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Sharper Management

Snow Contracts and Expectations

As much as we all don’t want to admit it, winter is coming back to Minnesota. When the white stuff starts to fall again, it’s important for homeowners to understand how specifications in snow contracts will affect when snow is removed from your roadways and driveways. First off, every snow contract is unique. To better understand the nuances of your contract, check with your Board or contact Sharper Management. We are happy to share this information with you. In this article, we will be covering some of the most common specs of a snow removal contract. Specs that will affect your contract include: Trigger Depth – Most contracts will state an accumulation total that must be met before snow service will commence. This can be anywhere from a trace up to multiple inches. For most, it is somewhere between 1 – 2 inches. This can be one of the biggest variables in the pricing of your snow contract. Accumulations – The definition of “trigger depth” is important. Does your contract state that service will happen when the trigger depth has been met for a single snow event/storm, or is it vague regarding at what point trigger depth is met? There is a significant difference between the definitions. For example, you could have a winter where less than 1 inch of snow accumulates per event, but there may be many events like this in a relatively short period of days thus creating heavily packed drives in your association. Most contracts are written “by event”. Timing – The second most important component of your contract is the time in which snow service must be completed. For most contracts, “final cleanup” is somewhere between 6 – 12 hours after the snow has stopped falling. This timeline is also subject to snow accumulation totals. The more snow received, the more time allowed for cleanup. Open-Ups – Most contracts provide for an open-up during snowfall events that exceed a particular total. For example, if 4 -6 inches of snow depth is met, but the event has not stopped, it is common for an open up to happen. Open-ups are simply done to allow vehicles to come in and out of the complex. They are not the same as a final clean up. Open-ups generally consist of a single pass through the roadways with the plow. One thing to define in your snow contract is whether open-ups include driveways, or just main roadways. Typical language states that an open-up will occur prior to __AM and/or after __PM. Knowing a bit more about how your snow contract is written may alleviate some frustrations over the coming months. Stay safe this winter!

Winter Tips

Since winter seems to lingering a bit this March, we thought it would be a good time to post some helpful winter tips for association owners. Living in an association, with shared walls, makes it particularly important to properly care for your home during the cold winter months. If you plan to be away this winter, remember the following important items: Always leave your heat ON. Set thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Winterize your pipes (sinks, toilets, etc) by turning supply valves off and then draining any trapped water Communicate with Management and your neighbors. Emergency contacts or instructions on how to get into your unit in case of an emergency is helpful General Seasonal Tips: Check and change your furnace filter regularly (rec. monthly). Have your furnace inspected and tuned-up for better efficiency. Install a programmable thermostat to better manage temperature and mitigate heat costs. If you have a built in humidifier unit, make sure the lines are clear and filter is clean. They can be a common source of leaks. Manage your humidify levels. High humidity inside of the unit meeting the cold/dry exterior walls can be hard on windows and even lead to ice dam formation. Check weather seal/strip on all doors and windows If you have original (wood) windows, consider covering them with plastic. Consider adding insulation to bring up your R-value. Remember to winterize outside faucets! Turn off supply valve and open spigot to allow remaining water to drain out. If you’d like Sharper Maintenance to help you with any of these items – or if you’d like Sharper to check on your home while you are away, please contact us. We have technicians available!