diff --git a/recipe_modules/pw_presubmit/api.py b/recipe_modules/pw_presubmit/api.py
index afd5ac9..70286b5 100644
--- a/recipe_modules/pw_presubmit/api.py
+++ b/recipe_modules/pw_presubmit/api.py
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@
                 bazel_output_base = step.dir / 'bazel.output.base'
                 self.m.path.mock_add_file(bazel_output_base)
                 if self.m.path.isfile(bazel_output_base):
-                    base_dir = self.m.path.abs_to_path(
+                    new_base_dir = self.m.path.abs_to_path(
                         self.m.file.read_text(
                             f'read {bazel_output_base.name}',
                             bazel_output_base,
@@ -294,6 +294,9 @@
                             ),
                         ).strip()
                     )
+                    self.m.path.mock_add_directory(new_base_dir)
+                    if self.m.path.isdir(new_base_dir):
+                        base_dir = new_base_dir
 
                 builder_manifest = step.dir / 'builder_manifest.json'
                 if self.m.path.isfile(builder_manifest):