Charge neighbor for snow plowing?

I live on a common driveway. Its approx. 1000 feet long x 13 feet wide. I'm the last house at the very end. I have two neighbors who have off shoots a little over 1/2 way up the driveway. One of the neighbors works from home, and isn't really used to living on a big country property. His off shoot is maybe 120 feet long and 16 feet wide. The end opens up with a turnaround.

I plow the main trunk (1000 feet x 13 feet), and don't ask for or expect fuel or time re-imbursement. I'd have to do it anyways for my family to get out. Question is...what are others thoughts on charging the neighbor to do his off shoot?

My wife is staying home this year to homeschool, and I could use the extra money. I'm thinking $40-$50 per plow. Will this turn into a weird conversation with the neighbor?

 

I'd definitely float the idea or think of a way to approach it. Every place I looked into buying that share a private road/common driveway set up a hoa of sorts to deal with this situation.
Everyone shares in the expense of maintaining the approach. Someone needs to do it. That I think all parties sharing the drive could agree on.
Even if they work from home they eventually need supplies either by them leaving or someone delivering.

 

Little backstory on that. I plow and blow the dirt road we live on from my farthest neighbor down to the pavement (almost a mile) and I've never asked for a penny from any of them ever. Has to do with courtesy more than anything else and I own the equipment to to that and I need to 'get out' as well (prior to retirement that is). I believe you idea of asking them to pay for it will only alienate you from them and cause hard feelings. If you are that hard up for funds, just quit doing it and call it good.

All you will accomplish by doing that is cause hard feelings. Besides, doing that will cause you to have to plow them ENTIRELY out every snow event.. They will expect it as they are compensating you for your efforts. You don't do it to their expectations, expect to get flak.

I'd pass but it's your ballgame, not mine.

 

When it comes time to improve the main trunk of the driveway, will everyone pony up and help with the cost? I would think so.

Charging the neighbors for plowing it and possibly their driveways also is only understandable. Fuel prices are still out of whack and well as parts, upkeep, wear and tear on the plow vehicle.

Sit down and talk with them about it and come up with some plan that both parties agree on instead of presenting them with a (sort of) this is the price-take it or leave it. Or, have them call you on a "as needed" basis-with the understanding that you may not be able to respond as quickly on a short notice.

How much snowfall do you get there anyway?

 

He’s in mass not Maryland!

 

The driveway was gravel until about 3 years ago. We all pitched in and had it paved. It was pretty expensive. Some years we’ve gotten 120” of snow. I’d say an average year is more like 60-80”

 

I would continue to do plow what you currently do, if he asks you to plow him let him know that it will cost x per storm or pass or however you want to do it. I use a snowblower on my driveway it does a great job. sometimes when it snows and I’m at work my retired neighbor will plow. I appreciate his effort and would never tell him so but I really wish he wouldn’t.

we looked at a house that had a common drive with 3 others. Really liked it. I’m the end we decided to pass because of the possible headaches related to the common drive.

 

One way to look at it? is what happens if you don’t plow it.. call company and get a bid.
Just main road that gets divided by number of drives on main the road.. Not driveways; make sure your neighbors know what they are getting for “free” and you are paying for. It sets table for further understanding and some gift cards for you

 

It’s basically a private road. Plowing contractors would probably barge a bare minimum of $200-$300 per storm just for the main trunk. I’ve never gotten quotes, but I can’t see it being less than that.

 

I get that used to plow them; DO your neighbors know that?

 

It's hard to say. I moved there in 2011. Since then every neighbor has sold and new neighbors have moved in. The one I'm debating plowing for has only been there since May of 2021. The other neighbor has given me gift cards twice in the past. He also does a lot of side of driveway maintenance (spreading crushed gravel, weed trimming, etc) and leaf blowing though. The previous neighbors never gave anything.

 

To have good neighbors you have to be a good neighbor. I live on the same type of lane and I plow all the other driveways and don't charge

 

Update:

I was just talking to the other neighbor on the phone. He's the one who does a lot of the non snow plowing maintenance. He said the neighbor in question was telling him a few weeks ago that he wants to get a landscaper to do his lawn, and beds. Seems logical that he may also be thinking of getting prices to plow as well. I'm going to go see him this weekend. Like I said, nice guy, but not exactly hands on.

I appreciate everyone's input. I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

I just measured his driveway with GIS. It’s 174 feet long

 

Neighbors are funny. I'd stick to plowing the main stretch as you need it anyway and let them come to you.

 

First off you are in Massachusetts, the state with no end to money. Charge them or start plowing from their last driveway and let them figure it out. Nothings free right? You have 4x4 so from experience you can get out no problem when it’s not plowed.

 

It's always a tough call but I guess it won't hurt to feel them out.
Just be sure to make it clear what you intend to do.
A landscaper will probably do detail work like cleaning the walks and salting.
I don't charge my neighbors but I don't have a agreement either. If and when I get the tractor out I will plow any drives that need it. If they don't want to wait for me and they do it themselves....oh well.
And I DON'T do detail work.

 

Also, distinguish between a neighbor, and a person who lives nearby. There is a difference.

on a country living board years ago, a guy new to the rural life said one morning the farm next to him had a fence down. He did what he could to get the cattle back in and temporarily fix the fence damage. Part of the conversation was th3 farmer saying “now that we are neighbors.....”