How To Avoid Parking Lot Sweeping Scams

Contracting parking lot sweeping is very common in Ontario. Because of the cost of cleaning vehicles, most parking area owners cannot afford to purchase them. Instead, they choose the cheaper way to having their parking areas cleaned of debris and dirt: hiring contractors. However, there are contractors who are not really who they claim to be and just rob parking area owners of their money.

It can sometimes be frustrating when you get to observe parking lot sweeping contractors do a lousy job at malls, offices and community parking areas. When no one regulates them, they can just actually do a one pass of their parking lot sweeping vehicles without actually cleaning or improving the area.

Whether you own a parking area or just a homeowner, knowing how to avoid parking lot sweeping scams is important. As a parking area owner, you are ensured that you get your money's worth. And as a homeowner, you will be able to give parking area owners good advice or avoid parking areas that do not implement proper cleaning techniques.

To avoid parking lot sweeping scams, here's a checklist when hiring contractors:

The first thing that should be asked from parking lot sweeping contractors is a certification- similar to a license issued by the city or municipality. In the Greater Toronto Area, parking lot sweeping and road cleaning are monitored so they are actually reducing dirt and improving air quality. The GTA is very much concerned about air quality since road dust forms a major part of air pollutants. In fact, there is a Clean Roads to Clean Air Initiative in municipalities and cities in this area.

A certification will also guarantee that the company has been in operation for quite some time and can be considered an expert in this field. Depending on the location, a certification is sometimes issued only after five years of operation.

A free back-job clause in a contract. A contractor should allow time for task evaluation and if found to be under sanitation standards, they should do the job again for free.

The contractor should use the latest model of lot sweeping vehicle. The reasons behind this criterion are environmental performance and effect to overall human health of such cleaning vehicles. The latest type of these vehicles uses a technology that requires a lesser amount of fuel, improves air quality and uses minimal amount of water.

Payment scheme. No contractor should offer a contract which requires payment upfront, before any services is ever delivered. A down payment is proper, so the balance of the contract acts as a collateral or guarantee that the service will be delivered. In addition to staggered payments, paying through check is much safer than paying in cash.

The contractor should be able to suggest the number of times a parking area should be cleaned. There is no fixed frequency and should depend on how much the parking area is used. Those located beside restaurants, vegetation and main city streets will require more flushing and cleaning compared to those infrequently used.

Hiring a certified contractor will increase the chances that a parking area will be cleaned efficiently and effectively. And ensuring that a parking area is cleaned well will not only guarantee a clean place to park cars, but will also guarantee an improved ambient air quality.