Free Snow Removal Contract Template + What to Include

A snow removal contract legally sets expectations between you and customers – covering services, pricing, terms, and liability protections. It prevents disputes down the line and shields both parties when the flakes start falling.

What is a Snow Removal Contract

This legally binding contract between your snow removal outfit and commercial or residential clients lays out the services you pledge to provide over a winter season (or longer) – plowing, shoveling, salting, etc. The contract also establishes pricing and payment structures; what snow accumulation depth activates your crews; exact property boundaries you’ll clear; equipment used; insurance coverage specifics; plus start and end time frame terms.

By detailing these expectations upfront, contracts safeguard both parties. You lock in consistent income and scheduling/resources clarity. Clients gain peace of mind that their property enjoys reliable winter maintenance. Disputes around scope, pricing, and liability shrink too.

When to Use a Snow Removal Contract Template

As a new or growing snow removal operator bidding jobs, a contract template proves invaluable in multiple situations: Taking on new clients, renewing previous employment agreements, adjusting pricing or service terms, providing seasonal maintenance, clearing commercial or residential properties, and tackling one-time snow clearing projects.

The key upside of templates? They automatically include all legally essential provisions – far quicker than crafting contracts from scratch. A contractor or freelance contract template still allows ample customization to each client’s expectations while cutting time wasted on wordsmithing.

With upfront mutually accepted terms in writing, everyone starts off the winter on the same page regarding services, payments, and liability – preventing conflicts down the road. In an industry with razor-thin margins, efficiency, and risk reduction is invaluable for underpinning business growth.

Types of Snow Removal Contracts

Determining the best snow removal contract model to suit your needs starts with asking key questions – How much does your area typically get? Is budget consistency or risk management more important? What level of access and reliability do you require?

Let’s explore the various contract structures and requirements for a contract available to balance cost, predictability, and service across different client priorities:

Per Storm Billing: This contract charges per snowfall when accumulations top an agreed trigger depth – say 2 inches or more. You gain predictable per-event costs but can experience sticker shock after heavy winters. If you can float unpredictable costs, it directly aligns payment with work done.
Seasonal Fixed Rate: Here you secure a single flat winter price over a multi-year term, often 2-3 years. While visit caps during extreme storms are common, they allow stable budgeting. This shared-risk model works for larger locations focused on balancing cost control with adequate winter access.
Full-Service Agreement: For prime reliability without worrying about every storm cost, this premium-priced contract guarantees end-to-end snow-clearing services across plowing, shoveling, deicing, etc. You pay more but ensure total confidence in property winter readiness – crucial for high-traffic retail locations.
Time and Materials: Prefer to track effort and penny-for-penny costs instead of a fixed rate? This model ties payment directly to used resources per service call – great flexibility but no upper expenditure limit in high-snow regions. Properties focused purely on precise pay-per-use rather than broader budget consistency are drawn to this.
Per Inch Rates: Here localized snow totals at your location determine pricing, which escalates through set bands as accumulation rises. Accuracy is key – it depends on diligent storm measurement to trigger appropriate rate tiers.

The best-fit model depends on aligning priorities to constraints – do you examine all such factors going in?

Elements to Include in a Snow Removal Contract

Snow mounds don’t play – heavy winter conditions put everyone on edge. Ironclad contracts make or break symptomatic operations, keeping crews rolling smoothly no matter how the flakes fall.

Party Information

Chase away any chance of confusion upfront by logging company designations, rep names, street addresses, contact numbers, emails – the works.

Full transparency means seamless communication when annual renewals or any payments come due. Also helps skip potential disputes because all know who’s accountable where.

Duration of Contract

Calendar exactly when the salt spreading, snow blowing and shoveling starts and stops based on regional climate norms.

And don’t wait for the first big dump to outline what could warrant backing out early – temporary spats often thaw. But if splitting becomes mandatory, best to handle it cleanly so all avoid legal ice patches down the road.

Advance notice on go-live dates and possible off-ramps lets contractors prepare budgets for fuel, and equipment repairs, and work for hires to meet service commitments. Because when winter weather blitzes intensely, being short handed is no fun at all.

Description of Services

Don’t leave clients guessing what that per-push pricing covers – spell it out. Plowing, shoveling, deicing, haulaways – outline every slippery service in detail.

Define what snow base triggers a call-out clearly. And set expectations on response times once flakes start filling the air. Outline frequency – is it after every event, daily, certain weekdays?

List the equipment that’ll pull into the drive – skid steers to snow blowers to that beastly Hummer with a plow blade. And confirm what melts away ice – like who supplies salt, sand, and other thaw techs.

Highlight areas intentionally excluded too – like rooftops or tree coverage zones. This prevents budget blow-ups if customers assume it’s all handled. Outline any extras beyond baseline work as well as associated pricing.

Bottomline – advanced clarity reduces customer gripes when the first bills arrive. Closed mouths don’t get fed – so keep expectations aligned.

Description of Property

Mudrooms to shipping bays to winding sidewalks – outline every inch of the property being cleared. Highlight special instructions for trouble zones – like handicapped access points needing extra care.

Provide boundary specifics – list the full property address plus on-site maps or diagrams if useful. Call out precarious statues, railings, and vegetation to avoid accidental damage during intense plow power.

And unlock the gates! Confirm parking guidance for plow crews to come and go smoothly. Supply access codes, brief safety guides, or door passkeys allowing chore completion even while closed.

The basics acclimate crews to the environment and prevent unwanted surprises from interfering with reliable service. Setting and meeting expectations are everything.

Snow Event

What amount of the white stuff turns into an all-hands winter crisis? Detail exact metrics activating your fleet’s full arsenal of plows, blowers, salt trucks, and sleds.

Inches of accumulation? Drift density? Ice sheets glazing the slope down to HQ? Whatever the criteria – nail it down so crews aren’t left guessing.

Advance awareness allows better preparation as storms brew so resources sync up when it’s time to wage war on the weather.

Compensation & Payment

Break billing down into digestible bites using a payment agreement template– whether per push pricing, seasonal flat rates, or hourly as needed. Outline add-ons like roof raking or tree trimming too if relevant.

Establish firm payment deadlines – like 7 days after monthly invoicing. List accepted payment modes – checks, bank transfers, etc. While incentives grease wheels add late fee penalties to discourage lingering unless valid emergencies arise.

Detailed rates align with detailed services already outlined. This further prevents back-end budget blustering after plowing finishes and administrative duties take over. Keep the pipes flowing!

Signatures

Finish strong by leaving room for both sides to put pen to paper – or fingers to glass with digital sign-offs. Services won’t lift a finger without the signatures confirming unified understanding.

Waterproof gloves make scribing tough, so digital documents signed remotely through secure platforms like Signaturely save snow-fighting teams serious time. The platform will walk you through how to sign a contract online in a few simple steps.

Their authentication technology and encrypted audit trail would make even Chris Kringle jealous. Electronic signatures check legal boxes across most districts too, accelerating contracting so crews can bloodhound for new clients before the last flurry falls.

Winter’s unpredictable at best – don’t gamble by letting the season’s first bankable snow day pass without contracts. Let your signatories go frictionless using Signaturely so you can count on payments as steady as snowfall during a polar vortex whiteout.

Commercial vs Residential Snow Removal Services

Running a snow removal operation means servicing two very different types of clients – commercial properties and residential homes. You need unique,valid contracts tailored for each.

With offices, malls, and other commercial sites, you’re handling massive spaces like sprawling parking lots, long sidewalks, and constantly-used loading bays. Keeping these high-traffic zones open is vital for business operations, so 24/7 service is often essential rather than the one-time jobs of residential work. Steady readiness means deploying your teams the minute the flakes start falling to make repeat visits ensuring minimal accumulation.

Because heavy foot traffic raises liability risks should anyone slip and fall, commercial contracts build in safeguards like guaranteed maximum response times before accumulations stick. Don’t forget stipulations on pre-treating icy buildup, hauling excess piles, and fines if you fail service mandates. Detailed maps of all areas being serviced should be included too.

With residential driveways and front walkways, you deal with smaller square footage. Timeliness can be more flexible based on homeowner preferences rather than rigid commercial mandates. Knocking them out with basic snowblowers or shovels in a single visit after snowfall is usually sufficient. And you can structure simpler contracts around pay-per-plow rather than intensive commercial commitments.

Your pricing model aligns with the client – commercial snow removal on seasonal or per-inch rates compared to per-service residential billing. While business sites need heavy equipment and large crews, neighborhood work allows streamlining. And homeowners tend to be more tolerant around storm delays compared to commercial contracts banking on reliable service to enable operations.

How to Write a Snow Removal Contract

Starting from a template is the easiest way to draft a customized snow removal contract. Templates give you a ready-made structure highlighting all the must-have sections so you avoid leaving out important details.

First, templates include basics like contact information, property details, and pricing terms. But they also prompt you to specify vital elements unique to snow removal – exactly which services fall under your scope like plowing, shoveling, de-icing, and what snowfall depth triggers you to mobilize crews. Duration, payment schedules, liability clauses, and insurance specifics also come built-in.

To personalize, simply plug in the particulars relevant to your client: Identify whether it’s a commercial high-rise or residential single-family home, map the property boundaries, and outline cost tiers fitting your operations. Review to double-check accuracy and legal compliance. Then leave signature lines free to formalize the agreement.

Leveraging pre-built templates is more efficient since all structural elements are already in place. Tweaking the content saves you from having to research and craft extensive contracts from nothing. This way, you get to focus energy on serving clients versus drafting documents. And with professional templates handling compliance, you steer clear of conflicts down the road.

For the easiest path to customized, sound snow removal contracts, let templates and contract addendum templates lead the way. Drop in the details, personalize terms, sign a PDF contract, and then push some snow!

Download our free example
Snow Removal Contract

We’ve got your back here at Signaturely, and we’re ready to help make stress-free contracts a reality. Forget the confusing paperwork and overwhelming legal jargon – get easy, breezy contract templates in minutes with our free template.

Click that download button now and get those wheels spinning!

What to Remember About a Snow Removal Contract Template

Leaning on snow removal templates saves time while covering all your bases. They push you to nail down the essentials – participant names, exact property details, liability protections. Define “snow event” triggers clearly so crews mobilize appropriately.

Precision first prevents disputes later. And revisit contracts before each winter to update terms as your business evolves. Keep services scoped, pricing dialed in, and legal guardrails strong by starting from solid templates.

FAQs About Snow Removal Contracts

How do you price snow removal contracts?

Consider major factors like property size, frequency of service needed, and local snowfall volumes. Common pricing models include per-event billing, retainer agreements, pre-paid seasonal rates, or charges based on inches accumulated per storm. You’ll also want to calculate expected labor, equipment, and material costs to set rates that achieve profitability. Research what competitors charge too – the market conditions in your area drive pricing power.

How do you market snow removal services?

For business owners targeting new clients, focus locally on advertising to commercial property managers and homeowners associations before winter hits. Social media outreach and online listings are good channels too, especially if you offer early-bird specials for seasonal signups. Partnering with landscaping companies for cross-referrals also leverages existing relationships with real estate contacts. And provide impeccable prompt service once hired – word-of-mouth is powerful marketing for snow removal contractors with a robust referral agreement template.

Does snow removal include salting/de-icing?

Basic snow clearing does not typically cover salting services either. Often spreading salt or other de-icing agents comes with an additional fee since it requires special materials and equipment. However, it’s an important part of risk management and ensuring clear, navigable spaces after storms by stopping ice buildup. Make sure to outline what is encompassed in your base services versus any extras that your contracts could include for situations like ice management.

document preview

Free Snow Removal Contract Template

Snow Removal Contract Template

PARTIES

This Snow Removal Contract (“Contract”) is entered into as of [Date], by and between [Contractor Name], an independent contractor operating under the business name [Business Name] (if applicable), located at [Contractor Address] (“Contractor”), and [Client Name], with a principal place of business located at [Client Address] (“Client”).

SERVICES PROVIDED

The Contractor agrees to perform the following snow removal services at [Client’s Address or Description of Locations]:

Snow Plowing: Plowing of snow from designated areas such as driveways, parking lots, and access roads, using suitable plowing equipment.

Snow Shoveling: Manual shoveling of snow from walkways, steps, and entrances, as necessary.

De-Icing and Salting: Application of salt or other de-icing materials to designated areas to prevent ice buildup and ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle access.

Snow Stacking and Removal: Piling and removal of snow from the site to designated areas or offsite, as required.

Emergency Services: Provision of emergency snow removal services upon request by the Client, subject to additional charges based on the urgency and extent of services required.

These services will be provided whenever [specify trigger, e.g., snow accumulation reaches two inches or more], and will be conducted within [number] hours of snowfall cessation, unless otherwise specified by the Client.

The Contractor will use their best judgment and experience in the performance of these services, considering the safety, efficiency, and property care standards expected in the industry.

PAYMENTS

Payment Terms: The Client agrees to pay the Contractor the total sum of [Total Contract Amount] for the snow removal services provided under this Contract. Payments will be made according to the following schedule:

Initial Payment: An initial payment of [Initial Payment Amount] is due upon the signing of this Contract.

Regular Payments: Subsequent payments of [Subsequent Payment Amount] are due on the first of each month during the term of this contract, beginning [Start Month, Year].

Final Payment: The final payment is due within [Number] days of the completion of the snow removal season or termination of the contract.

Payment Methods: Payments shall be made via [specify acceptable forms of payment, e.g., check, bank transfer, credit card].

Late Payments: Payments received later than [Number] days after the due date will incur a late fee of [Percentage]% per month on the outstanding balance.

Adjustments: If additional services beyond those specified in this Contract are required and performed, they will be billed separately at [Specific Rate] per [hour/event], payable within [Number] days of the invoice date.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

The Contractor is retained as an independent contractor and not as an employee of the Client. The Contractor is solely responsible for all taxes, withholdings, and other statutory or contractual obligations of any sort, including but not limited to, workers’ compensation insurance. The Contractor has the freedom to determine the method, details, and means of performing the services agreed upon in this Contract. This status is agreed upon by both parties and is integral to the agreement set forth in this Contract.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Client shall provide any special instructions or requirements regarding the snow removal services in writing prior to the commencement of services. Such instructions may include, but are not limited to, designated areas for snow placement, priority areas for clearing, specific times for removal, and any surfaces requiring special care. The Contractor agrees to follow these instructions and to use reasonable care to avoid damage to the Client’s property and landscaping. The Client must notify the Contractor of any changes to these instructions or the property conditions in a timely manner to ensure effective service delivery. Failure to provide such notice may result in improper service for which the Contractor will not be held responsible.

ASSIGNMENT

Neither party may assign or transfer their rights or delegate their duties under this Contract without the prior written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment or delegation without such consent will be void and ineffective for all purposes. This clause ensures that the contract cannot be transferred to another service provider or client without mutual agreement, thereby preserving the integrity and expectations of the original contractual agreement.

TERMINATION

This Contract may be terminated by either party upon [number] days written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, the Client shall pay the Contractor for all services performed to the date of termination, prorated to the nearest day

Additionally, this Contract may be terminated immediately by either party upon any breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement that is not remedied within [number] days after written notice of such breach. If terminated for breach, the non-breaching party is entitled to seek compensation for any damages suffered due to the breach.

APPLICABLE LAW

This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State Name], without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Both parties agree that any legal action or proceeding concerning the validity, interpretation, and enforcement of this contract, including any disputes arising from or related to the contract, will be resolved exclusively in the courts of [County] County, [State Name]. Each party consents to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation in said courts.

SIGNATURE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Snow Removal Contract as of the day and year first above written. Each party warrants that the person signing this Contract on their behalf is duly authorized to do so and to bind the respective party to the terms of this Contract.

[Contractor’s Name]

Signature: ___________________________

Name: [Printed Name]

Title: [Title, if applicable]

Date: _______________________________

[Client’s Name]