It’s nearly that time of year when the temperature drops and snow begins to fall. If you live in a cold climate, snow and ice is inevitable and managing that snowfall is a necessary evil. Depending on the size of the property, snow plowing can be a huge undertaking. But you have options. You can either choose to take on Mother Nature yourself or you can enlist the help of a snow and ice management professional to do it for you. But before you decide, you should first weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Doing-It-Yourself
There’s something to be said for rolling up your sleeves, digging in and getting the job done. But there are also drawbacks to consider before foregoing professional help.
- Convenience. Oftentimes, property owners will choose to plow their own lots because of the convenience factor. It might just seem easier to do the job yourself and cut out the middle man.
- Timeliness. Time is crucial when faced with multiple inches of snow. Some property owners will opt for the DIY route rather than wait for someone to come out and do it for them. But snow removal is a time-consuming task that can take hours to complete. Hiring someone who can come out in the wee hours of the morning to clear your property means that you can spend your time more efficiently.
- Cost. Furthermore, time is money. It goes without saying that when deciding between plowing your own lot and hiring someone to do it for you, cost is a top consideration. Why pay someone to do what you can easily do yourself? Let’s say you own a truck and purchase a plow so you’re always ready to go when a snow storm hits. While in the short term, the investment to plow your own lot may be more cost-effective than hiring a contractor, the long-term wear and tear on your vehicle and the insurance costs may not be worth the temporary cost savings.
Hiring a Professional Contractor
If you want to focus on what you do best – running your business – then outsourcing your snow plowing needs to a professional may seem like an attractive alternative to doing it yourself.
- Hard work. Plowing your own lot may not be as easy and convenient as you might think. There is a certain level of expertise and experience needed to manage plowing and de-icing that you can only get from a professional.
- Liability and safety. Snow and ice-related removal injuries are fairly common during winter months. There’s a chance you could slip and fall if you choose to take on the snow yourself. Additionally, if you fail to properly plow and de-ice your lot, someone else could easily get hurt and you could be facing a lawsuit. Hiring a professional takes the pressure off of you and mitigates your liability.
- Economics. Yes, you may save a few dollars initially, but is doing it yourself really sustainable? Hiring a professional enables you to budget for the service and then not give it much thought, knowing that your plowing needs will be taken care of. On the other hand, you may want to consider whether you will be paying per push or one fixed rate for the entire season. This may make all the difference when deciding to invest in a professional service.
Whether you decide to enlist the help of a professional or go it alone, you should first consider what will work best for you and your unique needs. Download our case study, “
To Plow or Not to Plow” to learn more information before making a decision.