New customers signing up for residential snow removal often aren't sure exactly what they're paying for beyond the basic idea of a clear driveway. Knowing what a standard visit actually includes helps you compare providers fairly and avoid surprises about what is and isn't covered.
At its core, a standard visit clears the full driveway surface down to pavement, not just enough to make a path. This includes corners, the area right in front of the garage door, and any turnaround space, not just the main straight run. A crew that only clears the middle of the driveway and leaves snow piled at the edges isn't doing a complete job.
Most residential packages also include a walkway path from the driveway to your front door, since this is often the most dangerous unclear surface during icy conditions. Some providers treat this as an add-on rather than a standard inclusion, so it's worth confirming upfront whether your quote covers it or charges separately.
Salting or sanding is another area that varies by provider. Some include a light application of ice melt as part of every visit, especially on walkways, while others offer it only as an optional extra. Given how much safer a salted walkway is compared to bare cleared pavement that can still ice over, it's worth asking specifically what's included.
The end of the driveway and the City plow ridge
The pile of heavy, packed snow the City plow leaves across the bottom of your driveway is often the hardest part of the job. It is dense, can freeze solid within hours, and is exactly what blocks you in on a weekday morning. Before signing anything, ask whether the windrow is cleared on every visit and whether the crew comes back if the City plow passes again after they have been. A visit that skips the ridge is not really a finished visit.
Walkways, steps and sidewalks are separate surfaces
A driveway, a front walk, a set of steps and the city sidewalk in front of your house are four different jobs. Steps and walks are cleared by hand with a shovel or blower, which takes longer per square metre than plowing. That is why most companies price them as their own line. When you compare quotes, line them up surface by surface so you are comparing the same scope rather than one quote that includes the walk and one that quietly leaves it out.
Photos and proof of service
Ask how you will know a visit happened, especially if you leave for work early or travel in winter. A timestamped photo after each visit protects you if a delivery driver or visitor slips, and it gives you a simple record if you ever need to show that your property was maintained. It also makes it easy to spot anything that was missed and get it fixed the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the end-of-driveway ridge from the City plow included?
With Thames Valley Snow, yes. The driveway is cleared edge to edge, including the City plow ridge, on every visit.
Do I need to call when it snows?
No. Seasonal service is automatic whenever 5 cm falls, and you get a timestamped photo after each visit.
What's included with Thames Valley Snow, and what's extra
Every seasonal plan includes automatic service whenever 5 cm falls (no need to call), the driveway cleared edge to edge including the City plow ridge at the end, and a timestamped photo after every visit. Seasonal plans start at $650 + HST for a single driveway, or $70 + HST per visit if you'd rather pay as you go. Optional add-ons, each priced up front: walkway and up to 6 steps $175, seasonal salting including freezing rain and refreeze visits $175, city sidewalk frontage $90, pet-safe de-icer $120, priority early-morning clearing $125, and a November / April season extension $95. Seniors and front-line workers, including nurses, firefighters, police, paramedics and teachers, save 5%. For a fixed price on your property, request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702, and see our snow removal prices and residential snow removal pages.
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