Snowtime Removal FAQ’s
Why should we choose Snowtime Removal, Inc?
Why should we hire a snow removal service?
What time will you begin snow removal?
Can we call to have our driveway cleared as needed?
What do you need to inspect and mark my driveway?
What if one of my snowstakes has been knocked down?
How close can you get to my garage door?
What should I do if there are cars or other vehicles parked in my clearing area?
What should I do if I need to leave and my driveway is not cleared?
What if I have difficulty due to my driveway’s steep slope?
What is your policy for end of season repairs to my property?
How soon should I sign up for snow removal?
What do I do if I sell my property after I have contracted for services?
Does Snowtime shovel walk, driveways, roofs, etc?
Why do I have to fill out the online signup form each year?
What can be done to limit the amount of gravel thrown during snow removal?
Why should we choose Snowtime Removal?
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 maintains. This ensures efficient removal and helps keep equipment breakdown delays to a minimum.
Why Should we hire a snow removal service?
Snow removal is an affordable and time saving service for full time residents and second home owners alike. For full time residents, snow removal services help provide reliable all season access to and from your home. Helping 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.
What time will you begin snow removal?
Snowtime will begin snow removal when snowfall reaches between 4-6 inches. 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, Okanogan County, or other snow removal providers. 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/other removal providers and operator fatigue. If we happen to come back by your driveway we will make every attempt to clear berms that have occurred after the initial clearing.
Can we call to have our driveway cleared as needed?
“On Calls” are a part of our business. We can provide one of two service options. Our “on call” service is when the drive is only cleared on specific dates as provided by the homeowner; we ask for a week notice prior to the removal date. All special “call outs” and “on call” customers will be billed the hourly blowing/plowing rate. All time will be billed the one hour minimum and remaining time broken into 15-minute increments. We ask for a week’s notice prior to the arrival so we can attempt to clear while we are already out. If a special trip is needed to clear, travel time will be included in addition to the cost of your base rate.
Why do you need to inspect and mark my driveway?
Each Fall we will personally inspect and mark your driveway. Marking insures the safety of our operators, our equipment, and your home. In addition, the markers provide a guide of the clearing area for our operators. 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.
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 to let us know.
How close can you get to my garage door?
In most cases, our snowblowers can get within 12-18 inches 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. We ask that customers park multiple vehicles together so more area can be cleared. As a courtesy, we do attempt to return to check if parked cars have been moved.
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.
What is your policy for end of season repairs to by 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.
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 changes through the date of notification. Please provide us with updated billing information or changes of address in your notification.
Can Snowtime shovel walkways, roofs, decks, etc.?
We do not offer shoveling services at this time, however we recommend checking on the Methow Bulletin Board or contacting House Watch Methow.
Why do I have to fill out the online sign-up form each year?
We ask that you fill out the form each year for a couple of reasons. The first is to ensure we have all your correct contact information. The second reason is to provide you the opportunity to agree to our policies each year. Submitting the form is your agreement to our policies.
What about nightly rentals?
Nightly rentals are a major part of our business. We ask owners of nightly rentals to select the box when filling out our sign-up form so we can place those residents on a priority list. Nightly rentals will be cleared every time we have a snow event.
What can be done to limit the amount of gravel thrown during snow removal?
Unfortunately throwing gravel cannot be avoided, however we make every attempt to keep our machines from doing so. If you are repairing your driveway we recommend doing so in the Spring so it has the opportunity to become compacted. Having a good freeze also helps in keeping gravel from being thrown. Those driveway which are not cleared on a regular basis may experience more gravel thrown, as the snow acts as an insulator and keeps the gravel from staying frozen to the ground. If you have questions about what you can do to limit thrown gravel please don’t hesitate to contact us.