Residential driveway snow removal

Homeowners who are busy, older or away, and landlords or small rental owners who need the snow cleared.

Seasonal contract (a flat fee for the winter) or per-storm pricing by driveway size, plus add-ons like salting and walkway clearing.

• Physical stamina and comfort working in cold weather
• Operating and maintaining equipment
• Route planning for early-morning jobs

• General liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers plowing and slip-and-fall claims
• Check your city or county for a business license and any rules on where snow can be pushed
• Unpredictable winters mean uneven income, so consider a summer sideline
• Equipment breakdowns during a storm and early or late hours, so plan backups

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on whether you start with a snow blower and shovels or add a truck-mounted or ATV plow, plus insurance and de-icing supplies.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on snowfall, how many driveways you serve and your prices. Winters are unpredictable, so income can be uneven. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check general liability insurance and whether it covers plowing and slip-and-fall claims, and whether your city or county requires a business license. Also check any rules on where snow can be pushed, and plan backups for equipment breakdowns.