Step 1: Tell us about your project
Start with a short form about the work you need. You can tell us if you need land grading, a building pad, cut and fill, drainage improvements, trenching, driveway prep, topsoil spreading, haul-off, or site cleanup.
A few details help the match go better. Things like your property location, rough project size, soil or slope concerns, whether access is tight for a mini-excavator or skid steer, and whether you think drainage features like a swale, culvert, or French drain may be needed. Photos are helpful if you have them, but not required.
We only ask for project and contact details so we can help with matching. We do not ask for financial, ID, or immigration information.
Step 2: We review your job and match you with local contractors
After you send your request, Gradeline reviews the basic scope and looks for local contractors who handle that kind of site work. That may include rough grading, finish grading, excavation for footings, regrading for better drainage, erosion control, or dirt import and haul-off.
Gradeline is not a contractor and does not perform work, design plans, or give engineering or legal advice. Our role is to help you understand the project and connect you with licensed, insured, bonded professionals near you.
We encourage every property owner to verify credentials directly. Ask each contractor about license status, insurance, bonding, experience with similar jobs, compaction methods, and whether permits or inspections may apply in your area. And before any digging starts, always call 811 to have utilities marked.
Step 3: Talk with contractors and compare quotes
Matched contractors may contact you to learn more, look at the site, and provide a quote. This is your chance to explain the goal clearly. For example, you may want positive slope away from the foundation, a level building pad, better stormwater flow, or removal of soft or unsuitable fill.
When you compare quotes, look beyond the price. Check what is included, such as excavation depth, cubic yards of material moved, topsoil vs fill, compaction, grading tolerance, erosion control like silt fence, haul-off, import of clean fill, and cleanup. One quote may include more complete work than another.
Helpful questions to ask:
- Is this rough grade, finish grade, or both?
- How will you handle drainage and runoff?
- Will you compact fill in lifts?
- Is haul-off included?
- What equipment will you use, like a mini-excavator, dozer, or skid steer?
- Do you expect any need for shoring, deeper footing excavation, or additional erosion control?
You can learn more about common site-work tasks on our services pages and see typical price ranges on our costs page.
Step 4: Choose who to hire
You are in control of the decision. There is no obligation to hire anyone you speak with through Gradeline. Compare experience, communication, timing, scope, and written pricing, then choose the contractor you trust.
Before hiring, verify the contractor's license, insurance, and bond for yourself. Make sure the written agreement matches what you discussed, including material quantities, grading goals, drainage features, compaction, and cleanup. If the project affects a foundation, retaining area, steep slope, or deep excavation, ask whether an engineer, permit, or added safety measures are required.
If you are ready to start, you can get matched now. If you want to research first, our guides can help you ask better questions and compare contractors with more confidence.