BLOG NUMBER 14.32
Snow Removal Budget
We have learned about snow forecasts over the years and if there is one thing we’re sure of it’s that they’re not a sure thing. When it comes to looking ahead to the next winter, there is simply no way to know for sure if there will be heavy or light snow, so if you run a large property it’s best to prepare for the worst and budget for heavy.
Budgeting for Snow Removal
For community associations, shopping centers, and other properties with large parking lots and access roads, there are basically two methods used by snow removal companies: (1) per occurrence, or (2) seasonal.
Seasonal arrangements require your removal company to respond each time there is a snowfall and they sometimes have a maximum number of responses after which there will be an additional charge per response.
Per occurrence arrangements call for a flat fee every time the company responds to your property. Which arrangement is best for your situation is something to be considered.
Budgeting a set amount for a flat rate will not have money left over, but it will usually not risk a large deficit. A per-occurrence contract may save money in a light-snow season, but it can be a big money number when it’s a heavy snow season. How do you choose?
Because you can’t predict the future, you can look at the past. A ten year average of snowfall, dollars budgeted and dollars spent should give you an indication of which way to go in the future. Getting bids is a good idea and asking advice from your snow removal provider is prudent.
Preparing a snow removal budget is crucial to having enough funds to keep your plan on track and prevent dangerous situations from developing.
Probably most important is to choose a snow removal company that has the reputation for providing fast, quality service. Saving money is nice, but hiring a company that doesn’t show up ready to get the job done when you need them is terrible.
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