Choosing Earthwork Subcontractors

Think About:

• Experience with soil + access conditions

• Who supplies trucks, shoring, erosion control

• Support for multiple phases (dig + backfill)

• Coordination with utilities + inspections

Potential Subcontractors to Select:

• Excavation contractor

• Grading contractor

• Dump trucking subcontractor

• Shoring / trench safety specialists

• Utility trench subcontractor (water/sewer/storm)

• Erosion control subcontractor

• Geotechnical technician (for compaction testing)

• Surveyor (pre & post-dig)

(Use any combination based on scope.)

Choosing Earthwork Materials

Think About:

• Soil conditions + engineer recommendations

• Drainage requirements + filter fabrics

• Erosion control during weather events

• Quantity accuracy and storage space

Materials to Select (as applicable):

• Structural fill / import soil

• Native soil handling method (reuse or disposal)

• Crushed gravel or base course

• Drain rock (size + spec)

• Sand bed for utilities

• Filter fabric / geotextile membrane

• Silt fencing / straw wattles

• Tarps + protective membranes

• Marking paint, stakes, pin flags

• Drain pipe + fittings

• Catch basins or cleanouts

• Temporary access rock

(The PM selects ONLY what the specific site requires.)

Choosing Tools, Equipment & Rentals

Think About:

• Tight access vs reach requirements

• Need for trench safety equipment

• Adequate hauling fleet to avoid downtime

• Grading precision needs

Tools & Equipment to Select:
Heavy Equipment:

• Excavators (size-specific)

• Mini-excavator

• Dozer / grader

• Track loader / skid steer

Compaction:

• Jumping jack compactors

• Plate compactors

• Rollers (walk-behind or ride-on)

Trenching:

• Trench boxes

• Hydraulic shoring

• Ladders (trench access)

• Gas monitors (deep)

Support:

• Water truck / hoses for dust control

• Ground protection mats / steel plates

• Laser level / grade rod set

• Shovels / trenching tools

• Temporary fencing

(Everything must be accounted for — even if provided by the subcontractor.)

Choosing Vendors & Supply Sources

Think About:

• Proximity to project for faster hauling

• Ability to schedule multiple deliveries

• Certification of materials

• Return policy for over-orders

Vendor Types to Evaluate:

• Gravel + base rock suppliers

• Sand and soil providers

• Geotextile and erosion control suppliers

• Dump truck companies

• Equipment rental providers

• Survey company (staking + layout)

• Geotech lab / compaction testing service

• Private utility locators

Should always include backup vendors.

Choosing Testing & Documentation Partners

Think About:

• Response time during compaction efforts

• Digital reporting and labeled data

• Inspector trust and reliability

Partners to Select:

• Third-party compaction testing company

• Geotechnical engineer (point of contact)

• Field technician (for proof rolls)

• Surveyor (verification elevations & corners)

• Photographer/documentation role (internal or sub)

Ensures buried work remains provable years later.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com