Snow removal bid checklist for condo boards and small properties
Send the same eight facts to every contractor, then fill in the table to compare the bids side by side. Print it or save it as a PDF.
Part 1. Send every bidder the same facts
- Property name and address, and the number of units or buildings
- A photo or map with these marked: drives, parking, shared walks, front steps, mailboxes, trash area, fire access, hydrants
- Where snow may be piled, and where it may not
- Who clears walks and stairs (the contractor or the owners) and who salts
- The trigger depth you want, in inches
- Surfaces salt can hurt: new concrete, pavers, plantings
- Your sidewalk deadline from the town, if the property has public frontage
- The season you want covered, and the date you need the contract signed
Part 2. Compare the bids
| Item | Bidder 1 | Bidder 2 | Bidder 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price: season flat, per push or per inch | |||
| Trigger depth (inches) | |||
| Push cap, and the price after the cap | |||
| Response target and what happens in a long storm | |||
| Walks, stairs and mailboxes included? | |||
| Salt: price per application or flat; when it is applied | |||
| Where snow is piled | |||
| Exclusions: cars, hidden obstacles, lawn and curb damage | |||
| Certificate of insurance given before the start? | |||
| Visit log with times and photos? | |||
| Term, renewal and how to cancel |
Not legal advice. Have your association attorney review the contract and your insurance agent review coverage. The season we plan around runs November 15 to April 15.
Next: the seven-step condo board guide, cost per unit, insurance and liability.
Two questions most checklists miss
Who keeps the accessible route open? Ask every bidder how they clear the accessible space, ramp and entrance first. Where does the plowed snow go? Piles on an accessible route or a hydrant are a problem later. Who has to clear snow depends on the circumstances and local ordinances: it can fall to a municipality, a business, a homeowner or a renter.1
Sources
Each number above links to the passage it relies on. Checked November 1, 2026. We are a snow contractor, not a law firm or an engineer; confirm legal and structural questions with your attorney, insurer or town.
- Mass.gov, Snow removal and accessibility in Massachusetts
Snow removal can be the responsibility of a municipality, business, homeowner, or renter, depending on the circumstances and local ordinances.
Questions
Can I print this?
Yes. Use the Print button, or your browser menu, and choose Save as PDF if you want a file.
Is this a bid form I send to contractors?
The first list is what to send to every contractor. The table is for you to fill in as bids come back. It is not a contract.
Does Snow Pass answer to this list?
Yes. We give the trigger, push cap, response target, exclusions and records in writing in every proposal. Ask us for the same facts the table asks for.
Small property managers
Several small buildings on one route, one written proposal, a photo log to forward to owners.
Townhome complexes
Shared drives, parking, walks and mailbox areas for associations.
How a condo board hires a snow contractor
Seven steps from the master deed to the signed contract.
Massachusetts landlord snow removal law
Owner duty, egress rules, sidewalk deadlines by town. With sources.
Snow removal insurance and liability
What to ask a contractor for, and what the owner or board still owns.
Snow removal cost per unit
Why price per unit misleads, and a calculator to compare bids fairly.