Stairs and Difficult Access Policy

Purpose and Importance

The Stairs and Difficult Access Policy ensures safety, fairness, and efficiency during jobs that involve complex entry points, multiple levels, or limited access. These situations require extra time, labor, and physical effort, and they can increase the risk of injury or property damage. This policy establishes clear expectations for customers and crew members so that these conditions are handled safely and priced appropriately.

Policy Statement

Mongold Junk Removal is committed to completing every job safely and efficiently. When stairs, steep inclines, long carries, or other access challenges are present, additional precautions and labor fees may apply. These fees compensate for the added time and effort required to move items safely and protect both property and personnel.

Definition of Difficult Access

“Difficult access” refers to any condition that increases time, labor, or risk beyond standard ground-level service. This includes but is not limited to:

Flights of stairs or staircases without elevator access
Steep driveways, hills, or uneven terrain
Long carries exceeding 100 feet from the truck or trailer to the load site
Tight hallways, small doorways, or corners requiring extra maneuvering
Limited vehicle access preventing close parking or loading
Crawl spaces, basements, attics, or lofts
Unsafe or obstructed pathways

Standard Stair and Access Fees

Single Flight of Stairs: $50 per flight (each direction, as applicable)
Applied for each full set of stairs required to reach or remove items.
Steep Access Fee: $75 flat rate
Applied for steep hills, long sloped driveways, or uneven terrain that significantly affects loading time or safety.
Extreme or Unsafe Access Fee: $150 flat rate
Applied when access requires exceptional effort or poses safety risks (e.g., rotted decks, unstable stairs, tight spaces, long carries over 100 feet, or structural issues).
Additional Crew Member Fee: $100 flat rate
Applied when the job requires a third crew member for safety or to move oversized/heavy items due to access challenges.

All access fees are cumulative if multiple conditions apply (for example, stairs + steep access).

Customer Responsibility

Customers must inform the company at the time of booking if stairs, steep terrain, or tight access conditions exist.
Walkways, stairs, and entryways must be cleared, dry, and structurally safe before the crew arrives.
Failure to disclose access conditions may result in additional fees or rescheduling if work cannot be safely completed.
If conditions are found to be unsafe or inaccessible upon arrival, the crew leader may stop work and contact the customer to discuss options.

Crew Safety and Handling

Crews are trained to assess access safety prior to starting any job.
The crew leader has full authority to decline the use of unsafe stairs, decks, or entryways.
Proper lifting, teamwork, and equipment are required at all times when navigating stairs or inclines.
Crews will not move items through areas that could cause injury or structural damage.

Liability Disclaimer

Mongold Junk Removal is not responsible for property damage resulting from unstable stairs, weak flooring, or structural defects. Customers assume all risk when requesting item removal from upper floors, basements, or areas that pose structural or access hazards. The company will not force items through unsafe or damaging routes.

Policy Enforcement

This policy applies to all residential and commercial customers. Fees are added to the final invoice and disclosed to the customer before completion whenever possible. The company reserves the right to refuse or reschedule work if access is unsafe or unmanageable. The current version of this policy will be made available on the company’s website or upon request.

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