In order to become a long-term success, it's crucial that all snow removal businesses know about the importance of preseason snow visits.
By conducting preseason snow visits, your business can:
Also, it's important to take your crews with you since they’ll be doing the hard work during severe weather conditions where everything looks different.
Keep in mind, there are numerous mishaps that can happen in the short span of time between spring and summer.
Miscellaneous fender-benders, equipment leaks, and changed fixed objects are just a few of the many ways site conditions can quickly evolve.
Use this article to explore why preseason snow visits are vital as well as the best expert tips to perform the most thorough site evaluation before your first snow storm hits.
When you visit properties during preseason snow visits, you can review your SOP (i.e. standard operating procedures with your crews and the clients.
Your SOP lays out your business' responsibilities for snow and ice management. As a result, SOP's reinforce your procedures for optimal productivity and efficiency for all parties.
Preseason snow visits serve as the perfect opportunity to set mutually acceptable expectations for the snow and ice removal from driveways, walkways, parking lots, etc.
In addition, if you're in commercial snow removal, then the property manager may also provide their company’s SOP for snow.
After reviewing expectations with your clients, it's important to finalize any necessary changes within the contract.
By performing preseason snow visits, you can protect your snow removal business from liability claims. Use these visits as a chance to find out everything you need to know about the properties you'll be servicing.
For example, your crews need to know where to pile the snow into berms as well as any potential obstacles that could making servicing the property more challenging. Also, it's important your crews know where potential thaw and refreeze problems exist.
In addition, you'll have to remind your crews to document ALL hazards, property changes, and pre-existing damages. Remember, keeping detailed documentation can save your snow business potentially thousands of dollars.
By the way, you can easily document, upload before/after photos, electronically sign contracts, and more using the #1 snow removal software.
During your preseason snow visits, survey where the snow pile or berms will be as well as any drainage issues from that location.
Remember, it's important to take pictures and document where you'll be piling the snow. You'll have to figure out where the melted snow will drain.
For instance, does the snow flow back to the parking lot, or does it go to a retention pond? As always, discuss any red flags with all your crews and clients.
Make sure you and your crews look up, down, and all around. For instance, you should be taking note of things like:
Remember, all of these factors contribute to common slip-and-fall scenarios.
For example, note where the snow falls on a roof or a canopy. If it’s a hazard to the people below, then you'll have to make it a part of your snow and ice removal plan.
Brainstorm with your crews about all of the possible problems that could arise with your properties.
If your crews saw a hazard or something that’s damaged, then document it with a picture and inform your PMO (i.e. project management office).
By reviewing properties with your crews with reasons snow visits, you'll ensure smooth and safe operations this winter season. After all, crews use preseason visits to discover things like:
Think of preseason snow visits as a dry run, where crews can detect potential hazards before everything is covered in snow. As a result, you can simultaneously maximize efficiency and minimize injuries.
Map the property for obstacles, drainage, and other hazards with mapping to note potential problems or damaged areas.
For example, you can use Google Maps to get an aerial perspective on drainage and other issues. This is especially important when dealing with larger commercial properties.
Did you know you can easily document preseason snow visits and so much more using Service Autopilot?
With the best snow removal software, the best snow removal businesses can easily streamline daily operations with:
Plus, Service Autopilot is the best way to scale your business while simultaneously maximizing profits and boosting efficiency.
Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
By conducting preseason snow visits in the fall, you can:
Plus, your crews will able to acclimate more quickly to their surroundings to provide high-quality snow removal services that exceed your clients' expectations.
Now, you can begin conducting thorough preseason snow visits to secure your business' long-lasting success and profitability for many years to come!
Related: The Ultimate Winter Preparation Checklist for Businesses
Originally published Oct 16, 2018, updated Jan 10, 2023 10:45 AM
Tags: Business Operation
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Wow great article! Such a simple concept a lot of us business owners probably don't even think about it. Will definitely employ this excellent planning strategy for the coming season. Thank you for taking the time to write this down.