How we work with general contractors
The GC brings the build. We bring a build-ready site. That means one earthwork point of contact for the GC and superintendent, a written scope-of-work and handoff document so nobody is guessing what condition the site will be in, daily field updates during the active phase, and a defined milestone for substantial completion. The goal is fewer phone calls, fewer change orders, and a handoff the framing or foundation crew can actually start on.
Package scope
- Site walk and pre-mobilization scope confirmation
- Demolition of existing structures, slabs, fences, or pools in the work zone
- Vegetation and debris clearing across the building footprint and access path
- Rough grading, cut/fill, and drainage shaping per civil plan
- Access road or driveway grading for construction traffic
- Pad-ready or base-rock-ready handoff per builder requirements
- Final site condition photos and a written handoff note
Defining the handoff condition
| Handoff Stage | What It Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rough clear | Vegetation and debris removed, site walkable | Survey, civil walk, early planning |
| Rough grade | Cut/fill complete, drainage shaped, not compacted to spec | Pre-permit or early scheduling |
| Pad-ready | Pad cut to grade, compacted, ready for forms | Foundation crew can start immediately |
| Base-rock ready | Pad plus base rock placed and compacted | Slab-on-grade or driveway scope |
| Trench-ready | Utility trenches dug to plan, awaiting utility crew | Time-sensitive utility tie-ins |
What GCs should send us up front
- Project plans, including footprint and access path
- Civil sheets if available (grading, drainage, utilities)
- Geotech report when one exists
- Permit status and any conditions of approval
- Schedule milestones for foundation, framing, and utility crews
- COI requirements and additional insured language
- Any subcontractor coordination notes from the prior phase
Insurance, COI, and field discipline
We carry general liability and workers compensation appropriate for residential and light commercial site prep. We can issue a project-specific COI with additional insured wording, send it before mobilization, and follow site safety rules set by the GC. We do not overclaim licensing or bonding we do not hold. If a project requires scope beyond our license envelope, we say so up front and help the GC line up the right specialty sub.
Billing schedule
Typical structure is a mobilization deposit on signed scope, progress billing at clearly defined milestones (clearing complete, demo complete, rough grade complete, pad-ready), and final billing on documented handoff. T&M is reserved for genuine unknowns called out in the scope, not for everyday work that should be lump-summed.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the GC and earthwork crew handoff work?
- We agree on a written handoff condition before mobilization, send daily field updates during the active phase, and turn over the site with photos and a written note at completion. The GC's next crew arrives on a documented condition, not a guess.
- How fast can you produce a COI?
- Usually within one to three business days once we have the GC's COI requirements, additional insured language, and project address. We send it directly to the GC's compliance contact.
- What is your mobilization lead time?
- Two to four weeks is typical from signed scope to boots on site. Tighter timelines are possible for smaller scopes when the schedule allows; we will be honest about what we can hit.
- How do you bill on a GC project?
- Mobilization deposit, progress billing on defined milestones, and final billing on documented handoff. We avoid open-ended T&M except for genuine unknowns called out in the scope.
- Can you handle the demo plus site prep package as one scope?
- Yes. Bundling demolition, clearing, grading, and access into one scope under one sub is usually faster and cleaner than splitting it across multiple trades.
Related planning resources
Site preparation service
Full service scope for clearing through pad-ready handoff.
Building demolition service
When the package includes a small commercial or accessory structure.
Grading service
Rough and finish grading paired with site prep work.
Builder excavation support
Excavation, trenching, and pad work tuned to production and custom builders.
Commercial excavation
Pad cuts, footings, and utility trench scope on commercial sites.
How to hire a demolition contractor
What to look for in a Northern California demolition and site prep partner.