Hi there, I just wanted to say that your back ( lifting blowers in and out of trucks, the correct mixing of 2 stroke fuel mixtures, wet snow shoveling and such , or hooking and unhooking your plow(s) while lying on your back in ice cold snow, or perhaps repairing hydraulic leaks from the main reservoir, or the multiple hydraulic hoses...) leaves little to be desired after you bust your a** after you have slipped and fell numerous times. And believe me, it does and will happen. In my past life I ran a crew of 9 trucks for our commercial accounts, along with the 5 men shoveling crew appointed to each truck.
Now...lets take a look at the slip and fall lawsuits you will no doubt will receive. It would behoove you to hire a L/S company who is properly insured, 1/3 mil. aggerate. (min.) and to have you named as additional inured. Then call the insurance company to make sure their policy is in force, that you truly are named on policy, and last but most importantly, get 3 quotes during JULY or AUGUST. At this point they are not booked. Make sure you tell them you are getting 3 different quotes, do not let them know who they are bidding against, but let them know it will be an apples to apples comparison. tell them you need prices for 1-3", 3-6" 6-10"& 12+ rates.
You also want an hourly rate for a skid loader (bobcat), and operator of such if separately billed. ( for properties with large amounts of tight parking areas).
Then you will need a price for spreading salt, or sand when temperatures are subzero or the melted snow refreezes at night. These two items are sold by the ton. Again Prices up front. Plow guys love the unprepared business or property! ($$$)
Do not hire Joe P/U Truck for this! Cover your butt. Be able to show the courts you have done all and everything the "common man" could concerning this "Act of God". Again make your tenants aware of their responsibilities at the end of summer. Send it certified, and explain what happens during a snow event. Reiterate parking with tenants. And oh yes guys and gals, make sure your contractors know not to pile snow uphill where they will keep salting, or have to sand until warmer weather. And lastly, don't plow in my dumpsters!!! No access= health issues & a visit from health dept. at a tenants call.
Always put the onus on a licensed professional with insurance. Doing the above will keep you from a joint lawsuit.
I hope this helps. Don't do it yourself. Think of your bank account and your back.
Good luck to all of you!
