7 Tips to Look for When Hiring a New Snow Removal Contractor

When the snow starts to pile up, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your driveway, parking lot, or walkways will be safe and accessible. That’s where a professional snow removal contractor comes in. But here’s the hard truth: not all contractors are created equal. Over the years, I’ve seen businesses, strata managers, and homeowners burned by “fly-by-night” operators who show up late—if at all—leave a sloppy job behind, or disappear halfway through the season.

Hiring the right snow removal contractor is about more than just finding someone with a plow—it’s about partnering with a company that will keep your property safe and functional no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. Whether you’re responsible for commercial snow removal in Surrey, BC or managing a strata snow removal contract, the stakes are high. To help you make the right choice, here are seven tips to look for when hiring a new snow removal contractor, straight from someone who’s been in the trenches (and the snowbanks).

1. Make Sure They’re Properly Insured and Licensed

This should always be your first question. A legitimate snow removal contractor will carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Why does this matter? Because accidents happen. Snow and ice are slippery by nature, and even the most experienced crews can run into unexpected issues. If a contractor damages your property or if a worker gets hurt on your site, you don’t want to be left responsible.

Ask for proof of insurance and double-check that it’s current. If they hesitate or say “don’t worry about it,” that’s a red flag. For commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, this is especially important because businesses face liability risks if customers or employees slip on uncleared ice. The same goes for strata snow removal—residents expect safe walkways and driveways, and your contractor’s insurance should protect everyone involved.

Pro tip: A contractor who invests in insurance shows they take their business, their crew, and their clients seriously. It’s a sign you’re dealing with a professional, not someone just trying to make quick cash with a pickup truck and a plow.

2. Ask About Their Fleet and Equipment

When the snowstorm hits, the only thing standing between you and an unusable property is the contractor’s equipment. Reliable snow removal companies have a well-maintained fleet that’s ready for action—whether that’s plow trucks, skid steers, sidewalk machines, or salters.

Here’s what you want to know:

• Do they have backup equipment? Breakdowns happen. Without a backup plan, you could be waiting hours—or days—while their one truck sits in a repair shop.

• Is their fleet suited for your property? For large parking lots, you’ll want to see loaders and salters. For townhouse complexes, a smaller machine may be better for tight lanes and sidewalks.

• How often do they maintain their fleet? A contractor who invests in preventative maintenance is far less likely to leave you stranded mid-storm.

If you’re a strata council, this is critical. Strata snow removal often requires maneuvering around vehicles, driveways, and narrow walkways—so equipment size and reliability matter. For commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, efficiency is key to getting lots cleared before employees or customers arrive.

3. Understand Their Response Time and Service Plan

Timing is everything in snow removal. A good contractor will have a clear plan for how and when they respond to snow events. You should never be left wondering if they’ll arrive after the storm or halfway through the workday when vehicles are already stuck.

Ask them:

• What triggers their service? Do they arrive automatically after 2 cm or 2 inches of snowfall, or do you need to call them?

• How do they handle ongoing storms? Will they make multiple passes if the snow continues, or just one after it ends?

• What’s their average response time? For businesses and stratas, even a few hours of delay can create unsafe conditions.

For commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, fast response ensures parking lots stay open and accessible to customers. For strata snow removal, it’s about making sure residents can safely get to work, school, or appointments without worrying about icy sidewalks or buried driveways.

4. Clarify What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Not all snow removal contracts are created equal. Some companies only plow driveways or lots, while others include walkways, stairs, and salting. Before you sign, make sure you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

Key points to clarify:

• Plowing vs. plowing plus salting. Salting is crucial for safety and reducing liability, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Sidewalks and entrances. Will they shovel or snow-blow walkways and stairs, or is that left to you?

• Snow hauling. If piles get too high, can they remove and haul snow offsite? That often comes at an additional cost.

• Emergency service. What happens if there’s an unexpected freeze overnight?

For strata snow removal, small details like who handles stairways, pathways, and mailboxes can make or break resident satisfaction. For commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, it’s about ensuring every part of your property is safe for employees, customers, and deliveries.

5. Look for Experience and References

Snow removal isn’t just about pushing snow around—it’s about planning for unpredictable weather, understanding property layouts, and preventing liability issues. Experience matters.

Ask how long they’ve been in business and what types of clients they serve. A contractor who’s handled commercial snow removal in Surrey BC will know how to manage large lots with heavy traffic, while one who specializes in strata snow removal will understand the unique needs of townhouse complexes and condos.

Don’t skip references. Call current or past clients and ask:

• Do they arrive on time, even during big storms?

• Do they communicate well with property managers or councils?

• Have there been issues with incomplete work or property damage?

A contractor who’s proud of their reputation will gladly share references. In fact, many of us rely on word of mouth from satisfied commercial and strata clients to keep our business thriving.

6. Evaluate Their Communication and Professionalism

Snow removal is about trust. If you can’t reach your contractor when you need them, you’ve got a problem. Professional snow removal contractors will have clear communication systems in place.

Things to look for:

• Dedicated contact info. Do they have a reliable phone number or email for storm updates?

• Professional documentation. Clear contracts, estimates, and invoices show they run an organized operation.

• Regular updates. Do they notify you when they’ll be on site?

For stratas, good communication prevents resident frustration. For commercial clients, professionalism ensures your property manager isn’t left guessing about service schedules. A contractor who values transparency will always stand out.

7. Compare Pricing—But Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest

It’s tempting to choose the lowest bidder, but with snow removal, the cheapest option often comes at a cost—late service, incomplete work, or hidden fees.

When comparing prices, consider:

• Seasonal vs. per-push contracts. Seasonal contracts give predictable costs, while per-push can add up fast in heavy winters.

• Services included. Does the quote include salting, sidewalks, and multiple passes during storms?

• Reliability and reputation. Peace of mind is worth more than saving a few dollars.

For commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, downtime is expensive—an uncleared lot can mean lost revenue and safety risks. For strata snow removal, resident satisfaction and liability protection should outweigh bargain hunting.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a snow removal contractor isn’t something to rush. Take the time to ask questions, check references, and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. At the end of the day, you’re not just hiring someone to plow snow—you’re investing in safety, accessibility, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re responsible for a busy retail lot needing commercial snow removal in Surrey BC, or a townhouse complex requiring strata snow removal, the right contractor will make all the difference. The best contractors show up on time, communicate clearly, and keep your property safe through every snowstorm.

Winter doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes the right partner to keep things running smoothly.

Are you looking for a new snow removal contractor? Look no further! We’d love to provide you with a no-obligation quote. Simply send us an email and we will prepare one for you within 24 hours.

Stay warm!