Look at things like whether they own their equipment or sub it out, how long they've been doing this, whether they handle the full job or just part of it, and how they price. Then get it in writing. A contractor who cuts corners or hands work off between trades is where problems and surprise costs come from.B Moore On Grade is the first and last person on your site. We own our equipment, have 20+ years in excavation and grading, and handle the project from the first dig to the final grade. One call, one quote, one contractor accountable for the whole thing.