We've gotten a lot of questions over the years. Here are our answers to some of our most common ones. If you still can't find what you're looking for, Contact Us.
Q. Do you plow?
A. We use shovels rather than plows and snow throwers for all residential projects in normal winter sceranios. You can visit our blog to learn more about why, but the TLDR is that shovels are more efficient, more reliable, safer, and more preferred by our clients and their neighbors. While we aim to rely as little as possible on machines, we may charge to have them maintained, insured, on stand by, delivered, and in operation during significant accumulation events for commercial sites.
Q. How much do you charge?
A. Residential rates begin at $14.99 for a simple sidewalk to door, property entrance, or building entrance/exit clearing. Perpendicular sidewalks, corner lots, and extended sidewalks are an extra $9.99 per 20ft run. Regular driveways are $24.99 with an additional $9.99 for each vehicle space. Extended driveways are extra depending on length and width. Rates are applied after 2" of accumulation. Salting the area after each service is generally $2.99-$4.99 per application. Ice removal is $34.99 per quarter inch. 10x10 pet potty spaces and patios are $9.99. Touchups are included.
Commercial rates vary depending on layout, location, and need. Contact Us today for a free estimate. Extra fees will be added to invoices where more than 6" of accumulation is cleared in a single visit, or where snow has been compacted by traffic.
Q. Why 2"?
While we're happy to provide zero tolerance services for those that request them, we find that removing snow every 2", provides the best overall value for most properties. This is because cleared surfaces don't accumulate snow as quickly as ones that are covered do. Following snowfalls, covered surfaces will accumulate snow still being blown around from drifts, houses, trees, etc. But, whenever rogue flakes hit surfaces that are cleared, they are more likely to melt or be blown on elsewhere, rather than accumulating in a place where nothing else is. The other benefit of earlier clearings is that the snow doesn't get driven on and packed down. This, combined with our free touchup program, makes it so we end up performing, and charging for, a lot less full-service clearings throughout the season.
Q. When do you operate?
A. Depending on the weather, we try to have a night crew that sets up before our morning crew that begins at 5:00 AM. Monitor local weather to plan ahead. It is recommended Joining Our Free Membership Club to be put on our routes ahead of time before snow falls. While most of our clients prefer a 2" trigger, some we service prefer a zero tolerance service as well.
Q. Where do you service?
A. We currently service pockets of Michiana including Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. We are also available for short term contracts for severe accumulation events across the U.S. Contact Us if you need help battling winter weather this season or next.
Q. How quickly can I get my property cleared?
Once you're on our route, we will do our best to have your property cleared at a time that best coincides with your schedule and needs. For regular snowfalls and average sized projects, crews can have things cleared within minutes of arrival.
Q. How can I pay?
A. We will provide an invoice for services rendered. We accept cash but prefer Contactless Payments. Loyalty Club Members may pay via installments, and also leave tips for their shovelers. Invoices are due within 2 weeks of issue for most events.
Q. If I have a large project, can I get a free estimate?
A. Yes. Contact Us, and with the location and description. For new clients, it is best to contact us before winter to get the best estimate/rates, and avoid our wait list. Be sure to leave specific directions if the property is not clearly marked from the road. Text images of the property to 269.262.1973, or email them to [email protected], to increase the speed we can respond.
Q. Do you offer discounts?
A. Yes we offer discount rates to first timers, seniors, veterans, emergency workers, single parents, multi-child households, students, and small businesses. We offer other discounts to those paying in Digital Currencies. For those in true need we also offer Angel Services.
Q. What are Angel Services?
A. Angel Services are for when causes or individuals need services, and we wave our fees, or arrange another party to cover them.
Q. How can I set up a service?
A. The quickest easiest way is to sign up for our Loyalty Rewards Club, and send a message including property location, photo, description, and work needing done to [email protected], or to 269.262.1973. Once your service is confirmed with one of our appointment agents, your property will become included on our routes.
Q. Why do you use hand-held shakers to spread salt, instead of a push spreader?
A. Hand-held shakers allow for a lot more control on where the salt lands. Push spreaders are generally intended to broadcast seed, not salt or ice-melt products. They have a much larger spread radius than the hand-held shakers, and lead to way too much salt or ice-melt being used. This can be damaging to driveway and sidewalk surfaces, fences, porches, and vehicles. It is out of respect for our clients' property that we use the right tool for the job, and do not cost them a bundle in damages after we're gone.
Q. Are you hiring?
A. Yes! We are passionate about empowering people through dignified work. To this end we've done our best to put together offerings that provide livable wages for those that help keep our communities safer by maintaining clearer sidewalks and driveways. We have openings available for remote, as well as, field positions. Check them out and instantly apply on our Job Opportunities page. Even if we cannot set you up with our crews this season, we may be able to help you sharpen your resume and land another position elsewhere.
Q. Are you aware of the spelling errors on your pages and blog?
A. Oh yeah, there's a bunch. Years ago when this was started, it was built on a machine with decent spell check but no battery. Today's updates come from a device with great battery life, but no spell checker. That being said, if you spot errors, contact us about them, and you might receive some free merch or something even spiffier for your time and skills. We hope these do not distract from the general information shared on these pages, but if they do, let us know where we can fix them ASAP, please and thank you.