Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 82 home design that exceeds their budget. Once a budget is deter- mined pull the builder into the team when the design work begins. He knows costs better than anyone and can provide guidance to both the architect and owners through the design process. ere will not be any surprises when the design is completed and the home will be on budget. WHAT THINGS ARE PEOPLE MOST UNAWARE OF — WHAT SURPRISES THEM — WHEN YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THEIR HOME? BIG SKY BUILD: I think people are surprised at what goes into building a home, especially in our area where weather, engineer- ing, design guidelines, and logistics affect cost and construction duration; an unfortunate reality when it comes to building a home in the mountains of Southwest Montana. Also at the quality and sophistication of the building community here in our area. ese are not easy homes to construct; the talent of the men and women working on our projects is second to none. FISHCAMP: How the size of the home changes from stage to stage from an excavated hole to the foundation to the framed rooms to drywall and throughout. YCCH: Most owners are not aware of the costs associated with building a new home. us the need to bring the builder into the process at the very beginning. ere may also be some unknowns when it comes to site work. For example, running into rock or water when digging the foundation, or the depth of the well and gallons per minute when drilling the well. In addition, the suitability of the soil may be questionable. As a result an engineer may have to be brought into the project to outline measures that need to be taken to provide proper compaction and materials for the home's foundation. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE PIECES OF ADVICE TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN BUILDING WITH YOUR COMPANY? BIG SKY BUILD: First, have fun! Second, make sure to relay all expectations, concerns, needs, etc. so that we can make the process rewarding and as comfortable as possible. And finally, hire the builder, architect, and interior design firm all at the same time so that we can all work together for a common goal. Getting your team on board at the same time does make the project go smoother for everyone and in the end will save the client money and time. YCCH: Contact us as early as possible. Before purchasing a build- ing site let us look at it with you and identify the location of the home and any problems that might be evident on the site. As the design process begins allow us to provide value engineering through the project. "BUILDING A HOME IS EXCITING AND WHEN YOU CHOOSE A TEAM YOU WORK WELL WITH, IT CAN BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE." BIG SKY BUILD CONTINUED

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