Plowkeep

Snow removal contract

Snow removal contract template

Short answer: a snow removal contract should spell out the areas you clear, the trigger depth (when a push is owed), the service window (how fast you finish after snow stops), the price model and what it covers, exclusions, how damage is handled, and payment terms. Copy the template below, fill every [bracket], and delete options you don't use.

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This is a starting template, not legal advice. Laws on contracts, liability and consumer services differ by state. Have a qualified professional review your final agreement before you rely on it.

Seasonal Snow Removal Agreement

1. Parties

This agreement is between [Contractor business name], [contractor address, phone, email] ("Contractor") and [Client name], [client phone, email] ("Client").

Service address: [Street address, city, state].

2. Season

Service runs from [start date, e.g. November 1] through [end date, e.g. March 31] (the "Season").

3. Areas to be cleared

  • Driveway / parking area: [___] square feet
  • Walkways: [___] linear feet, [width] wide
  • Steps and landings: [___] steps
  • Ice melt / salting: [included / not included / per application]

Areas not listed above are not included. Snow is piled on site at [location], unless agreed otherwise in writing.

4. Trigger depth and service window

Service is triggered when snowfall reaches [2] inches or more, as measured by [Contractor on site / named local report]. Service is completed within [12] hours after snowfall stops, weather and road conditions permitting.

Storms below the trigger depth are not serviced unless Client requests service, which is billed at [rate].

5. Price and what it covers

Choose one pricing option and delete the others.

  • Seasonal: $[season price] for the Season, covering up to [__] pushes. Additional pushes are billed at the per-push rates listed in the next option.
  • Per push: billed per visit at the rate for the storm's total snowfall: [2–4"] $[__] · [4–8"] $[__] · [8–12"] $[__] · [12"+] $[__].
  • Hourly: $[__] per hour for truck and plow plus $[__] per crew member per hour, billed in [15]-minute increments with a [1]-hour minimum.
  • Ice melt: $[__] per application ([__] bags or lbs), [included up to __ applications / billed per application].
  • Minimum charge per visit: $[__]. Fuel surcharge: [__]%. Travel fee: $[__].

6. Payment

[Seasonal: payable in [__] installments of $[__] due on [dates]. A [__]% discount applies if paid in full by [date].] [Per push / hourly: invoiced [monthly], due within [15] days.]

Late payments: [describe any late fee permitted in your state, or delete].

7. Client responsibilities

  • Mark curbs, edges, sprinkler heads, landscaping and other obstacles with stakes before the first snowfall.
  • Keep vehicles, trash bins and other objects out of the areas to be cleared when snow is expected.
  • Report any damage within [__] days with photos.

8. Exclusions

  • Roof snow removal and ice dams
  • Hauling or relocating snow off site
  • Damage to unmarked objects hidden under snow
  • Service during travel bans, emergencies or unsafe conditions
  • [Add your own exclusions]

9. Damage and liability

[EDIT BEFORE USE: describe how reported damage is handled, any repair limits, normal wear such as scraped gravel or lawn edges, and the insurance you carry. Have this clause reviewed for your state.]

10. Service records

Contractor keeps a dated service log of each visit (date, time, storm depth and service performed) and will provide a copy with each invoice or on request.

11. Term and cancellation

Either party may end this agreement with [__] days' written notice. [Describe any refund or proration of seasonal payments.]

Contractor signature
Date
Client signature
Date

This is a starting template, not legal advice. Laws on contracts, liability and consumer services differ by state. Have a qualified professional review your final agreement before you rely on it.

How to fill it in

  1. Measure first. Record square feet of pavement, linear feet of walkway and the number of steps. These drive the price and stop scope arguments later.
  2. Pick one price model. Seasonal, per push or hourly — the snow removal pricing calculator shows the math for each.
  3. Set a trigger depth and window you can actually meet with your route size and crew during a long storm.
  4. Make the client mark obstacles before the first snow, and state how quickly damage must be reported.
  5. Keep a service log. Dated, timestamped visits are your proof of service if an invoice is disputed.

Frequently asked questions

What should a snow removal contract include?
The parties and service address, the season dates, the exact areas to be cleared, the trigger depth and service window, the price and what it covers, payment terms, client responsibilities such as marking obstacles, exclusions, how damage is reported and handled, and signatures.
Is this snow removal contract template legally binding?
It is a starting point, not legal advice. Contract and liability rules differ by state, so have a qualified professional review your final version before relying on it.
Should a seasonal snow contract cap the number of pushes?
Many contractors cap included pushes so a very snowy winter does not wipe out the margin, then bill extra pushes at per-push rates. Whatever you choose, state it plainly in the price section.

The Plowkeep app fills this agreement from your measurements and rate card, exports it as a PDF with signature lines, and keeps the timestamped push log for the season.