Elevating Mountain Property with Expert Excavation Services in Kalispell: A Tree Clearing and Gravel Driveway Success Story

At Dirty Deeds Earthworks, we recently had the privilege of taking on a challenging yet rewarding residential excavation project for a couple who owned a stunning mountain-side property in Whitefish, Montana. Despite having ample acreage, our clients faced the dilemma of not having a flat or cleared space to realize their dream of setting up a shop on their land. Determined and proactive, they took the initiative to clear most of the trees themselves, leaving us with the task of handling the remaining large trees and transforming the rugged terrain into a suitable site for their new shop.

All the tree's felled, ready to rip out the stumps!

Our expertise in tree clearing and excavation came into play as we efficiently removed the remaining stumps, preventing soil breakdown and ensuring a solid foundation for the project. With a focus on residential excavation, we meticulously brought in 107 dump trucks of material, approximately 1248 cubic yards, to create a level building pad. Our gravel driveway expertise was crucial in compacting the material in layers, setting the stage for a stable construction site.

Once the stumps were removed, we graded out the ground to prep for bringing in material

Layer after layer of dirt coming in, going Up, Up, Up!

Using a laser level to ensure everything comes up to the exact height needed

The final grade is achieved!

Once the building pad reached the desired height, we strategically placed boulders around the edge to secure the gravel and act as a retaining wall, minimizing the risk of sloughing. The electrical conduit we laid from the main house to the future shop location showcased our attention to detail in residential excavation projects. Laying the conduit before the top drive surface was completed reduced the need to re-work the ground once the trench was dug. Laying the conduit at this stage allowed us to only topcoat this surface once at the very end of the project.

All the dirt is down and leveled! Ready for next steps

Laying conduit before the pad is finished reduces the need to re-surface the ground you trench through

Mono slab prep is complete and electric conduit is ready to go

Prep for a mono slab foundation was completed by bringing in clean chips and building an "island". This method of concrete slab foundation reduces the amount of concrete required for a project, therefore reducing cost, while still ensuring a thick slab around the edges where extra stability and thickness is needed for strength.

The foundation has been poured! Ready for grading and a building!

As experts in excavation in Whitefish, our role extended beyond the initial groundwork. After the construction phase, we returned to the site to add the finishing touches. Additional boulders were strategically placed to reinforce the retaining wall, both to ensure a very strong and aesthetically pleasing wall. A topcoat of gravel was applied to the entire work area, including up to the main house and around all the construction site, leaving a smooth and compact surface ready for the shop's operations.

After the building has been completed, a final top coat was spread and compacted over the entire space!

Through our expertise in excavation services in Whitefish, including tree clearing, gravel driveway installation, and residential excavation, we successfully transformed a rugged mountainside into a functional and beautiful space for our clients. This project exemplifies our commitment to excellence and collaboration, turning our clients' vision into reality. We take pride in our role in this project and look forward to continuing to provide top-notch excavation services to homeowners in the Flathead Valley and beyond.