Snow Removal Service

February 6, 2010 6:50 AM

I live in Baltimore County, MD where there's a ridiculous amount of snow piling up. What's the best way to hire a snow remover service? Also, for those who are also getting hit by the blizzard, what's the going price range/wait? Any recommendations?

I'm living with my elderly grandparents right now and we have two sidewalks (a big and small one), a deck and driveway covered in a massive amount of snow. My grandparents are frugal people and as far as I know, they have never hired a snow removal service (and neither have I).

So where can I find a good deal? Is $150 really considered the going rate for someone to come in and plow your driveway (sidewalks not included?) Should I use craigslist? My grandparents are worried that if we hire some random guy, he won't do a very good job of cleaning the driveway because he'll have so many jobs backed up.

Any recommendations for people in the Lutherville area that you know of? Thanks!

posted by bluelight to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Around these parts (North of Boston), we usually look to the local high school kids for help when the snow is too big for homeowner removal. Maybe network with the neighbors a bit, and see if any local lads or lasses are looking for some quick cash? They may be able to help dig out the main walkways while you wait for the real snow service to dig out the driveway.

It's probably too late now, but I've gotten a cheap electric snowblower for $100 - you'd need to use it several times during the storm if you have a 2-footer like today, but if you can find one locally, it can make short work of the snow.
posted by jenkinsEar at 9:32 AM on February 6, 2010

Call your local landscaping services and see if anyone's willing to be hired. A lot of them do snow removal as a side business in the winter, when grass-cutting money is scarce. Usually they've got standing contracts, but if your grandparents' house is convenient to one of their established jobs, some might say "yes" to one-time gig.
posted by Ys at 11:38 AM on February 6, 2010

Call your local landscaping services and see if anyone's willing to be hired. A lot of them do snow removal as a side business in the winter, when grass-cutting money is scarce.

I came in here to make that same suggestion. Good luck!
posted by Rock Steady at 2:28 PM on February 6, 2010

You've got to figure there's a bidding war for anyone with a plow or snowblower. If your grandparents don't need to go anywhere right away, they'll probably do better to wait a couple of days for the market to settle down.
posted by jon1270 at 2:37 PM on February 6, 2010

I would check craigslist. I saw a ton of people advertising snow removal there. I'm just north of you in PA and had the same thought until a neighbor helped me out. I can't imagine you're going to get an established service to add you to thier list in the middle of this storm.

My parents just got on a guy's list last week and he called and told them he can't possibly be there until late Sunday.
posted by bda1972 at 3:45 PM on February 6, 2010