At Confluence, we’re proud of our work in the commercial sector, where we’ve focused on creating brick + mortar environments to support the goals and growth of small businesses here in Missoula (see our Grizzly Hackle and Bridge Pizza projects). We like to view challenges through the lens of opportunity – and we firmly believe that the communal commercial space is not going away. It’s simply changing.

In Missoula, civilians can make plans for residential buildings (not commercial) and submit them to the city for approval. But in our experience, it’s a rare private citizen who has the time, skillset, and patience to create plans of this stature and navigate this process. 

Typically, plans for residential homes are created by either an architect or a designer. So what’s the difference?

Let’s break down some of the key considerations to keep in mind when it comes to residential builds and remodels in Missoula, and see if we can come out on the other side with some better guiding information to help you make the right decisions for your family.

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, you’ve likely thought about adding a few touches that make your house unique. After all, this is your chance to design your home so that it fits YOU. While the list of potential ideas goes on forever, we’ll highlight a few here to get you thinking about what you can do to make your mark on your forever home.

Although it’s certainly becoming more changeable, in Montana we can have long and cold winters. Which begs the question: how will you choose to heat your home? Because you’ll be using your heating system for six or seven months a year, it’s critical to think about cost and maintenance alongside the look and feel you’re looking to achieve. 

From a sustainability standpoint, building or remodeling a home will be one of the largest “footprints” your family will have in its lifetime. From the materials you choose to the decisions you make about how to heat and power your home, there’s no getting around it –– your project will have an impact. 

Remodeling a home will take time and money, and there will be a LOT of decisions to make along the way. Our number one piece of advice is ...  start now. Join Pinterest or Houzz and peruse other people’s projects to see what you like or don’t like. Does your friend have a home with finishing touches that you love? Ask them about it. Start watching some home makeover shows on HGTV and take notes. 

People are drawn to water, and often want to live as close as they can to it. Whether your dream property is near a river or not, chances are you’ll still have to learn how different rules and regulations having to do with water might impact you. 

If you’re ready to take the step to build your dream home or remodel an existing one into a forever spot here in Montana––congratulations! We encourage you to dream big.

But there will be a lot of practicalities to consider … and we’re here to help. In this article, we’d like to provide you with a few resources to help you learn more about Montana’s zoning regulations, in particular here in Missoula County.