What to Look for in a Commercial Snow Contract: A Checklist for Macomb County Property Managers

Why the Contract Matters

A commercial snow contract is more than a price. It's the document that tells everyone what happens when a storm hits at 3 a.m.: what gets cleared, in what order, when salting happens, and how the work gets recorded. When a contract is vague, the problems usually show up in the middle of January, during the worst storm of the year.

Use this checklist to review proposals for retail plazas, office buildings, HOAs, churches, medical offices, and industrial lots in Macomb County. It's general guidance, not legal advice. Have your attorney or insurance agent review any contract before you sign it.

1. A Site Map and a Clear Scope

The contract should spell out exactly which areas are included:

A marked-up site map is the easiest way to avoid disagreements about what's covered. If a contractor didn't walk your property before quoting, ask them to.

2. Trigger Depths

The contract should state:

Also ask what happens with light snow that never reaches the trigger but still leaves pavement slick.

3. Clearing Priorities and Timing

Look for:

Be cautious about promises that every surface will be bare at all times. A realistic contract describes priorities and response, not perfection.

4. Ice Management and Pre-Treatment

Check that the contract covers:

For more on why this section matters, read Ice Management and Liability: Why Pre-Treatment and Service Logs Matter.

5. Pricing Structure

Most commercial snow contracts in Macomb County use one of two structures. A seasonal contract sets a fixed price for the season regardless of how many storms arrive. Per-push service is billed for each visit. Either way, check:

For a deeper comparison, see How Commercial Snow Removal Contracts Work in Macomb County.

6. Snow Storage and Relocation

The contract should address:

Plazas along roads like Hall Road (M-59) and Van Dyke Avenue often have very little storage space, so this section matters more than many managers expect.

7. Insurance

Ask for:

Never assume coverage. Ask for the certificate and have your agent review it.

8. Service Logs and Communication

Good contracts address:

Records protect both sides. They show what was done and when, which helps if questions come up later.

9. Term, Renewal, and Cancellation

Review:

Your attorney should look over these terms before you sign.

10. Local Knowledge and Access

A contractor who knows your area understands how storms tend to play out and what local properties need. Ask where crews are based, how routes are organized during storms, and roughly when your property falls on that route.

How Tri-Point Approaches Commercial Snow Contracts

Tri-Point Landscaping provides commercial snow removal only. We don't plow residential driveways. Every account starts with a site walk, and every agreement includes trigger depths, clearing priorities, and salting terms. We carry general liability and workers' comp coverage, provide certificates of insurance on request, monitor storms 24/7, and keep service logs for every visit.

We serve Washington Township, Shelby Township, Rochester, and the rest of our Macomb and Oakland County service area. Local guides: Washington Township, Shelby Township, and Rochester. See our commercial services page for everything else we handle for commercial properties.

Want a contract that covers all ten points? Request a snow contract quote or call (586) 327-8080, and we'll walk your property and put it in writing.