It’s not as simple as just cracking into new ground. There are a lot of moving parts and a little red tape.

Testing Before Installation

Time: Two to Three Weeks

Your septic tank works in conjunction with a leach field, also known as a drain field. If your septic system is leaking waste and contaminating the area around the tank, you’ll need to replace both components—at minimum. If there is extensive damage, you may need a full system replacement. This will push the job into the four- to six-week range (not to mention the cost of a new septic system can exceed $11,000 on the high end).

For this reason, contractors run a percolation test before they replace your tank. This will give them insight into your soil’s texture, volume, consistency, and ability to filter wastewater. It’s an essential part of prep and takes around two to three weeks.

Obtaining Permits

Time: Varies

Before your contractor can replace your septic tank, they’ll need to obtain a permit. Typically, permits are issued by your local health or environmental department—and you’ll typically need one or more building permits.

Sometimes, homeowners also need a permit for pumping and disposing of waste if they don’t already have one. Depending on your local government, this could take a few days or weeks and usually require the percolation test and an inspection.

Planning and Excavation

Time: Two to Three Weeks

During this phase, a septic system engineer will plan the replacement. This could be simple if they just need to swap out a tank, but it could take longer if they also need to plan for a new leach field or entirely new system (to dig safely, they’ll need to map out underground utilities).

Once the plans are finished, the excavation begins. A team will need to dig out your old septic tank and any other components that you plan to replace. Overall, planning and excavation takes around two to three weeks, but it could take more or less time. If the ground freezes or the weather is poor, it will push the project back.

Tank Installation

Time: Five to Seven Days

Installation is typically the quickest part of the job. During this phase, your contractor will install your new septic tank and other components. If you’re installing an aerobic tank, this could mean additional electrical circuitry. If you have a pumped system, this could mean replacing the dosing tanks. It all depends on the type of septic system and the condition. Generally, installation takes five to seven days. It could take longer if you hit a snag like poor weather conditions.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: angi.com

Learn all about septic tank installation requirements and how long each step takes.

1. Assess the Soil and Property

Getting a perc test is essential to understand your soil type, layering, and how quickly or slowly the soil absorbs water. A home buyer or real estate agent can request a perc test through the local health or environmental department. You can also have a local septic tank installer handle it for you. The perc test results are vital in determining if you can use a conventional system or need to install an alternative septic system.

You also need a site survey from your municipality to determine your property's:

• Topography
• Proximity to bodies of water and other environmentally sensitive areas
• Available space for a drain field
• Well location (and that of neighboring wells)

Approximate time to complete: Two to three weeks, from scheduling the perc test and site survey to getting the results

2. Select a Septic Tank Installer

Most municipalities require a licensed contractor to build a septic system, as it is a complex plumbing project that must adhere to many local codes. Licensed contractors must pass professional exams about state codes, septic tank installation requirements, construction processes, and safety considerations.

Septic systems must be specifically designed for your property and location. If a septic system fails or is improperly installed, it can be expensive, not to mention a health hazard. Septic systems need to pass inspection once they're built. If the system isn't installed to code, you can incur fines or experience leaks and structural problems on your property.

Contact at least three local licensed septic tank installers to ensure you hire a knowledgeable installer. The contractor will come to your property to assess the project and give you a quote. Septic systems cost $3,500 to $11,400 on average but can be higher for properties that require alternative septic systems.

Aim to work with an experienced contractor who understands your local code and has built the type of septic system you need. Verify that the contractor has favorable reviews.

Approximate time to complete: Two weeks

3. Design the System

Your septic tank installer should take time to plan the best system for your soil and property. Your contractor should follow local codes as they determine the essential details of your system:

Type of Septic System

If one or more types of septic systems are possible, your contractor will present the options to you. Most installers recommend a conventional septic or mound system if an alternative is necessary. There are other alternatives, such as recirculating sand filters and aerobic treatment systems. Each system type has pros, cons, costs, and maintenance requirements. Review the details with your contractor to decide on the plan for your property.

Location of Your Septic Tank

Most local codes dictate that the septic tank has to be at least 10 feet from your home, though some require it to be further from your foundation. Local codes also provide guidelines on where the septic tank can be in relation to property lines.

Tank Size

You may only need a 750-gallon tank for a one- to two-bedroom home. Some municipalities require a minimum of 1,000 gallons for home tanks, the average size for two- to four-bedroom homes. For larger four- to five-bedroom homes, tanks as large as 2,000 gallons are available.

Tank Material

Concrete septic tanks are the most prevalent, but some are plastic or fiberglass. Although concrete is vulnerable to cracking, it’s less susceptible to damage during installation. Contact your local health or environmental department if you’re replacing a septic system and need a copy of your septic system design. They can often provide an “as-built” drawing.

Approximate time to complete: Two to three weeks

4. Apply for and Obtain Permits

Your contractor must pull permits from your municipality (local health or environmental department) before breaking ground on your septic system. The city approves the contractor’s plan, including details such as septic tank placement. A septic system permit's cost and application process varies from one local authority to another but usually falls around $400. Most contractors include the price of the permit in their quotes. You may also need a permit for pumping and disposing of waste further down the line.

Approximate time to complete: One to two weeks

5. Prep the Site h3

Your contractor must prepare the site before installing the septic tank and system.

Decommission the Old System

If you’re replacing an old septic system, your contractor will pump out and remove the sewage in the tank. They'll also need to remove any pieces that won't be a part of the new system. In most cases, the contractor must turn off the water supply for two to five days.

Excavate and Prepare the Land

The base under the septic tank should be level, and the hole for the tank needs to be the correct width and depth based on the tank size. Your contractor will level the ground and dig trenches for the pipework.

Approximate time to complete: One to two weeks

6. Install the Septic System

Your septic tank contractor will install your new tank and build the system to code. The contractor will set up the pipes, drain field, and any other components of your system.

Approximate time to complete: One to two weeks

7. Landscape the Area

Your contractor will cover the septic system with appropriate layers of soil and gravel. Your installer can recommend the best septic tank landscaping ideas, such as grass or ground cover. It's best to avoid putting deeply rooted trees and plants near your septic system, as it can cause damage, clogging, and drainage issues.

Time to complete: One week

8. Get a Professional Inspection

Most local authorities require an inspection before using a new septic system. Your contractor should schedule this with your local municipality. The inspector ensures you’ve met all septic tank installation requirements. They’ll test to ensure the system works properly and that there are no leaks, mechanical issues, flooding, or draining problems. If there are any issues with the tank, drain field, or pipes, your contractor can help fix those before you use the system.

Approximate time to complete: One week

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: angi.com

A well-maintained septic tank could last 20 to 30 years before it needs a replacement—but rest assured, that day will come. If your septic system is failing, there are usually a few signs. You might need to replace your tank if:

You notice sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
• Your sinks, bathtubs, and showers drain very slowly.
• You see standing water or notice damp spots around your septic tank.
• You smell sewage around your septic tank.
• The grass around your septic tank is noticeably darker or more vibrant than the rest of your lawn and feels spongy (sewage can actually act as fertilizer).
• Proper septic tank maintenance is the best way to increase the life span of your system. Inspect your system every one to three years and pump your tank every three to five years. If you notice any issues, call a septic tank repair service near you and fix the problem sooner than later.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: angi.com

If you've been experiencing frequent rain, it is natural to be concerned about your septic system. During heavy rain, drainage systems often get overwhelmed and streets flood. But can the same be said for your septic system?

Heavy rain shouldn’t damage your septic system or cause major drainage issues if it is properly maintained. However, you may experience problems if the rain causes your drainfield to flood.

A flooded drainfield won’t allow wastewater to drain properly, often forcing it back into your home’s drains.

Ways Flooding Can Affect Your Septic System

If the heavy rains in your area cause flooding, you may notice a few septic system issues. During a flood, the following problems can occur:

Drainage backup. When your drainfield gets clogged, excess wastewater gets pushed back into the septic tank and your home. This backup causes sewage to appear in drains.

Flooded drainfield. During a flood, your drainfield will become heavily saturated. You’ve especially got a problem on your hands if there’s standing water above your drainfield.

The drainfield’s purpose is to filter the remaining wastewater into the soil. When the ground above your drainfield is too soggy, it can’t filter properly. This sogginess can cause a whole host of problems like sewage backup, foul odors, and gurgling pipes.

Groundwater contamination. If wastewater can’t be filtered properly, it will leach out of pipes before it has been purified. Then, the wastewater mixes with the groundwater, trickling into nearby water sources.

Reasons Your Septic System Can Fail in Heavy Rain

The likelihood that heavy rain will damage a properly maintained septic system is slim. However, if you’ve been neglecting your septic system recently, you’ll be more susceptible to excess damages from rain.

The following are a few problems your system may be experiencing, causing it to crack under pressure:

Physical Damage

If any element of your septic system has sustained damage, it won’t work as it should. Several different situations can cause damage to your system, such as tree roots growing into the system.

If you drive over the area where your system is installed, there can also be significant damage. Whether there’s heavy rain or not, damaged pipes cannot filter wastewater at their usual rate and efficiency.

Irregular Inspections

The average septic system should be inspected every three years. If it’s been more than a few years since you’ve last called a professional, this is a problem.

Inspections are necessary to catch and fix small problems as they occur. Getting regular checks will ensure that your septic system can survive day-to-day activities and heavy rains.

Waiting Too Long Between Pumpings

The average septic tank should be pumped every three to five years. Waiting longer can spell disaster for you and your home.

Your septic system will stop filtering water as well as it should. The buildup of sludge in your tank will also clog your pipes.

Clogs

Clogs can be a result of waiting too long between pumps or sending improper things down your drains. Sludge can clog your pipes after years of neglect. However, sending other forms of waste down your drains can create massive clogs much faster.

Cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, and diapers should never be sent down your drain. If it isn’t biodegradable, don’t flush it. You should also avoid using your garbage disposal, as food scraps accumulate and form clogs quickly.

Inadequate Installation

If your septic system was installed improperly, this could cause you lots of problems in the long run. Improper installation can include poor construction and system design, or installing in impermeable soil, thin soil or heavily-saturated soil. Any form of inadequate installation can make it hard for your septic system to function, especially in heavy rain.

An Overloaded System

A septic system is built to handle a specific amount of water at a time. If you’re always running your dishwasher, shower, and washing machine at once, this can overload your system.

Avoid using too many appliances at the same time during a heavy rainstorm. The combination of your overloaded system and flooding can cause sewage backup into drains and groundwater.

To prevent an overloaded system during a storm, take shorter showers and only run full loads of laundry and dishes. Overall, do your best to conserve water by limiting non-essential use.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

upgradedhome.com

Septic tanks don’t require a lot of maintenance. If your septic tank is appropriately sized for your household, you won’t have to worry about getting it serviced frequently. Septic tanks that are good fits for their respective homes only need to be pumped every three to five years.

So, why then is your septic tank already at capacity even just a few months after it was last pumped? Is there something wrong with it? The truth is that there are several possible explanations for why your home’s septic tank filled up so quickly. Let’s discuss them in greater detail below.

1. Your Household Wastes Too Much Water

A septic tank filling up quickly is not an automatic sign that it has issues. It’s entirely possible that the septic tank reaching capacity has more to do with your habits.

For instance, showering causes plenty of water to flow down your plumbing. Now, the members of your household showering multiple times a day is not an issue. What can be problematic though is if huge amounts of water are wasted whenever someone showers. Some members of your household may keep the shower running even when they’re not rinsing off yet. In that scenario, the water is running for no good reason.

Water can also be wasted while someone is doing the laundry. Yet again, the issue here could be related to someone leaving the faucet on even when the water is not needed.

Maintaining those wasteful habits can lead to your septic tank filling up faster than expected. Avoid them as much as possible if you want to avoid placing an unnecessary strain on the tank.

2. Improper Waste Management

The way your household handles waste will also play a huge role in determining how the septic tank holds up. To be more specific, you can cause real problems for your septic tank if you don’t dispose of waste carefully.

For example, flushing big objects down the toilet is not a good idea. Even if they get past your pipes without clogging things up, your septic tank will have a harder time processing them. Those large objects will just take up space in your septic tank.

Pouring grease down the drain is also not advisable. Fat cannot be processed easily by the bacteria in the septic tank. The fat you dump down the drain will just continue to accumulate until a thick layer of scum is created. Toxic substances such as gasoline and paint should also not be poured down your plumbing. Those substances can kill the bacteria in the tank. Once the bacteria are eliminated, the wastewater will no longer be processed as intended.

Make a concerted effort to manage your household’s waste better. Both the environment and your septic tank will be grateful for your efforts.

3. Leaks along Your Plumbing and Septic Tank

Leaking could be one of the reasons why your septic tank is consistently flooded. One might think that leaking would actually ease the burden on the tank, but that’s not the case.

Leaks that form on the tank can let water out, but they may also act as entry points for the wastewater. Water may be entering the tank faster than it is being expelled. That can lead to an imbalance forming in the tank and flooding will be the result.

A leak forming along the tank is not the only thing you have to watch out for. Leaks along your pipes can also cause excess water to move into the tank. Any leaks that emerge must be patched up right away. Failing to address the leaks in time will lead to your septic tank reaching capacity quickly.

4. Heavy and/or Sustained Rains

Plenty of rain causes flooding so you cannot be surprised if that weather phenomenon also affects your septic tank. A sudden and massive downpour of rain can force excessive amounts of water into drainage pipes. Those drainage pipes will then transfer all that water into the septic tank thus causing flooding in the process.

Heavy rain is not the only issue. Sustained rain can be bad for your septic tank too. The problem with sustained rain is that it soaks the soil surrounding your septic tank’s drain field. Wet soil can prevent the drain field from doing its job. That can eventually lead to liquid that should have been expelled backing up into the septic tank.

5. Problems with the Drain Field

Speaking of the drain field, that too can be the reason why your septic tank is flooded. Drain fields that are clogged or damaged won’t be able to expel liquid like normal. Because of that, you can expect the septic tank to fill up faster.

Tree roots are notorious for damaging drain fields. Make sure you account for how the trees grow in your yard before you get the drain field installed.

The Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Already Full

You cannot just open up your septic tank and check how full it is on a whim. Septic tank inspections are more complicated than that. Most homeowners even rely on professionals to check up on their septic tanks.

Is it still possible to tell if the septic tank is full without opening it up? Keeping an eye out for the signs detailed below will help you sniff out a possible problem.

Slow Draining

Slow draining is probably going to be the first sign you’ll encounter if your septic tank is full. You may notice this when your bathroom floor ends up flooded while you’re showering.

You can check if the septic tank is the problem by first trying to unclog your drain. If the flooding persists even after your attempts at unclogging, you probably have a septic tank problem.

Foul Odors Emerging

Along with the wastewater, the unpleasant odors that accompany sewage also end up in the septic tank. However, if the tank is already full, even those gases will be denied entry. They will have to find a different way to escape.

Sometimes, those gases will escape via the drain openings in your bathroom or kitchen. They could also escape through the drain field. It’s hard to miss those foul odors. Don’t ignore them and instead take them as signs indicating that you need to take action as soon as possible.

Water Pooling on Top of Your Yard

Too much solid waste inside the septic tank can cause draining issues. If it’s working properly, the tank should drain the water into the surrounding soil.

Due to the abundance of waste, however, the water may not exit out of the designated spots. What you may see instead is water pooling in certain locations. Inspect your yard to see if there are any pools of water that have formed. The pools of water may also be obscured by growing plants.

Plants will thrive off of the wastewater being expelled onto the surface of your yard. That’s why certain patches of grass may appear brighter than normal.

Sewage Backing Up

The most unpleasant sign that your septic tank is full is the sight of sewage backing up through your fixtures. Hopefully, you were able to take action before things even reached this point. You may also end up having to spend more if the issues with your septic tank get this bad.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: upgradedhome.com/p>

About one-third of homes in Massachusetts use septic systems, instead of municipal sewer water. This includes some of the wealthiest suburbs in the state. But older septic systems and their leaching fields can be damaged, and Title 5 inspections are important.

On average, a septic system should last about 25 years. However, when time comes to replace the system, it can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, running upwards of $50,000 sometimes.

If you’re selling a home in Massachusetts, you can’t close the sale without passing a Title 5 septic inspection done by a licensed inspector. The inspector decides whether your system “passes,” “fails” or “conditionally passes,” meaning it requires repairs.

Title 5 Inspection Septic Systems

Many states require septic system inspections every three to five years, but don’t mandate them as a condition of sale. A Title 5 Inspection is good for only two years. However, if you have documented septic pumping service each year on or before the anniversary date of your septic system inspection, the inspection is good for three years.

Title 5 requires inspections:

• Within two years before the sale of a home or transfer of title.
• When a child inherits a house from their parent(s).
• In bankruptcy, tax sale or foreclosure situations.
• When usage of the property is changed.
• When the footprint of the house is changed.
• When a building or occupancy permit is required.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

upnest.com

It could become a turnoff when you search property listings and find a home with a septic tank. If you aren’t used to septic system installations, it’s easy to imagine that they will be costly and difficult to repair.

While this doesn’t need to be the case if you take certain precautions, the cost of septic systems could be significant if everything needs to be replaced.

We look at the things you need to know if you are considering buying a home with a septic system.

How septic system installations work

The wastewater leaves your home through pipes under your yard and into the tank, where the solids settle on the bottom.

Bacteria break down these solids releasing grease and fats that rise to the top. Filters prevent these by-products from leaving the tank, while the remaining wastewater exits the tank and into the drain field, where it filters into the soil.

Septic tank myths

There are many misconceptions about having this type of installation in your home. Let’s clear up some of these incorrect assumptions about septic systems.

• Septic systems are rarely used nowadays. It is estimated that around 20% of homes in the United States use a septic system to deal with their wastewater.
• Septic systems fail a lot. While they require maintenance, these systems should be able to last for many decades if this is done properly.
• Septic systems create an unpleasant smell. The odor shouldn’t be a problem if the system has been maintained. If there is a bad smell, it is likely maintenance hasn’t been done regularly.
• Septic systems cause contamination. A correctly installed system should not cause contamination of well water. It is recommended that there should be a gap of 50 feet or more between a septic system and a well.
• Septic system maintenance

Like any other part of your home, the septic system will require maintenance to ensure it functions correctly. The following precautions will reduce the likelihood of things going wrong:

• You need to be careful with what you put in the septic tank. Diapers, feminine products, disposable wipes, kitty litter, and paint shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or poured down the plughole. Chemicals should not be allowed to enter the septic tank either, and this includes additives that are designed to break down solids in the tank.
• Avoid planting trees or bushes near the drain field. Some plants can have long roots that will enter the drain field and even the septic tank, causing damage.
• Do not park vehicles above the septic system. The weight of the vehicle could damage the pipes.
• The septic tank needs to be pumped out every few years. You will need to hire a professional every 2 or 3 years to pump the tank to ensure it continues to work.

When does a septic tank need to be replaced?

If you notice any issues like odors, toilets not flushing correctly, and damp areas above the drain field, these could be signs of serious problems with the septic system.

If you notice any of the following issues, call in a professional to check:

• Sinks and bathtubs that take a long time to empty
• Toilets taking longer to flush
• Exterior drains making gurgling noises
• An odor from the drain field or septic tank
• Water pooling above the drain field
• Vegetation above the drain field growing faster than in surrounding areas
• Have the septic tank inspected

When you make an offer on a home, it is normally contingent on the home inspection. However, home inspections don’t check the septic system, and you must hire a specialist inspector.

Like inspecting a well, a septic system inspection is crucial. Your buyer’s agent should be able to provide a referral to an inspector.

The septic system cost to replace everything could be considerable, so you want to ensure there aren’t problems before buying the home.

The inspection should involve either using cameras to inspect the drain field and pipe work or they might dig inspection holes.

If you don’t want the inspector to make holes in your yard, check which method they will use before you hire them.

During a septic tank inspection, maintenance and pumping records should be checked. The inspector will look for any indication of leaks and check the levels of sludge in the tank.

The age of the septic tank is also important and shows if it is nearing the end of its useful life, the inspector will find the age of the tank.

Final thoughts

Buying a house with one might be off-putting if you aren’t familiar with septic systems. While a septic system does require additional maintenance, if this is done correctly, the system could go for 50 years or more without replacement.

If you find a listing you like with a septic system, it shouldn’t put you off, and make sure you get it inspected before closing on the home.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

rismedia.com

You can hire snow removers for a one-time service, but be prepared to wait in that case. Reliable companies already have extensive client lists, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and find someone well before the first winter storm hits.

What Should I Look for in a Snow Removal Professional?

Start by contacting companies that neighbors recommend or that have good reviews on a trusted online site. Ask these questions:

• How much snow will trigger service? This is a good question particularly if you only want service when a big storm strikes. Also, tell the company if you have special needs that should give you plowing priority.
• What specific services do you provide? Depending on the forecast, many services are ready to lay down salt or other deicing agents as soon as bad weather is expected. If snow that can’t be handled with deicing is expected, removal companies will plow, haul snow, and shovel sidewalks and other walkways in order to maintain safety.
• What kind of staff and equipment do you use? Most companies employ radio dispatchers in addition to their snow removal specialists. They may also have at their disposal commercial-grade equipment such as skid steers, front-end loaders, snowplows and pushers.
• What is the cost for snow removal, and how is it calculated? The cost varies on the market conditions of a particular area and current fuel costs. If you know you live in an area of the country that is likely to experience a certain amount of snow, you may be able to lock in a reasonable rate because the company will expect a minimum amount of work. On average, you can expect to pay between $350 and $400 for a seasonal snow removal contract, or around $75 for a one-time cleaning.
• Are you covered? Confirm that the company is appropriately licensed for where you live and holds proper bonding and insurance.

What if I Want to do it Myself?

If you plan to shoulder some or all of this seasonal chore, take steps to stay healthy:

• If you don’t already have a snowblower, consider getting one. Otherwise, get a lightweight plastic snow shovel with an ergonomic handle to help distribute the load. Use a shovel with a deep scoop to push snow, not lift it.
• Cold weather restricts blood flow. Before shoveling, warm up by jogging in place and stretching. Also, avoid a big meal or smoking just before shoveling, as either will affect blood flow. Drink fluids so you stay fully hydrated.
• It’s better to repeatedly remove smaller quantities of snow than it is to move large amounts at once. If snow is already deep, remove it in layers.
• As you shovel, keep your back straight, bend at the knees and use the strength in your hips and thighs to lift or push snow. Don’t twist.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: detroitnews.com

As the holiday season unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the joy and warmth that comes with this special time of year. At Morse Engineering and Construction Industries, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who has been a part of our journey.

From the entire Morse Engineering and Construction Industries team, we send our warmest holiday greetings to you and your loved ones. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and for that, we are truly thankful.

May this festive season bring you moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness with those who matter most. Whether you're gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories by the fireplace, or simply taking a quiet moment of reflection, we hope your holidays are filled with warmth and comfort.

As we approach the dawn of a new year, we look forward to continuing this journey together. Your trust and patronage inspire us to reach new heights, and we are excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds.

Until we connect again, whether in person, over the phone, or through the written word, we wish you peace, prosperity, and all the happiness this holiday season has to offer. Thank you for being a cherished part of the Morse Engineering and Construction Industries community. May your holidays be merry and bright, and may the new year usher in a wealth of opportunities and success.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,

Morse Engineering and Construction Industries

• Start early. It’s never too soon to start shopping for snow removal. Holland suggests starting the search as soon as it’s on your mind. If your lawn care provider offers snow removal, it’s worth asking about it well before the snow season arrives. If you wait until there’s snow in the forecast, and you might find yourself last on the list to get plowed.
• Get multiple estimates. Check with more than one company to compare prices and services. It’s important to ask enough questions so you understand exactly what services the estimate covers, Holland says. Does the company only remove snow or do they also treat ice? Do they clear sidewalks, including public ones? Every service is different, and asking questions is the only way to get the full picture of what to expect.
• Ask for references. Take time to call a few reference names to learn more about the snow removal service. Visit with neighbors to discover companies that already work in your neighborhood. Ask about reliability, the timing of snow removal and any potential issues they might have encountered in dealing with particular snow removal companies.
• Understand pricing. Most snow removal services price according to driveway length and how challenging it is to remove snow from that space. Some companies charge one set price for the season — no matter how often they push snow at your home. Others will base prices on snowfall totals, charging one fee up to a certain snow depth and adding extra fees for each inch of snow over. Companies may or may not charge extra for treating ice and sidewalks. Be sure to ask about payment options.
• Ask about personnel. Ask if the firm uses subcontractors. Generally you get the best results with owner-operators who actually remove the snow because they have a vested interest to keep you — the customer — happy. Sub-contractors often focus on speed and doing as much as they can as quickly as they can. They’re after today’s paycheck, not your long-term business. You also want to be sure they have enough people available to cover long shifts that follow major snowstorms.
• Check out equipment. As you discover where a company is willing to deal with snow (driveway, public sidewalk, entry walk, etc.), don’t forget to ask about the equipment that does the work. Make sure equipment looks well-maintained and efficient for the job at hand. This is vitally important if you’re paying by the hour and workers show up with snow shovels. Make sure they have the right kind of trucks that can navigate unplowed streets to get to your house.
• Define the process. Review the basics of what to expect when the snow flies. Do you need to call the company so they know to come? During a heavy snowstorm, will they clear your driveway more than once? When they plow, where does the snow go? Work out a plan ahead of time about where snow should be piled. Avoid pushing snow into city streets, where it can block a neighbor’s driveway after municipal plows come through. Some companies offer to mark your driveway edges and any potentially tricky spots with staked reflectors to help guide plow drivers.
• Explore liability. Make sure the company carries liability insurance in case there’s any damage to your property. Snowplowing liability insurance is expensive, Holland says, so it's not something many part-timers can afford to carry.
• Sign a contract. A reputable snow removal service typically offers a written contract. Take time to read it and ask questions until you understand it completely. Be sure to ask what happens if you move or decide to cancel your contract. Make sure you understand your obligations.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Souce: hgtv.com