establish both parties and provide their primary address and contact details. In addition, you also establish statements where the parties agree to fulfill their obligations as per the terms and conditions described in the contract.
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Payment: This entire section is extremely important. Here you establish the pricing and the payment mode. The pricing is usually set as per the inches of snow, the area, and the equipment used. In addition, you also mention the payment timeline for such snow removal services. For example, you may decide to pay the contractor in advance or pay them upon completion of their services.
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Performance: This clause shall define the warranties that the contractor shall provide to the client. This will include the efficient rendering of services, no property damage, time adherence, use of quality equipment, and more.
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Limitation of liability: This provision safeguards you from unforeseen situations. Here, you shall have a clear understanding of your liabilities and also the extent of such liabilities. For instance, neither party shall be held liable for indirect or consequential damages arising out of the snow removal services. Similarly, both parties can be held liable for fraud, negligence, death or personal injury, and more. These limits are set by the mutual consent of both parties.
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Cancellation: When it comes to winter weather, cancellation of snow removal services can prove to have consequences. Hence, you should establish a written notice policy to avoid such circumstances. If there is non-compliance regarding such notice policy, a heavy fine shall be imposed. This secures the interests of both parties. Hence, if you cancel the contractor last minute, then the labor hours for such ice removal services are compensated. Similarly, if the contractor cancels at the last minute, then you will be compensated for such an inconvenience.
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Relationship of parties: Here, you establish the snow removal contractor to be an independent contractor and establish that no employee-employer relationship will be formed.
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Governing law: This clause establishes that if both parties are unable to solve grievances peacefully amongst themselves, then the matter is handled as per the laws of the state.
Use Revv to customize professional documents
Our team at Revv has done in-depth research before drafting this snow removal contract template. We have an in-house legal team that ensures each section is legally vetted.
Our contract templates come with inbuilt features such as e-signature, payment features, and more. Such features are created to make the user's experience effortless. We believe in making the document drafting process simple and convenient. Now create the best version of a snow removal contract to serve your requirements.
Get started! Written contracts should not feel daunting anymore. Leverage these important aspects to customize your contract.