Snow Removal F.A.Q.’s
WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE SNOWTIME?
Snowtime is the Upper Valley’s largest and most experienced snow removal service. We use a variety of equipment to provide the best possible snow removal options for your road or driveway. Our operators are skilled in every aspect of snow removal and equipment maintenance. This insures efficient removal and helps keep equipment breakdown delays to a minimum.
WHY SHOULD WE HIRE A SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE?
Snow removal is affordable and time saving service for full time residents and second home owners alike. For full time residents, snow removal services help insure reliable all season access to and from your home. This helps you and your family stay on schedule for work, school, social and active pursuits; as well as access for emergency services.
For second home owners, snow removal services are a crucial convenience, giving you more time during your stay to enjoy the wonders of the Methow Valley.
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WHAT TIME WILL YOU BEGIN SNOW REMOVAL?
Snowtime will begin snow removal when snowfall reaches between 4”-6". Timing of removal will vary from day to day, event to event. During exceptional snowfall events, it is often possible that we will provide service to you more than once in a 24 hour period.
WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT BERMS LEFT BY THE ROAD CREWS?
It is nearly impossible for us to coordinate our snow removal with the Department of Transportation or Okanogan County. Generally, we will clear berms at the time we provide driveway or private road service. The decision to return solely for berm clearing is dependant on heavy snowfall, slow road clearing response from DOT/Okanogan County and operator fatigue.
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CAN WE CALL TO HAVE OUR DRIVEWAY CLEARED AS NEEDED?
“On Calls” are a part of our business. Our fee is based on the driveways flat rate plus an additional $20, and are scheduled based on our availability.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO INSPECT AND MARK MY DRIVEWAY?
In the Fall we will personally inspect and mark your driveway. This service is to insure the safety of our operators, our equipment and your home. In addition, the markers provide a guide of the clearing area for our operators. Our markers are made from rebar, which we drive into the ground, and then cover with a length of PVC pipe, tipped with florescent paint. Once we have placed these markers, it is imperative they not be moved and that no landscaping, rocks, etc. be placed inside of the marked area. During the snow season, it is also important to keep the marked area clear of debris such as fire wood, children’s toys, etc. as these items are easily covered up by a snowfall and can become dangers to equipment, operators, homes and bystanders. In the Spring, we return and remove the markers.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ONE OF MY SNOWSTAKES HAVE BEEN KNOCKED DOWN?
If you can locate the PVC pipe, please try to reinstall it over the rebar stake. If you are unable, please give us a call or send us an e-mail and let us know.
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HOW CLOSE CAN YOU GET TO MY GARAGE DOOR?
In most cases, our snow blowers can get within 12” to 18” of a garage door, car, entry stairs, etc. For our snow plows, it depends on the configuration of your driveway and entry. We do our best to reduce the amount of hand shoveling left for you to access these areas.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE ARE CARS OR OTHER VEHICLES PARKED IN MY CLEARING AREA?
Our operators will clear around parked vehicles. The next time we provide service to you, we will clean up any excess snow resulting from vehicle blockage.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED TO LEAVE, AND MY DRIVEWAY IS NOT CLEAR?
If you have somewhere you need to be and cannot get out of your driveway, please give us a call and we will put you on priority status. We will make our best effort to accommodate your needs, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee our arrival time.
WHAT IF I HAVE DIFFICULTY DUE TO MY DRIVEWAY’S STEEP SLOPE?
Some homes have been built with less than ideal accessibility in snow conditions. We will do all we can to insure your access, but cannot be responsible for lack of accessibility caused by driveway slopes, vehicles not well suited for snow, or driver experience.
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Residential sanding is available upon request. For commercial customers, sanding is provided as needed.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY FOR END OF THE SEASON REPAIRS TO MY PROPERTY?
We will reasonably repair damage to your property caused by our gross negligence. We are not responsible for scratches, gouges, chain marks, etc. as a result from our normal snow removal procedures. We are not responsible for damage to, or caused by; property left in, placed or constructed within the clearing area. We are also not responsible for damage to driveways caused by improper construction, sinking or poor compaction.
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HOW SOON SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES?
We appreciate your commitment by October 1st. This gives us adequate time to calculate our equipment and labor needs; verify our routes and update our administrative records.
WHAT IF I SELL MY HOME AFTER I HAVE CONTRACTED FOR SERVICE?
If you sell your home, please notify us immediately, in writing, so we may discontinue services. You will be responsible for any charges through the date of notification. Please provide us with updated billing information or changes of address in your notification.
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CAN SNOWTIME SHOVEL WALKWAYS, ROOFS, DECKS, ETC.?
Our efforts are best spent maintaining driveway accessibility. Our operators are generally unavailable for hand shoveling. Upon your request, we will do our best to refer you to someone who is available.