At Bigfork Builders every project rests on a firm foundation of relationships. The founders of the company, Brad Reedstrom and Andy Fischer, have recognized a simple fact: The defining ingredient in quality building is craftsmanship by people who deeply invest themselves in what they do. Elevating construction to the level of an art form takes people who pour their souls into their creations, forging close relationships with every project they complete. Brad and Andy recognized years ago that if they assembled a skilled crew and created an environment where they could work uninterrupted on a single project, something very special happens. The crew grows as a team of artisans, they bond with the project, and their devotion shines in an entirely tangible way. You’ll see it, and you’ll feel it, as you walk through any Bigfork Builders home. From the perfect joinery to the massive stonework, it all fits with a precision and character that’s a direct reflection of the personal connection the people at Bigfork Builders make with every home they craft. It’s all about pride and a sense of creating something important- elegant, rock-solid homes that will remain a part of Montana indefinitely.

To make their idea a reality, Brad and Andy created a different kind of construction company. Instead of relying on subcontractors, Bigfork Builders employs the most skilled and seasoned craftsmen, some of which have been with the company since the beginning some 17 years ago. The crew that begins construction on a home, finishes the same home. On any given day either Brad or Andy can be found on site. From the first nail to the last, each phase of the construction is accomplished by the same group of devoted people. There are few or no difficulties scheduling work by subcontractors. Instead, the process moves forward at a predicable pace with greater attention to detail by the craftsman, more time for clients to make decisions, and higher probability of making tight deadlines. Superior, graceful homes that stand the test of time is what Bigfork Builders is all about.

Bigfork Builders is Going Green!

Everything seems to be "going green" these days- from cars, to companies, to coffee. However, sometimes it can be hard to tell what that really means, especially when it comes to your future home.

The concept of green building isn't new—our great-grandparents built climate-appropriate homes using locally-available materials. Today's green homes incorporate not only climatic considerations, but are resource and energy efficient, safer for occupants, and often less expensive to maintain.

Green homes incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the home's overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls.

Key components of a green home include:

Energy-Efficient Features
Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR® ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.

Water-Efficient Features
Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.

Resource-Efficient Features
These decisions—from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan layout—are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The home should contain renewable materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.

Indoor Air Quality Features
The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.

Outside the Home
In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.

Bigfork Builders has been in the business of creating extraordinary living spaces that reflect our clients’ vision, for over 15 years. Through Green Building training, we discovered that many of the processes we used during this time have followed the green principals that are now considered a better way to build. With our expanded knowledge of these practices, we will incorporate Green Building into every home we build, resulting in the same extraordinary homes, while protecting our environment and leaving it for the next generation.

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