Snow Removal 101: How Much Storm Cleanup Really Costs

Snow removal is a necessary part of home ownership. And, in some cases, you may be able to tackle the job yourself. But depending on the size and scope of your property, it might make more sense to hire a professional.

The three most common methods of snow removal are shoveling, plowing and snow blowing. To help you decide which is best for your home, we've broken down the costs and benefits for each option.

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Shoveling

If you're physically capable and have the time, you can remove snow from your walkways and driveway the old-fashioned way: Shoveling. Keep in mind that if you go with this method, you run the risk of slipping, straining your back or otherwise injuring yourself. If you're dealing with a larger area that needs significant snow removal, the time it would take for you to shovel may outweigh the cost of hiring someone else for the job.

Make sure to discuss the specific areas you want cleared before negotiating a contract. Most snow removal contractors will shovel walkways as a part of their services. Always work with an insured snow removal contractor so that you’re not held liable if one of their workers is injured while working on your property.

According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide*, most professionals charge between $25 and $75 per hour to shovel snow. Naturally, the length of time it takes to complete the job will depend on the size of the area being cleared and the condition of the snow.

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Snow Blowing

For larger properties where shoveling wouldn’t be practical, using a snow blower is an efficient choice for snow removal. Operating a snow blower requires significant physical effort. If you're not able to safely guide and maneuver the machine, it's best to hire an experienced professional.

Most professionals who use a snow blower or thrower charge between $25 and $75 per hour.

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Plowing

For large scale snow removal, hiring a plowing company is often the best choice. An experienced snow plowing company can clear your driveway safely, efficiently and without causing damage to the pavement.

Plowing typically runs between $30 and $95 per visit. You can also hire a company on a seasonal basis for $350 to $450 with a maximum limit of visits per season.

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Heated Driveways and Walkways

If you never want to plow or shovel again, you could always opt for a heated driveway. With this option, you simply turn on the heat and the snow melts away.

Installing a heated driveway requires removing and putting in new asphalt or concrete. The average heated driveway costs between $12 and $21 per square foot.

For sidewalks, walkways and porches, heating pads may be an option for melting the snow. These lay directly on the sidewalk and walkways and typically run between $100 and $450.

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* — All pricing estimates in this article are based on HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, a searchable database that gives homeowners an idea how much they can expect to pay for home projects in their area.

More Home & Garden:
Home 101: Preparing Your Windows And Doors For Winter
How To Reduce Your Heating Bills (And Still Stay Warm)
How To Get Your Home Ready For The Holidays
The Winter Yard Work Checklist

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How Much Does Snow Removal Cost?