What to Ask Before Signing a Residential Snow Contract

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Signing a snow removal contract feels routine, but the details buried in the fine print are what decide whether your winter goes smoothly or turns into a series of frustrating phone calls. Before you commit to a company for the season, there are a handful of questions worth asking that most homeowners never think to bring up until something goes wrong.

Start with the trigger depth. Ask exactly how much snowfall needs to accumulate before a crew is dispatched to your driveway. Some contracts trigger at two centimetres, others wait until five, and that difference matters a lot during a slow, steady snowfall that adds up over a full day without ever looking dramatic. You want a number in writing, not a vague promise to come by when it snows.

Ask about response time windows too. A company might promise same-day service, but same-day could mean anytime between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. If you need your driveway clear before you leave for work, get a realistic window from them, not just a general assurance. It also helps to ask what happens during back-to-back storms, since crews can fall behind schedule when snow keeps coming.

Find out what's covered if something gets damaged. Plow blades can catch on interlocking stone edges, sprinkler heads, or landscaping lighting that sits close to the driveway. A reputable company will have insurance and a clear process for reporting and resolving damage, and they should be upfront about it before you sign anything.

Thames Valley Snow answers all of these questions plainly before any London homeowner signs a contract, because a clear agreement upfront avoids disputes later. Asking the right questions now means fewer surprises once the snow actually starts falling.

Questions about service

What is the trigger depth? Are return visits included in long storms? Is the city windrow cleared? How will I know the visit happened? Thames Valley Snow answers: 5 cm, yes, yes, and a timestamped photo after every visit.

Questions about price

Is the price fixed for the season? What is included and what is extra? What are the payment terms? Our seasonal price is fixed, add-ons are listed on the quote, and a 30% deposit holds your spot with the balance before December 1.

Questions about the company

Are you insured? Are you WSIB registered? What happens if something is damaged? We carry $2,000,000 commercial general liability, are WSIB registered, and the team follows up on any issue.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the season?

December 1 to March 31. An extension to November 1 through April 15 is $95.

Can a family member sign for a parent?

Yes. Family members can book and pay, and choose who gets the invoices and updates.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.