Commercial Snow Removal Cost 2024
Written by: Great Lakes Snow
Key Takeaways
- The liability involved in DIY snow removal for your commercial property.
- The benefits of using a professional snow removal company.
- Factors that affect snow removal costs.
- A breakdown of snow removal costs and the average snow removal costs around the country.
- The different services professional snow removal companies offer.
- What should be included in a typical snow removal contract.
- How to choose a reputable snow removal contractor in the Chicagoland area.
If you have a commercial business, you’ve probably at some point wondered if you should hire a professional snow removal company to handle the dreaded snow removal tasks for you…or not. Your next thought was probably “What about the snow removal cost and can I afford it?” Right? There is so much more involved in making this decision than just the cost.
That’s why we are going to go over whether you should hire a professional snow removal service or whether you should just do it yourself. And why making the wrong decision could cost you everything. We will also talk about the benefits of using a professional snow removal service. Then we will detail the factors that affect commercial snow removal costs and the snow removal cost averages, so you know exactly what to expect. We will also provide you with additional snow removal information you might never have thought to consider.
Why Businesses opt for Professional Snow Removal Services Versus a DIY Snow Removal Option
Many people start this thought process by telling themselves that performing the ongoing snow removal task would be cheaper if they do it in-house…right? Wrong! Nothing could be further from the truth, but why?
Well, there are plenty of reasons why that we’ll go over in a moment. But the number one reason why you should always opt for a professional snow removal service rather than doing it yourself is…liability! Yep! Liability! Let’s talk about that, then you can decide.
The Liability Involved When Opting for a DIY Snow Removal Solution for Your Business
If you rely on your staff for snow removal, you are leaving yourself open to liabilities. For example, if you assign your staff to the removal of the snow and ice on your commercial property and someone slips and falls because it wasn’t done properly or at all, you are liable. This could be anyone visiting your facility, management, or even staff personnel. Regardless of who slipped and fell, if you opted for a DIY snow removal option, you could be liable because you are the one who didn’t do it right or at all. And even if you did, the burden of proof is on you.
For a judge to find you liable, they must determine whether you could have foreseen the potential for liability but didn’t take any action to proactively prevent it from happening. However, if you have proof that you foresaw and took action to try to prevent any given liability, you generally won’t be found liable.
So when you hire a professional snow removal company in Kane and surrounding counties, that will give you the documentation needed to show you are not at fault because you did your part. You foresaw the liability and took the proactive measure of hiring a professional to clear the snow from your property.
There is nothing else you could have done, other than that, to prevent an accident from occurring; therefore, you cannot be held liable.
Avoiding liability is just one benefit of hiring a professional snow removal company to do this task for you. There are plenty more!
DISCLAIMER: This is for information purposes only. We are not attorneys. Always seek legal counsel when it comes to determining and avoiding liabilities and legal outcomes regarding your properties.
Why Wait? The Weather Won't!
The Benefits of Professional Snow Removal
- Avoid the Dangers of Snow Piles
Snow piles are the result of snow plowing, shoveling, or from natural occurrences when the wind blows. Regardless, the dangers of snow piles are there. Snow piles can collapse or tumble over onto someone standing or walking nearby, they can block road and driveway signs, tempt local kids to make forts that could collapse on them, melt and refreeze (which can lead to the formation of black ice), and more. There are so many dangers of snow piles that don’t meet the eye.
- Safety
A professional is highly trained and knows how to properly remove and dispose of the snow and ice on your property.
- Dependability
When hiring a professional, you don’t have to worry about your team member not showing up or being able to get to work during any given weather event. Snow removal services in Chicagoland will have systems in place to ensure your snow removal is completed when needed.
- Equipment
A professional snow removal company will have commercial tools and equipment to make sure the job gets done quickly and properly.
- Property Damage
An experienced professional will know how to remove snow and ice without damaging your property during the process.
- Compliance with Local Laws
A professional will be familiar with the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act which spells out exactly what should and shouldn’t be done, as well as who is and isn’t responsible for what.
- Save Time
When you have a professional perform your snow and ice removal tasks, it will free up your employees to concentrate on the jobs you hired them to do.
These are just a few of the reasons to hire a professional snow removal company in Kane and surrounding counties.
Factors That Affect Commercial Snow Removal Costs
Here are some of the factors that affect commercial snow removal costs.
1. Snowfall Intensity
Areas with frequent, heavy snowfall will require snow removal service more often and heavy snowfall will require more equipment to remove and transport it.
2. Size of the Lot
The bigger your property, the more equipment and the more snow and ice removal is needed which will factor into your snow removal cost.
3. Location of the Site
The accessibility of your property could also factor into your snow removal cost. If your property has obstacles, narrow driveways, tight corners, or other challenges, you could expect to pay more for snow and ice removal services.
HOT TIP: Don’t wait until you need a
snow removal company to start the hiring process. Start the research, vetting, and hiring process well in advance of the first winter weather event of the season — preferably in the summer months.
How Much Does Commercial Snow Removal Cost?
There are several ways to price commercial snow removal costs. Professional snow removal companies use a variety of methods to determine your costs. You have per hour, per inch, per event, per visit, and per season prices, all with a different price range which could vary when your specific property needs are factored in.
- Per Hour - $25-$75
- Per Six Inches - $60-$110 (with a reduced rate for additional inches)
- Per Event - $30-$110
- Per Visit - $30-$90
- Per Season - $290-$450
Property-specific needs and considerations could include the size of your property, whether you need snow removal or plowing, a one-time service or recurring service, the type of equipment needed to clear your property, the number of workers needed to complete the job, and how long it will take them, and any additional services you might need such as salt spreading, etc.
Average Snow Removal Cost 2023
The average commercial snow removal costs around the country are as follows. These are calculated according to the service type and will vary depending on your specific property needs. On average, prices can range from:
- Snow Shoveling - $25-75 per hour
- Snow Blowing - $25-$75 per hour
- Snow Plowing - $30-$100 per visit
- Salt Spreading - $20-$65 per application
Parking Lot Snow Removal Costs
Parking lots are the most common areas where commercial properties need snow removal. This is what will help keep your employees and visitors safe while helping you avoid slip-and-fall lawsuits.
The average cost for snow removal of a parking lot is between $50-$150 per hour. However, this can vary widely depending on the size of the parking lot and how much snow needs to be cleared.
Why Wait? The Weather Won't!
The Different Methods of Professional Snow Removal
These are the most common snow and ice removal services the professionals provide.
- Snow shoveling
- Snow plowing
- Anti-icing, De-icing
- Salting
What a Typical Snow Removal Contract Should Include
A typical snow removal contract will include the following terms:
- Length of the Contract
- It is generally cheaper to sign a long-term contract than it is a shorter-term contract.
- Number of Scheduled Visits
- How often you need to have your property cleared will affect the pricing. The more frequent the visits, the higher the price. Most snow removal companies offer varying pricing options.
- Service Level
- If your property requires specialty services, extra equipment to perform the job, special provisions, or any other specific service included in your contract, each add-on will impact the cost and should be included in your contract.
- Payment Terms
- Your contract should include the agreed-upon payment terms with a start date and an end date.
- Detailed Services
- The contract should also include the exact details of all requested services including what those services are, what they do, and anything else that is to be performed or is required to perform the job properly.
- Additional Rates
- If the snow removal company will be charging you any additional rates, that should be clearly stated in your contract along with what those rates are and why they are being charged.
Now that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about hiring a snow removal contractor, how do you go about finding a reputable snow removal company in the Chicagoland, IL area?
Choosing a Reputable Snow Removal Company in Chicagoland
When choosing a professional snow removal company, you should look for a company with a local presence, one with experience, and a high level of expertise. You also want to find a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. And one that has SIMA (Snow & Ice Management Association) and ASCA (Accredited Snow Contractors Association) affiliations. Additionally, look for a company with good reviews and one that provides you with excellent customer service.
Great Lakes Snow has a stellar reputation for snow and ice removal in the Chicagoland area. They service municipal properties, commercial entities, property managers and owners, retail stores, and other commercial properties. Great Lakes Snow services Kane, Cook, DeKalb, and DuPage Counties.
Additionally, they have a large fleet of advanced commercial snow and ice removal equipment and resources, unlike other companies that rely on an employee’s personal vehicle to get the job done. They are also known and appreciated for their quick response times and quality guarantee. You really can’t go wrong when hiring Great Lakes Snow.
IMPORTANT FACTS: Great Lakes Snow only uses the latest de-icing technology to keep your property safe and to reduce the number of harmful chlorides from getting into the area waterways. Additionally, they are continually investing in the latest ice management solutions to protect your visitors and employees from slip and fall dangers. This will help you avoid liabilities and keep your business costs down.
Average Pricing for Commercial Snow Removal
How much does commercial snow removal cost? If you own a business in the Chicagoland area, you no doubt understand the importance of clearing snow and ice from your property. The cost of these services can vary depending on a variety of factors.
Additionally, using a commercial snow removal company will show you are proactively planning for a winter weather event, and this, in turn, will help lower your liability should an incident occur. So think about that when deciding whether to use a professional.
Here are some examples of commercial snow removal services and the average costs.
Commercial Snow Removal Service Costs
The costs of snow removal in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding areas depend on factors such as equipment, labor, materials, and supplies.
- Parking Lot Snow Removal Pricing
Prices for parking lot snow removal vary depending on factors such as the size of the site, the amount of snow to be removed, and the equipment used. Commercial snow removal companies charge an average of $125 to $500 per hour for snow removal from parking lots.
- Snow Plowing Rate
Snow plowing is typically charged at an hourly rate of $125 to $500 per hour. And, again, the exact cost depends on factors such as the size of the site, how much snow needs to be moved, and the type of equipment used.
- Snow Shoveling Pricing
Snow shoveling is generally charged per hour and can range from $55 to $95. The total cost depends on many factors, just like any other snow removal service. And, again, those factors include the size and type of area that needs clearing and the equipment being used.
- Salt Application Estimates
The cost of salt application will vary depending on the size of the site and the amount of salt needed to effectively complete the job. Commercial snow removal companies charge an average of $100 to $1000.00 per application or $225 to $500 per acre. The exact cost is determined by the amount of salt used, and if the salt is treated to work at lower temperatures.
There are some cases where commercial snow removal companies charge between $30 and $65 for every bag of salt. The advantage of using a salt application is that it helps melt the existing snow and helps prevent icing caused by any additional rain or snow.
Will These Estimates Change in 2024?
The industry predicts that snow removal costs in 2024 will be similar to those in 2023. However, prices could change for the better or worse depending on any number of factors, including an unexpected shift in the economy.
Your best bet is to request a quote from a snow removal company.
Doing so will give you an exact price — a price that will include all the specifics needed at your particular location.
Snow Plowing vs Snow Removal
Snow plowing and snow removal are often mistaken for the same thing. However, they are actually two different services. In snow plowing, snow is pushed away from the roads or parking lots. On the other hand, snow removal is the complete removal of snow from any given area. Snow removal is generally more expensive than plowing snow. But snow removal is preferred because it eliminates the dangers of snow piles that are left in place. This, in turn, will eliminate any snow pile liabilities.
Snow Removal Guidelines
Commercial snow removal companies use specific factors to calculate the cost per job.
- The size of your property.
- Whether it is a one-time occurrence or part of a contract.
- The choice between snow removal or just plowing (more on this coming up).
- The types of equipment required for the task.
- The estimated time needed by their employees to complete the job.
- The number of shifts, foot traffic, and general use of the property.
Commercial snow removal companies will then add any additional services your property might need, such as salting, etc., so they can give you an accurate total cost.
Contract Pricing for Snow Removal on Commercial Properties in Chicagoland
If you decide to contract with a snow removal company in the Chicagoland area, it will generally cost between $200 and $2000 per push. The cost will vary depending on the size of your property. The contract will generally also include a set number of visits. A separate charge will also be listed for any additional visits. Some companies may even offer discounts if you choose to sign a multi-year contract. So don’t forget to ask about that.
Great Lakes Snow also offers an All-inclusive seasonal agreement. An all inclusive seasonal is a flat rate per season for all snowfall during the season, this can include sidewalks and de-icing(salting). Seasonal agreements are becoming more prevalent in the industry as many customers prefer a set rate for all services during the season. It eliminates the guesswork of mother nature. Typically a seasonal agreement is broken down into 5 equal monthly payments. All inclusive contracts vary in pricing but typically start around $6,000- $10,000 per season for a small commercial building.
Contract snow pricing is heavily based on the customers needs. Does your facility have a lot of foot traffic? Do semis trucks use the docks 24/7? Some customers require Zero Tolerance services. Zero tolerance sites require dedicated staff and equipment to ensure a site's safety and access.
These types of sites are often medical offices, logistics centers, and high foot traffic retail, and a variety of sites that need to maintain high safety standards even during a snow or ice event. Sites that require “zero tolerance” are often serviced three to four times more often than traditional sites. When sites are required to be serviced more often, it increases costs dramatically. Increased snow removal costs are a fraction of the cost of slip and fall injuries, workmans comp claims, and bottleneck logistics that occur when sites are not maintained properly.
How to Find the Best Snow Removal Service
If you are looking for a snow removal service in Chicago, here are some tips.
- Conduct Thorough Research
It is very important to thoroughly research potential commercial snow removal services before making any decisions. Look for companies that have a reputation for providing quality service. It is also recommended that you choose a company that uses its own trucks and equipment instead of relying on sub contractors or third party vendors.
Companies with a proven track record are easier to find than you'd think. Look at some of your local sites that require a high standard of snow services. Sites like hospitals, Municipal buildings, Schools, and large campuses. You can also find many of these companies on the Snow and Ice managements associations(SIMA) website. https://www.sima.org/directories.
You might also consider looking at their reviews and testimonials. These can provide important insights that you may not have considered at first. And don't hesitate to ask for references from current and previous customers as well.
It is also important to check if the contractor is part of the Snow and ice Management Association(SIMA), and the accredited snow contractors of america. (ASCA)
- Trained and Experienced Employees
Find companies with extensive experience in professional snow removal services in the Chicago area. It is also important that they took the time to thoroughly train their employees.
- Dedicated Snow Removal Equipment
A reliable commercial snow removal company will have the equipment and know-how to handle any snow removal job. This will help ensure that your property is properly cleared and is as safe as possible. And again, watch for snow removal companies that have the sub contractors or third party vendors use their vehicles for snow removal. You might want to avoid companies that do not use company-owned snow removal equipment.
- Affordability
It is always a good idea to compare the prices of local commercial snow removal companies. However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best option. Low bids often result in compromises such as cutting corners, using inferior materials and equipment, or ignoring important safety precautions. Choosing a cut-rate snow removal company may cost you more in the long run due to the liabilities they create.
- Exceptional Customer Service
Although at first glance, customer service may not seem like a priority. However, if you ever need help quickly, it becomes a more important issue. A reputable commercial snow removal company must have an efficient and responsive customer service team.
The Bottom Line
For businesses in the Chicagoland area, commercial snow removal services are pretty much priceless. And as you now know, snow removal costs can vary widely depending on any number of factors. So when searching for a local snow removal service, it is important to find a professional company that is reliable, experienced, affordable, and predictably responsive.
We hope this information has answered your question: How much does commercial snow removal cost? Would you like an exact quote customized to meet your property’s needs? If so, please Contact Great Lakes Snow today!
