Black Bear Construction

Black Bear Construction Thurston County's premier custom home builder and outdoor living specialist. We are proud to have served the greater South Sound region for 10 years!

We are committed to delivering high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.

Back to Our Roots: Framing In-House at Black Bear ConstructionFraming is where Black Bear Construction began, and it rem...
10/02/2026

Back to Our Roots: Framing In-House at Black Bear Construction

Framing is where Black Bear Construction began, and it remains an important part of what we do today. Our owner, Blaine Farrar, has over 20 years of hands-on residential framing experience, and he still loves any excuse to put on his tool bags and get out there framing alongside his crew!

Having framing capabilities in-house is a real advantage for our clients. By keeping more of the work under our own roof, we maintain greater control over scheduling, quality, and the construction process while reducing the need to outsource work to other companies. That efficiency can translate into a more cost-effective building experience for our customers.

This week, we had the opportunity to put those skills to work on a home addition for another contractor, helping keep their project moving forward. It's a great reminder of the value of having experienced framers on our own team.

From custom homes to home additions and major renovations, we're proud to bring decades of hands-on experience to every project we build.

Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and communities throughout Thurston County and the surrounding areas.

40 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS — A milestone worth celebrating!At Black Bear Construction, we believe exceptional homes are built ...
09/29/2026

40 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS — A milestone worth celebrating!

At Black Bear Construction, we believe exceptional homes are built on more than craftsmanship alone. They’re built on trust, communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to doing things right.

Today, we’re proud to celebrate 40 five-star Google reviews from homeowners who trusted our team with their homes, their ideas, and their investments.

From luxury custom homes and major renovations to thoughtfully designed additions, ADUs, and elevated outdoor living spaces, our goal is the same: deliver a finished project that reflects the quality and vision our clients envisioned from the beginning.

Thank you to every client who has trusted Black Bear Construction and taken the time to share your experience. Your confidence in our work is the greatest compliment we could receive.

Ready to build something exceptional?

Whether you're envisioning a custom home, luxury renovation, home addition, ADU, or elevated outdoor living space, let's start the conversation. Contact Black Bear Construction LLC today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward turning your vision into a home built around you.

Serving Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, Thurston County, and surrounding communities throughout Southwest Washington.

Investing in what we do. Investing in our clients.We’re proud to add a new excavator to the Black Bear Construction flee...
09/24/2026

Investing in what we do. Investing in our clients.

We’re proud to add a new excavator to the Black Bear Construction fleet!

For a custom builder, the right equipment means greater control over the building process - from site preparation and excavation to the finished project.

Bringing more work in-house allows us to better manage quality, scheduling, and efficiency while reducing the need for subcontracted services. Those efficiencies can translate into cost savings for our clients without compromising the level of craftsmanship they expect.

Another investment in our equipment, means another step toward delivering a more seamless design-build experience from concept to completion.

A huge thank you to Snowy River Equipment Sales, LLC for taking care of us!

Another happy client and another beautiful composite deck!There’s nothing better than hearing that a client is thrilled ...
09/22/2026

Another happy client and another beautiful composite deck!

There’s nothing better than hearing that a client is thrilled with the finished project. Thank you for trusting Black Bear Construction with your new composite deck and for sharing your experience!

We believe quality construction is about more than just the finished product. It’s about reliable service, excellent craftsmanship, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job right.

From deck design and replacement to complete outdoor living projects, our team helps homeowners create durable, beautiful spaces they can enjoy for years to come. Thank you for choosing Black Bear Construction!

We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and Thurston County, Washington.

Does your deck need an update, but a full rebuild isn’t in the budget?That was the situation with this recent project. A...
09/16/2026

Does your deck need an update, but a full rebuild isn’t in the budget?

That was the situation with this recent project. After evaluating the existing structure, we found the framing was still sound, allowing us to create a more budget-friendly solution instead of replacing the entire deck.

We resurfaced the deck, reframed the railing while reusing the existing metal inserts, and rebuilt the stairs on the existing layout, eliminating the rot and instability.

The result? A safer, refreshed deck without the cost of a complete rebuild.

At Black Bear Construction, we believe in being honest and transparent. We won’t recommend replacing something that can be safely repaired or renovated. We work with our clients to find the right solution for their home, needs, and budget.

Call us today to discuss the options for your home project!

Summer may be winding down, but your outdoor living season doesn’t have to.Here in the PNW, fall weather can arrive quic...
09/13/2026

Summer may be winding down, but your outdoor living season doesn’t have to.

Here in the PNW, fall weather can arrive quickly - but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the outdoor spaces you love.

A covered deck or outdoor living space can help you enjoy your home’s exterior well beyond the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a covered patio, a roof over an existing deck, or a completely new outdoor living area, we can design a space that works with your home and your lifestyle.

Why add a covered outdoor living space?
✔️ Extend the season you can enjoy your outdoor space
✔️ Create additional usable living space
✔️ Add protection from rain and changing PNW weather
✔️ Create a comfortable space for entertaining, relaxing, and gathering
✔️ Enhance the look and functionality of your home
✔️ Add value and appeal to your property

A thoughtfully designed covered deck or outdoor living area essentially extends your living space beyond the walls of your home - giving you more room to enjoy without adding a traditional room addition.

At Black Bear Construction, we design and build custom outdoor living spaces throughout Thurston County and the surrounding area, creating spaces that are built around the way you actually live.

Don’t wait until next summer to start planning. Fall is a great time to start designing your new covered deck or outdoor living space so you can be ready to enjoy it when the warmer weather returns.

Ready to make your outdoor space work harder for your home? Contact Black Bear Construction to start planning your project.

Thinking about adding a shop, garage, shed or other accessory structure to your property?You may be able to build up to ...
09/11/2026

Thinking about adding a shop, garage, shed or other accessory structure to your property?

You may be able to build up to a 400-sf permit-exempt accessory structure on your Thurston County property!

If you own property outside a Thurston County Urban Growth Area (UGA), certain residential accessory structures up to 400 square feet may not require a county building permit—provided they meet the county’s requirements.

Generally, the structure must be:
- One story
- Detached from other buildings
- No plumbing
- No electricity
- Accessory to a residential property
- Within the applicable size and other county requirements

Examples can include sheds, shops, garages, carports, playhouses and other accessory structures.

But there’s an important catch: permit-exempt does not mean regulation-exempt. Setbacks, zoning, critical areas, environmental regulations, fire requirements and other applicable rules may still apply. Your property’s location and specific project determine what requirements apply.

Before you start building, let’s talk about your project. At Black Bear Construction, we can help you understand your options and plan a project that fits your property, your needs and your long-term goals.

Contact Black Bear Construction to get started!

(Information is provided for general educational purposes. County requirements vary by property and project. Always verify current requirements with Thurston County before beginning construction.)

Where It All Started: Black Bear Construction’s First Home!Black Bear Construction can never forget one meaningful miles...
09/09/2026

Where It All Started: Black Bear Construction’s First Home!

Black Bear Construction can never forget one meaningful milestone: our very first full-service General contracting project, completed from start to finish.

As a construction company taking on client projects for the first time rather than working exclusively for other builders, we were deeply involved in every stage of the build. We worked closely with the homeowner- solving problems, learning through the process, and growing with each step. This hands-on experience helped establish the personalized approach we bring to every project today.

What made this home so memorable was more than completing the construction. We watched an idea on paper become a finished home designed for a real family. That experience confirmed our purpose: building thoughtful, high-quality homes for the people who live in them.

This first project shaped Black Bear Construction’s commitment to:
-Personal attention throughout the building process
-Clear collaboration with homeowners
-Practical problem-solving from start to finish
-Custom homes that reflect each client’s vision
-Quality craftsmanship built around the needs of each family

Every builder has a first- and this was ours!

From an aging farmhouse to a fresh start - a home built around the homeowner’s goals, and budget.Not every remodel needs...
09/08/2026

From an aging farmhouse to a fresh start - a home built around the homeowner’s goals, and budget.

Not every remodel needs to be turnkey.

For this project, the homeowners wanted to build sweat equity while still having professional support for the most demanding phases of construction. Rather than taking on the entire project themselves, we created a hybrid construction approach tailored to their budget, skills, and vision.

We demolished the existing farmhouse and rebuilt from the foundation up, taking the project through sheetrock before transitioning it back to the homeowners to complete the finish work themselves.

The result? They gained the professional craftsmanship and expertise they needed where it mattered most, while keeping the opportunity to personally invest time and labor into their home, and build valuable sweat equity along the way.

At Black Bear Construction, we believe your construction project should be built around you. That means we don’t believe you should have to choose between professional expertise and hands-on involvement.

What is a hybrid construction project?
It’s a customized approach where a contractor completes the construction phases that require professional expertise, while the homeowner takes on portions of the project they’re comfortable completing themselves.

Want to build sweat equity without taking on the entire construction project yourself? Let’s talk about a hybrid approach that works for you.

Serving Thurston County and surrounding areas

Love your home, but need more space? A home addition may be your answer.Outgrowing your home doesn’t always mean you nee...
09/04/2026

Love your home, but need more space? A home addition may be your answer.

Outgrowing your home doesn’t always mean you need to move-

If you love your neighborhood, property, and the location you’ve built your life around, a custom home addition can be an affordable way to create the space your family needs - without giving up the home you already love.

A thoughtfully designed addition can provide the extra space you need for:
• A larger kitchen or living area
• A primary suite
• A home office or guest room
• A playroom or additional bedrooms
• An expanded garage or functional storage

And there’s another important consideration: your existing financing. Depending on your situation, staying in your current home may allow you to avoid giving up a favorable mortgage rate or taking on the costs associated with purchasing a new home.

A well-designed addition can also increase the value, functionality, and long-term appeal of your existing home.

At Black Bear Construction, we design and build custom home additions throughout Thurston, Lewis, Mason Counties and surrounding areas, creating spaces that feel like they were always part of your home.

Need more space but don’t want to move? Let’s talk about what’s possible! Give us a call today, or visit us at: www.blackbearconstructionllc.com

Address

8609 83rd Avenue SE
Olympia, WA
98513

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 9pm
Tuesday 7am - 9pm
Wednesday 7am - 9pm
Thursday 7am - 9pm
Friday 7am - 9pm
Saturday 7am - 9pm
Sunday 7am - 9pm

Telephone

+13607069433

Website

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