SnowAway

Inspiration

This app was inspired by an upcoming snowstorm. With heavy snow expected, we saw how quickly people start worrying about clearing driveways and sidewalks. We wanted to build a fast and simple way to get snow removal help when it’s needed most.

What it does

SnowAway connects people who need snow removed with nearby shovelers and plow drivers. Users can request snow removal, see the price upfront, track the worker, pay in the app, and leave a review once the job is done.

How we built it

We built the app using a mobile-first approach. The frontend handles booking, maps, and real-time job status. The backend manages users, jobs, pricing, and payments. We used maps for location, push notifications for updates, and online payments for a smooth checkout.

Challenges we ran into

Designing fair pricing for different job sizes

Matching workers quickly during high demand

Handling real-time status updates

Keeping the app simple while supporting two user types

Accomplishments that we’re proud of

A full end-to-end flow: request → accept → complete → pay

Clean, easy user experience

Real-time job tracking

A solution that solves a real seasonal problem

What we learned

Simple flows matter more than extra features

Location and timing are critical for on-demand services

Clear pricing builds user trust

Small, focused MVPs are easier to test and improve

What’s next for SnowAway

Monthly snow removal subscriptions

Business and apartment building support

Weather-based auto alerts

Better worker verification and safety features

Expansion to more cities

Built With

• nextjs