When Montana homeowners imagine the greatest threats to their homes, they often imagine singular environmental events; wildfire, wind storms, flooding, etc. What if I told you that the greatest threat to your home was persistently, and quietly impacting your home all year long? Let's explore the impacts of the home's greatest threat: water. 

None of these features are deal-breakers. Many of them are part of what gives a home its personality and comfort. The key is understanding that they often shift a home from low-maintenance to high-attention. They require a little more awareness, a little more upkeep, and sometimes a little more budget over time.

Basement bedrooms can add value—but only if they’re safe. If a bedroom doesn’t have a proper egress window, it’s a significant safety issue and in some circumstances can stall financing or insurance approval.

When people hear the phrase “successful home inspection,” they often imagine one of two outcomes: either the inspector finds nothing wrong, or they find everything wrong. In reality, neither scenario defines success.

Reliable hot water isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re thawing out after a day on the slopes or tackling laundry in January, your water heater does a lot of heavy lifting. But should you stick with a traditional storage tank or upgrade to a tankless system? Let’s break down the real-world pros and cons for homeowners here in Big Sky Country.

There’s something special about older Montana homes. Maybe it’s the craftsmanship, the quirks, or the sense that the walls have witnessed more than a century of stories. From a 1920s Craftsman in Missoula to a weathered farmhouse on the Hi-Line, these homes have a charm you just can’t get from a modern builder. But buying a home built before 1950 isn’t quite the same as buying something newer. The details that make these homes beautiful can also come with maintenance challenges, outdated systems, and hidden surprises. Let’s walk through what you might find, and what you’ll want to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

Building a new home in Montana involves meeting specific standards to ensure it is comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient. One of the most critical steps in this process is the blower door test. This diagnostic tool is not just a recommendation; it is a requirement for all new residential construction across the state.

Radon mitigation systems are common in Montana, but we see the same installation issues arise time and time again. While a new system may be initially effective at reducing radon levels, improper installation can limit the system's longevity and effectiveness over time. 

Stop selling scared! Are you tired of worrying about unknown problems derailing your home sale? Discover the single smartest decision you can make before listing your house: a pre-listing inspection. This proactive step gives you the ultimate advantage in a competitive market: control. By having a professional inspector look at your home first, you see your property through the eyes of a critical and neutral third party and learn exactly what buyers will find.

Foundation cracks can range from minor cosmetic issues to signs of structural movement. Identifying the type and severity of a crack is essential before starting any remodeling project. While some cracks result from normal settling, others—especially widening or horizontal cracks—may indicate serious problems. When in doubt, a professional evaluation is recommended. Early repair and proper drainage maintenance help protect your home and prevent future foundation issues.

Decorating with holiday lights is a fun way to brighten the season, but it’s important to do it safely. This guide walks homeowners through the essentials. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a festive, worry-free holiday display.

Every winter, many Montana homeowners watch the same scene unfold: a blanket of snow settles on the roof, and within a few days, thick ridges of ice begin accumulating along the eaves. The gutters fill with frozen slush, icicles grow, and sooner or later someone says, “These gutters are terrible—they’re causing the ice dams.”But the truth is far less intuitive.Gutters don’t cause ice dams. Heat loss does.