GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The weather outside may be turning frightful, but the Better Business Bureau is hoping to alleviate fears when it comes to hiring a snow removal company.
There are plenty of legitimate and illegitimate snow removers around Wisconsin this time of year. Susan Bach of the BBB says to do your research on anyone you may plan to hire.
“Get referrals from friends, and then check out those companies. See how long they’ve been in business or how many complaints they’ve had. But you want to look for experience as well,” Bach says.
It’s also important to shop around a bit to find the best legitimate deal.
“For any contractor, it’s always good to ask for multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates before you make a decision. Then keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best deal,” Bach says, “Always get some kind of contract in writing. This is not the time to settle for a handshake and verbal agreement. You want to get the specifics in writing.”
Those contracts and obtaining several forms of contact information are important to keep in touch with the contractors, and can even be a way to weed out potential scammers.
It’s recommended to talk with contractors about insurance, including whether your insurance or their company will be liable for potential issues.
Bach points out that separate payments can ensure the company is coming back and doing a quality job.
“I think it’s really in the homeowners best interest to split those payments up. Maybe two or three payments throughout the season. If you can avoid it, don’t pay the entire amount up front.”
If you have questions, concerns, or just want to look up a snow removal agency, head to the Better Business Bureau’s website.
