Residential Excavation, ICF Foundation & Concrete Flatwork
Lumberjack Place Residential Foundation Excavation in Kalispell, MT
Glacier Ridge Excavation transformed a bare residential lot in Kalispell’s West View Estates into a construction-ready foundation and concrete package. From basement excavation and ICF foundation installation to drainage, underground utilities, and finished concrete surfaces, our team managed the entire process while addressing unexpected soil conditions beneath the property.
Project Details
Location: Kalispell, Montana
Project Type: Residential Construction
Services: Basement Excavation, ICF Foundation Installation, Underground Utilities, Foundation Drainage, Concrete Flatwork
Completed: July 2025
General Contractor: Big Sky Construction Group
GRE Crew Lead: James Hein
Complete Foundation Construction for a Kalispell Residence
Working alongside Big Sky Construction Group, Glacier Ridge Excavation handled the excavation, foundation construction, underground utilities, drainage, and concrete flatwork for a new home in Kalispell’s West View Estates subdivision.
Our responsibilities began with the basement excavation and continued through the installation of reinforced footings, Nudura insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation walls, perimeter drainage, and finished concrete surfaces.
By managing the work from the initial excavation through the final concrete pour, our crew maintained consistency across every stage of construction, reducing unnecessary handoffs between trades and keeping the foundation work coordinated with the builder’s requirements.
The project included basement and driveway excavation, structural foundation construction, utility preparation, waterproofing, backfilling, and concrete installation for the interior spaces, garage, and outdoor patio areas.
Adapting Excavation Methods to Unstable Soil Conditions
Overcoming Unexpected Soil and Drainage Challenges
The property initially appeared to be a typical residential lot built on previously placed subdivision fill. However, once excavation reached approximately six feet below grade, our crew encountered very fine sand mixed with silt.
These unexpected soil conditions required a larger excavation area than originally anticipated, along with adjustments to the equipment and excavation approach.
To maintain safe working conditions, we laid back the excavation slopes and used tracked loading equipment instead of wheeled machinery to move material around the site. This approach allowed our team to continue excavation while adapting to the characteristics of the underlying soils.
Developing a Practical Foundation Drainage Solution
Another concern involved the potential effects of the fine silt on the home’s foundation drainage system. Because the project did not initially include a geotechnical report, these subsurface conditions had not been identified before excavation began.
Rather than proceeding without additional guidance, Glacier Ridge Excavation brought in an outside drainage consultant and a geotechnical consultant to evaluate the site conditions and develop a suitable approach.
Their recommendations helped establish a strategy addressing both surface water and subsurface drainage, including considerations for the perimeter drainage system and future landscaping.
This coordination also gave the homeowner useful information for incorporating additional drainage measures into the property’s landscaping plan.
Coordinating Excavation, ICF Construction, and Concrete Work
With the excavation and drainage approach established, our crew continued building the home’s foundation system, including reinforced continuous footings and Nudura insulated concrete form walls.
The project also involved waterproofing, foundation backfilling, underground utility preparation, and installation of the perimeter French drain leading to the sump.
Once the foundation work was complete, we moved into concrete flatwork, preparing and pouring the interior slabs, garage slabs, patio, and other specified concrete surfaces.
Handling these connected phases under one contractor helped maintain continuity from the initial dirt work to the completed foundation package.
Project by the Numbers
644 Cubic Yards
Material excavated and hauled away from the basement and driveway
296 Linear Feet
Nudura ICF foundation walls, including 178 linear feet at 10 feet 8 inches tall
348 Linear Feet
Reinforced continuous concrete footings
187 Linear Feet
Perimeter French drain installed within 24 inches of washed rock
4,843 Sq. Ft.
Concrete slabs and patio surfaces
Delivering a Complete Foundation and Concrete Package
Glacier Ridge Excavation completed the Lumberjack Place project in July 2025, turning the site over to Big Sky Construction Group with the foundation and concrete work ready for the next phase of home construction.
The ICF foundation was waterproofed and backfilled, the perimeter drainage system was connected to the sump, and underground utilities were stubbed for final connections.
Our team also completed the interior and garage slabs, patio, and remaining concrete surfaces. Exposed concrete received a broom finish where specified, and sawcuts were completed as part of the finishing process.
Despite the unexpected soil conditions and added drainage considerations, the project moved forward with a coordinated excavation and foundation approach. The framing crew was able to begin work on a completed foundation and slab package.
Planning a Residential Excavation or Foundation Project in Montana?
From basement excavation and ICF foundation installation to drainage improvements and concrete flatwork, Glacier Ridge Excavation provides residential site preparation and foundation services throughout Kalispell and the surrounding Flathead Valley.
Whether you’re building a new home or preparing a property for construction, our team can help you navigate site conditions and establish a solid foundation for your project.