Site & Foundation · How site work works
Getting your land ready to build
Before anything is built, your land has to be ready: a cleared and graded site, a septic system, water, and power. Much of this needs county permits and specialists, and we line them up in the right order so the foundation crew isn't waiting.
This isn't a choice you need to make. It's how every Bedrock build gets started.
Every Bedrock build
How site work works
Seven pieces, roughly in order. Some happen before we break ground, and some, like the well, are often done before we arrive.
Site walk and site analysis
We walk your land early, often with the excavator, to look at access, slope, rock, drainage, and where the house, septic, and well can go. The county's site analysis then approves building and septic locations before permits move ahead.
Surprises found before pricing, not during the dig
House, septic, and well placed to work together
Excavation and grading
A local excavation contractor clears the building site, digs the foundation, backfills, and shapes the ground so water flows away from the house. Rock is common in parts of the valley, and it's the biggest variable in site work cost.
Experienced local operator and equipment
Ground graded to drain away from the house
Drainage where the site needs it
Where the ground holds water or the house steps into a slope, a perforated drain in gravel runs along the footings and carries water away to daylight. Flat, well-drained sites usually don't need it.
Keeps water away from the foundation
Added only where it's worth it
Septic system
Most Methow homes are on septic. A professional engineer or licensed designer designs the system for your soils, the county Public Health District reviews it and issues the permit, and a licensed installer builds it. We coordinate the whole chain.
Designed for your soils and house size
One point of contact for designer, county, and installer
Well and water
The county needs proof of an adequate water supply before it issues a building permit, usually a drilled well. Many owners drill before construction; if not, we schedule a licensed driller and run the water line to the house.
Water confirmed before money goes into the house
Water line buried below frost
Power and utility trenching
Power usually runs underground from the utility's transformer to your house. The excavator digs the trench, the electrician sets conduit and wire, and the power utility makes the final connection. Long runs from the road add cost.
Underground service: nothing for snow to tear down
Shared trenches where codes allow
Gravel driveway and finish grade
We build a compacted gravel driveway and parking area by default, then finish-grade around the house so water drains away. Concrete or paved drives, walks, and patios are planned with your outdoor spaces.
Gravel stands up to snowplows and frost
Affordable and easy to repair
One point of contact
Who does what
Site work takes several specialists and two county departments. We line them up in the right order and keep everyone on the same plan.
| Step | Who |
|---|---|
| Site walk, permits, and scheduling | Bedrock, with you |
| Site analysis and septic permit | Okanogan County Planning and Public Health |
| Septic design | Professional engineer or licensed septic designer |
| Clearing, digging, backfill, septic install, driveway | Local excavation contractor |
| Footings, foundation walls, slabs | Bedrock |
| Well drilling and pump | Licensed well driller (often before we start) |
| Power trench, conduit, and connection | Excavator, electrician, and the power utility |
FAQ
Common questions
How do I get a septic permit in Okanogan County?
Okanogan County Planning first approves where the septic tank and drain field can go, then the County Public Health District checks the soils and reviews a design from a professional engineer or licensed septic designer. A licensed installer builds it and Public Health inspects it. We coordinate the steps and the people.
Do I need a well before I can get a building permit?
You need to show the county an adequate water supply for the house, usually a drilled well or a letter from a water system. In the Methow, water rules vary by location, so check your parcel early. Many owners drill the well before construction starts; if not, we schedule the driller.
What makes site work cost more?
Mostly the ground itself: rock, steep slopes, long driveways, and how far power and water have to travel. Rock is common in parts of the valley and can add excavation time. We walk the site with you and the excavator before pricing.
Own land and wondering what it needs?
Ask us for a site walk. We'll look at access, septic, water, and power with you before anything is priced.