Snow Clearing for Multigenerational Homes and In-Law Suites

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

More people, more cars

A driveway that worked for one couple can be crowded once three or four adults each have a car. In winter, snowbanks along the edges take up even more room. The first step is to know how many vehicles need to park on the driveway, and whether it is a single, double or wider driveway.

Cars parked on the driveway during a visit cannot be cleared underneath. When several people leave at different times, it helps to agree where each car parks when snow is forecast, so the driveway can be cleared around them or after they leave. Our guide on where to park during a snowstorm goes into more detail.

A second entrance needs its own path

An in-law suite often has its own door, at the side or back of the house or down a few steps. That route is easy to forget, but it may be the one an older parent uses every day. Make sure it is cleared, salted and lit as well as the front door.

• Walk the route from the driveway to each entrance and note any steps, slopes or narrow side yards.
• Check where roof meltwater and downspouts drip, since those are the spots that refreeze overnight.
• Keep handrails clear and add one if steps do not have one.
• Include the second entrance in your quote request so it is priced and planned from the start.

Our guide on basement apartments and side entrances covers walk-down entrances and window wells in more detail.

Older family members

For a parent or grandparent, a fall on ice can be serious, and many older adults should not be shovelling at all. A cleared, salted path to their door matters more than a perfectly clear driveway. If someone uses a walker or wheelchair, the path needs to be wide and flat, with no ridge of snow at the edge of the walkway; see snow clearing for wheelchair and walker users.

If you are arranging service for a parent who lives with you, our guides on booking snow removal for an aging parent and seniors snow removal explain the options. Seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans.

Different schedules under one roof

In a shared home, someone might leave for an early shift while someone else works from home and a grandparent does the school run. That means the driveway may be needed early in the morning, at mid-day and again in the afternoon. If an early start matters, priority early-morning clearing is available; our guide for shift workers and early commuters has more ideas.

It also helps to agree who is responsible for touch-ups, such as clearing around a car that was parked during a visit or salting the steps after a thaw. A shovel and a bucket of de-icer by each door make that easy.

Choosing the right plan

With a seasonal plan, the driveway is cleared automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit, which is handy when family members are away or at work.

Prices (all plus HST):

• Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
• Double driveway: $815
• 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
• Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
• Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
• Pet-safe de-icer: $120
• Priority early-morning clearing: $125
• Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95

Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.

Get a quote for the whole property

Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Tell us about every entrance and how many cars park on the driveway, then ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702.