By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Company is Good Business

Why Hiring a Professional Snow Removal Company is Good Business

It’s true: Olathe hasn’t seen as much snow as we have during some winters. Temperatures have been downright balmy, even on some days in December. But don’t let the mild–and unseasonable–weather fool you. It is likely that there will be snow at some point, and the need for a professional snow removal company. 

When that time comes, you can save time, aggravation, and energy if you hire a professional to remove it. If you truly want and need to DIY snow removal this year, we’ve shared some tips to keep you safe while doing so. But snow removal can be hard, arduous work. That’s especially true if you don’t have the right tools and equipment. 

Provides Access

Think of grocery stores when the forecast includes a snowstorm. The bread and milk aisles are empty. Toilet paper is scarce. People run out and stock up because they want to be sure that if they’re stuck and unable to travel, they still have access to the products they use.

The same is true with finding a snow removal company once the weather has already gotten bad. If you wait to call around after the storm hits, there’s a smaller chance you’ll find a company with room on their schedule to service your needs. There’s also the very real possibility that if you do find someone with capacity, it will take them longer to clear your snow. 

Having a company on standby ensures that when the snow comes, you’ll be among the first to have your snow cleared. 

Protects Your Budget

When you think about professional snow removal services, your mind might go immediately to budgets. How much will snow removal at your Johnson County, Kansas, business cost? How much do snow removal companies charge per hour? Can you afford to have a snow removal company on contract?

Those are all valid questions. The simple answer, to all of them, is this: it depends. Not all companies charge the same rate or operate in the same way. We can’t speak for other snow removal services in Johnson County or the Olathe area, but we can tell you that our business is an outward expression of what we believe. We are active members of the community and we treat others fairly. We’d love to talk to you about your snow removal needs. 

If we return to the grocery store in a blizzard scenario, you might remember news coverage of businesses charging more for basic items when they are hard to get, especially when there is panic because of inclement weather. 

If you wait until the last minute to hire a snow removal company, you might not get the best pricing. Why? Because their service is at a premium and the demand has escalated. 

Establishing a relationship with a snow removal company early in the season, and working with them year after year, can be easier on your bottom line than waiting until an emergency situation.

Provides Good Customer Service

In addition to being able to discuss your budget and find a solution that works for you, establishing a relationship with a professional snow removal service can improve business operations for everyone. 

How? Because you won’t be scrambling to get the sidewalks and driveways cleared, and customers can feel safe coming to your business. Employees will be able to come and go more easily. And the peace of mind you get from knowing that snow removal will be handled by a professional means you can focus on taking care of your clients and serving their needs. 

Customer service is an integral part of our business. We focus on both service to our clients and service to our employees. We charge a fair rate in exchange. We won’t always be the lowest price, but we don’t consider that a bad thing. We have employees that we pay so they can care for their families. We offer exemplary service, which  means we don’t cut corners. We’re happy to talk to you about our services and how they might fit into your budget. 

We’re always eager to talk about your projects, your needs, and your concerns. Reach out to start a conversation. 

By Lisa Allen Snow Removal • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How to Stay Safe While Removing Snow from Your Property

How to Stay Safe While Removing Snow from Your Property

It doesn’t matter if your property is residential or commercial: removing snow from driving and walking areas can be a painstaking process. Removing snow is the only way to ensure the safety of others who might need to travel or move around before the snow melts. 

There are options when it comes to snow removal. Of course, we think the best option is to contract with a trusted snow removal service. There are countless advantages to letting the pros handle your winter snow removal, some of which we’ll share below. 

But if you want to tackle the task yourself, you’ll need elbow grease, stamina, the right tools, and time if you want to do it safely and properly. Keep reading for a few tips that might help, but remember: always check with your doctor to be sure that you should be shoveling snow. 

Stay Safe While Shoveling Snow With the Right Tools

Shoveling or otherwise removing snow is an athletic activity that requires strength, stamina, and the proper tools. 

Be sure you’re equipped with warm gear. A coat, gloves, hat, thick socks, and sturdy boots are necessary to protect your skin from frostbite as you work outdoors. You’ll also need a shovel that’s specifically designed to scrape and scoop snow; using shovels designed for other jobs will result in you having to work harder and longer to clear your area.

Some folks prefer a snow blower for lighter dustings of snow. Using this tool can help reduce the stress on your body because you’re not bending or lifting. But be sure you’ve read the safety warnings and operation manual before you try to operate any type of machine, and take the proper precautions to be sure that the machine is fully serviced and in good condition. 

Remembering These Health Tips while Removing Snow

Snow removal is a very physical activity, not unlike other forms of exercise. To stay safe, remember these tips:

  • Warm up first. Your muscles should be warmed up and ready to work hard in order to shovel snow properly. Try stretching, bending, or running in place indoors before heading out into the snow. 
  • Push whenever possible instead of lifting. If you can move the snow without having to hoist and toss, you can save precious energy and make it easier on your body. 
  • Take frequent breaks. There’s no law that says you have to clear all the snow at once. Rest when you need to rest. 
  • Try to keep up with the snow. Shorter, more frequent shoveling sessions can be easier on your body than a marathon after multiple snows. 
  • Stay hydrated. You will sweat under the layers necessary to stay warm. Taking frequent breaks to hydrate is crucial, even when the temperatures are cold. 

Stay Safe (and Warm) by Hiring a Professional for Removing Snow

There’s a reason businesses and homeowners associations hire us year after year to take care of their snow removal needs. Our dedicated crew, our professional tools, and our diligent work ethic means that we’ll be there when you don’t want to be (or can’t). 

This not only frees up your time for doing what you do best, but it gives you peace of mind that the job will be done right. You can work on projects, spend more time with family, or even travel without worrying about whether or not your driveways, streets, or parking lots will be free of snow.

We’re here and eager to help when you’re ready. Give us a call to learn more…before you have a pile of snow that needs to be moved!

Perfect outdoor spaces for sunny summer days
By Lisa Allen Landscape • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Keep Out the Sun with a Covered or Screened-In Porch, Deck

Perfect outdoor spaces for sunny summer days

Summer in Olathe and surrounding Johnson County can be brutal without a screened-in porch to proved shade coverage. While we all want to spend time outside, we also want to stay safe—and we all know that too much of a good thing can be harmful. That’s especially true when it comes to being in the summer sun!

One way to still enjoy the outdoors, even in summer’s intense heat, is to build a screened-in porch, deck, or patio. Read on to learn more about the advantages of each.

Why You Might Want a Screened-In Porch

Adding a screened-in porch offers countless advantages. It can keep you free from pesky bugs by keeping insects out. It can extend your living space without forcing you out into your backyard. It can multi-task: at times, it can be a space to entertain or to be with younger kids but it can also be a respite when you crave quiet and time to yourself.

In addition to those lifestyle advantages, adding a screened-in porch can increase the resale value of your home.

Why a Deck is a Good Landscaping Investment

Adding a deck to your property offers many of the same advantages of a screened-in porch. A deck will extend your living space and give you more room to entertain or to spend time with family (or alone).

A deck, however, is typically open to the sun. This might make you wonder why we’d include it in a blog post about keeping out of the sun! The answer to that is simple: opting for a deck rather than a screened-in porch means you have more options. You can add furniture with an umbrella to shield you from the sun when necessary. But you can also opt for umbrella-less furniture in Spring and Fall, when you want more of an open space and unobstructed sky views and fresh air.

Why a Patio Might Be the Perfect Addition to Your Backyard

A patio differs from a deck in that while a deck is attached to your home, a patio is free-standing. Most patios are a short walk from an entrance to your home; but because a patio isn’t attached to another structure, it starts as a blank canvas.

This means you have options: use natural stone or slate for the patio for a natural look. Or opt for wood for a more rustic feel. Add a pergola for visual interest or a mini outdoor kitchen for easy snack and drink access. Like a deck, a patio affords flexibility for furnishings and it’s easy to adapt to the seasons.

No matter which option you choose, you can spend more time outdoors, even when the summer temperatures rise. Things to consider when planning an enclosed porch, a deck, or a patio include the current circumstances of your space, how much room you have, your budget, and your personal preferences.

Ready to explore the idea of adding a sun-free outdoor space to your home? If so, we’d love to share our expertise with you. Contact us to learn more.

By Lisa Allen News • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

The Benefits Of 24-Hour Commercial Snow Removal

How many times have you called a company—maybe your internet service provider or the phone company—and heard the dreaded recording: we are experiencing heavy call volume. Please stay on the line. You stay on the line and you wait and wait. Finally, it’s the end of the business day and you realize you have to start all over again tomorrow.

OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But we all know the feeling of not being able to reach the companies we do business with when we need help. And the truth is, the people in our office, those who answer our phones, are human just like everyone else. We’ve been the client who needs help; and because of that, we treat every client how we want to be treated.

It’s All About Relationships

We focus on service, no matter what we’re doing and part of good service is being reachable, being responsive, and being there when you need us. In this respect, commercial snow removal is unique. We wouldn’t expect someone to need emergency landscaping (but if you do, call us!), but we know that weather is unpredictable. And we know that businesses want to be ready for clients first thing, not whenever their snow removal company can squeeze them into their schedule.

Convenience Matters

Contracting with a commercial snow removal company that provides 24-hour snow removal means that you’re being taken care of even when others are off the clock. It means your customers can pull into your parking lot . They can walk into your business without having to walk through snow or on ice. It means that you can keep doing business when others can’t even open their doors. All of this is because you have us working for you around the clock.

Sometimes, It’s Personal

It also means you can stay healthier this season. Did you know that each year, emergency rooms treat an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries? Slips and falls, lower back problems, and injuries to arms and hands are all realities when trying to clear snow. Left to us, however, you can stay warm, safe, and busy working with clients and customers.

A quick response, coupled with our professional equipment and expert staff, means less downtime for your business. And this translates into a healthier bottom line, even when weather tries to disrupt best-laid plans.

We’d love to talk to you about your snow removal, salting, and de-icing needs. Reach out to schedule a conversation, give us a like and follow our projects on Facebook, or click through our website to learn more about what we do.

By Lisa Allen News • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Why You Should Utilize Your Snow Removal Service Provider

Picture this: you’re cozy, curled up with family after a warm, delicious meal. Maybe the Christmas tree lights are twinkling. Maybe your dog is snoring. No matter the details, the scene is the epitome of serene: a blanket of snow outside and more on the way, warm beverages to share, and nowhere to be other than right here.

Now come back to reality. The hard truth is this: snow means work. It means shoveling and blowing and bundling up in layers to stay somewhat warm. It means huffing and puffing and sweating under all that insulation. And, if you own a business, snow can also mean liablity: what if someone slips and falls? What if you steer your snowplow into a client’s car? What if…. it’s what keeps business owners awake at night.

The bad news is that we cannot make the snow stop—nor can we prevent ice or cold temperatures or the need to deal with it all. The good news is that we can take those worries away and make sure you stay warm, cozy, and happy all the way to Spring. To be honest, that’s just one of the many reasons you should call us to take care of snow removal. Need more reason than saving time that can be spent doing anything that makes you happy? Here are two more:

Snow Removal Service Providers Save You Money

Sure, there’s a cost involved in hiring a professional snow removal service. But have you looked at the cost of snow removal equipment? There’s not just the initial investment, which runs into the thousands; there’s also maintenance, and storage, and insurance. Think of how much trying to DIY your snow removal efforts will add to your bottom line and compare that to the fee you’ll pay. Chances are, you’ll save money in the long-run.

Snow Removal Services Give You Piece of Mind

Sometimes the best investment of all is knowing that something will be done even if you can’t—or don’t want to—do it. What with holiday travel, family obligations, and everything else that comes with this time of year, it’s likely that snow and ice may happen when you’re not even here. Who do you call then?

When you’ve built a relationship with a snow removal professional, you can be confident not only that your paths and parking lots will be clear, but that it will be done quickly. More importantly, it will be done correctly. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that others will be safe on your property, whether that’s a neighborhood sidewalk or a business parking lot, is priceless.

There are other benefits, to be sure—and just like your landscaping needs, we know your snow removal, salting, and de-icing needs are unique. Give us a call and let’s find a way to help you enjoy this season just a bit more.

By ddmg Do It Yourself • General Information • Landscape • Tips and Tricks • • 1 Comment

Too Much Snow? Your Olathe Landscape Company Shows You How to Handle It

Winter is here. Whether you love it or hate it, the season of snow is almost upon us. This means snow removal will be needed sooner rather than later. When there’s snow in tow, you may need the help of your favorite Olathe landscape company to help you or show you the way.

Maybe you need professional snow removal services. Maybe you need some tips when you want to do it yourself. Whatever you need, we’re here to help. At Huston Contracting, we offer:

  • Professional snow removal
  • Salting services
  • Sidewalk shoveling
  • Sidewalk de-icing services

…And more!

We strive to make your winter wonderland livable after a big snowfall. We also understand that many just want to get rid of the snow on their driveway after a storm. Many times it will only be an inch or two and you just want to make it go away and get on with your day.

Snow Clean Up Tips & Tricks From Your Olathe Landscape Company

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you efficiently clean up your driveway and sidewalk area when a small snow occurs:

  • Be SAFE

First and foremost – be safe! There’s no reason to run around injuring yourself by trying to clean a foot of snow off your driveway, especially if physical fitness isn’t your forte. A large amount of snow gets heavy, and you can hurt yourself trying to move it with just a shovel.

  • Move Snow Once

There’s no reason to shovel snow twice or three times. Don’t move snow into piles in the driveway and then into smaller piles off the driveway. Immediately move the snow off of your driveway. This will allow you to avoid overworking yourself. Just don’t do it – don’t move snow twice.

  • Invest in a Good Shovel

If you’re going to shovel snow, then you need to get a great shovel. You can cut your snow shoveling time and workload if you get the proper shovel. Head over to your local hardware store and have an expert help pick out the perfect shovel for your needs.

  • Never Shovel Into the Wind

If you want to make snow shoveling harder than it already is, then try to shovel snow into the wind. You’ll end up doing double or triple the amount of work. Instead, work with the wind. Start on the side of the driveway the wind is coming from and let the breeze work for you – not against you.