Just large enough
This Moonlight Basin cabin is 800 sf, has 2 full bathrooms, full kitchen, and sleeps 6 comfortably. We recently remodeled this little unit and turned what was a very ordinary cabin into a little gem. Take a look at the gallery of photos for an inside look. View a...
Big Sky – Past & Future
With the highs and lows of the national economy - Big Sky continues to grow up as a town & community. For a couple of decades after Chet Huntley opened Big Sky Resort in 1973, the Southwest Montana ski destination was an odd anomaly - not quite developed enough to...
As prices dip – Home sales on the rise
Inevitably as construction and land costs bottom out - new home sales have started rising throughout the country. The term "buyer's market" has been tossed around plenty in recent months. But most home buyers don't grasp the full meaning of the term until they get...
Black Bull Clubhouse
The Clubhouse at Black Bull, like the golf course, is designed by one of the country's premier practitioners of his trade-architect Jerry Locati. Jerry has created a "rustically-elegant" Clubhouse that embodies upscale-yet-casual Western living. As the centerpiece of...
New Montana Contract Law to take effect Oct 1, 2009
Long overdue is the standardization for permits, contracts, inspections and licensing in the Montana Building Industry. The new contract laws are a small step forward in a very needed update. A new Montana law that requires contracts between builders and customers...
Tankless water heaters vs. conventional storage tank systems
This seems to be one of the hot topics we always address when working on mechanical designs. Hot water is a hot issue for builders, architects, and remodelers these days. Why? Many current buyers are interested in homes that are energy efficient and economical to...
Solar Hot Water Basics
For my fellow construction geeks who have already read this article in "Home Power Magazine" this may be old news to you... but for those who haven't, this is a great summary on a few different types of Solar Heating Systems. While most people are captivated by the...
Wikipedia – Solar Water Heating
I am not really one to quote from a Tertiary source, but in this case Wikipedia has a great section on Solar Water Heating systems. I have found the posted info to be quite thorough and accurate. Read the full article and post your thoughts in the blog. Solar water...
10 Ways to increase the value of your home
In a dour housing market, wouldn't it be nice to know that your remodeling project would pay off when you went to sell the property? Remodeling Magazine evaluated the top remodeling projects, how the cost-to-value has changed since the housing market implosion, and...
Who are the next wave of home buyers?
Over the last several years, I have taken every opportunity to attend classes from Charles Shinn when I hear he will be in Northwest lecturing. When Charles talks - people listen. Take a moment to read a recently published article on the next wave of buyers. Every...
Is the McMansion Dead?
"In lieu of a 7,000-square-foot palace that antes up to the neighbors, they're planning a house less than half that size with energy-efficient features, panelized construction to reduce waste, and a variety of flexible, multipurpose spaces. One of its four bedrooms...
National Green Building Code
When it comes to building projects, this one's a monster. The construction zone is essentially the entire country. The builders are a variety of specialists, including architects, plumbers, masons, and lighting, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning experts. ...