News: Hire a plow or clear your own driveway: What's the cost?

By WKYC Reporter Mike O'Mara

NEWBURY -- In the heart of the snowbelt, H&M Snow Pros are ready for plowing season. The phones are ringing with customer inquiries from Geauga and Cuyahoga counties.

In the shop, sparks fly from a welding torch as the mechanics make sure every rig is ready to roll when the snow falls. Owner Mark Mazzurco prefers the title, "Snow Director" and says that many of his clients like to pay a flat fee for the entire winter snow plow season.

"We look at the average snow events over the last 12 years", said Mazzurco, "and figure that we'll have to plow somebody's driveway about 22 times a winter and we price the contract that way".

Last year's heavy snow had Mazzurco's drivers busy on 28 days, which meant the contract clients got a good deal. "Well, it all seems to average out over a couple years", added Mazzurco. "The bottom line is that most people would rather get up and have clear and safe passage to go to work than get up an hour early to go do their own driveway."

On the westside, Joshua Rice, the owner of Essential Lawn Care & Snowplowing said his clients prefer a contract that only requires them to pay if the snow accumulates two inches or more and their driveway gets plowed.

"We get about 15 snow push days on average here on the west side," said Rice. "Our clients only pay if we do their driveway. The benefit of a contract is that you stay at the top of our list when you need service. Some people say they want us to plow them only when they call us."

"And I say that's fine, but there is no guarantee when we are going to get to you. Our clients always come first."

Of course, firing up the trusty snowblower and doing it yourself will always be the cheapest solution. However, getting up early, slogging through bone chilling cold is also part of that cost savings.

At the Chagrin Pet, Garden & Equipment Supply Company in Chagrin Falls, they offer the entire range of do-it-yourself snow removal equipment. The smaller units sell for just under $600 dollars. The big powerful snowblowers can cost about $2,400.

"If you want to control your own destiny and get the job done right, do it yourself," counsels store owner Ted Kruse. Kruse said he still clears his own driveways and parking areas. "If you've got the time and the willingness to do it, it's great to be outside and do things yourself," he said.

Shirley and Dale Bienkers have a seasonal contract for their driveway in Avon. "And when there is two inches on the ground, they come out and do it."

Across Northeast Ohio, the price companies charge "per push" or for each plow ranges from a low of $20 to a high of $45 bucks depending on location and length of driveway.

On the eastside, attorney Craig Brown said that he prefers more control over his snow removal options and avoids the flat rate contract. He even consults the Farmer's Almanac to check the winter forecast before committing to a specific deal.

"When deciding between a flat rate contract or paying per push, I figure the break even mark is 20 pushes," said Brown. "This year I went with the per push option."

"We don't care which option our clients choose", said Mazzurco. "We want to keep them happy and try to make sure their driveway gets done before they go to work".

"Let it snow", he added, "we're ready!".