COVID-19 has brought a lot of change to our world recently, but one thing we know is that the snow will still fall, and the beginning of summer means the beginning of winter weather preparations.
Are You Ready?
Consider your snow-free parking lot and parking garage a brand asset. Create a clean and blank slate to welcome your clients, visitors, and guests and ensure your brand is well-represented from the moment they step on to your property.
Choosing a snow and ice management vendor is step one in preparing for the winter season. Powerhouse’s Director of Exterior Services, Eric Brownlee said – “You and the vendor team should discuss both field quality expectations, and more importantly, communication expectations. Who will be the point of contact? How will work orders be invoiced and communicated? Communication is a key success factor in any program, especially one that has a direct impact on your brand and can quickly be impacted by variables, like weather, that are often unpredictable.”
Here are the best practices recommended for choosing a snow and ice management partner:
1. Start Early
Give yourself at least 3 months to:
-
- Write a formal scope, or RFP, if required
- Develop a transition plan
- Develop a budget
Starting early will ensure that you have the best selection of providers. It will also ensure a smooth transition and better pricing.
2. Develop a Scope
Create a detailed list of what services you want. Gather site maps so that your providers can give you accurate pricing. Make sure to call out any special requirements in your documentation.
3. Understand Available Pricing Options
Snow and ice management pricing can be challenging to understand due to unpredictablie weather patterns. Do you want to go with a seasonal price that gives you cost certainty or a per event model? Walk through the various scenario pros and cons with your provider to come up with what will work best for you.
4. What About Safety?
Snow removal services can be risky from a safety and environmental standpoint. Ensure that the provider has the proper safety protocols, insurance coverages, and environmental protocols in place.
5. Execution Assessment
Execution is the most important factor in a snow and ice management program. The best pricing in the world does not matter, if the vendors don’t show up, or show up with faulty equipment. Understanding the provider’s ability to react in a major storm event is critical to success. Do they subscribe to weather forecasting services to stay informed and keep your properties updated?
6. Communication
Discuss systems and processes with any providers that you are considering. Make sure you will receive reports. Ask how they communicate with their vendors.
Partnering with the right company will lead to success for your program. By taking the time to fully vet companies you will find one that offers a team that understands the value of your asset, offers solutions that can mitigate long term expense, keeps your properties safe and mitigates winter weather risk. Every program, no matter how long it has been in place, or how recently it has been updated, is open for improvement.
Whether you are developing a new program or considering changing a current one, we recommend you reach out to your trusted providers. Powerhouse and the dedicated team of professionals in our Exterior Services division would be an excellent place to start.
Services:
- De-icing Services
- Snow Plowing
- Snow Hauling
- Pre-treatment Applications
- Sidewalk Snow/Ice Management
- Parking Garage Snow Management
Exterior Maintenance is an investment, not a nuisance. Make this asset work for you by finding the right team who can unlock the value of your landscape assets and snow management for your company and your facilities.
Powerhouse is your solution. See how we can help with exterior services or email info@powerhousenow.com to learn more.
Sources: https://shovler.com/blog/size-of-snow-removal-industry/ http://www.usa.com/rank/us--average-snow--state-rank.htm https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/snow/removal.html https://www.sima.org/
