WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
Behind every great home are great people who design and build it. Meet Terry Hutchinson, a general contractor with years of experience leading teams that build signature homes in the West.
Hutchinson Home Builders
Terry Hutchinson, Owner
After years of building homes in the Pacific Northwest, Terry Hutchinson has migrated to Montana. Like many in the Gallatin Valley, the great outdoors and access to recreation was the draw to the area. Additionally, the innovative and dynamic home building environment in the region attracted him. Whether it’s a full custom build, an addition to an existing residence, or a major remodel, Hutchinson Home Builders has the expertise to deliver.
What services do you offer?
Ideally, I’m working with a client from a project’s inception and initial vision through the execution of the construction to the final completion of the home. I begin with getting a big-picture understanding of the clients’ needs and how they live. Our team aims to provide our clients with craftsmanship and mastery through the building process. During the process, we keep client expectations at the forefront of our minds and communicate with them to make sure we’re meeting, and hopefully exceeding, their expectations.
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR STYLE OF HOME THAT YOU LIKE TO BUILD?
Over my years in the construction business, I’ve built a wide variety of styles of homes. I like the challenge of creating different looks and making sure the client is happy with the final finish. The Bozeman and Big Sky areas offer the opportunity to build many different styles of homes— traditional, rustic, contemporary, mountain modern. Whatever the style, we’re creating a piece of art that will create joy for the client for years to come. That gives me great satisfaction.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CLIENTS?
So many times, I’ve built long-term friendships with clients and their families. Building relationships in the beginning with my clients is always key. When I have a close relationship with my client and we communicate well with each other, I can fulfill their expectations. At every phase of the project, from concept design, to implementation, to ongoing follow-up, I work to keep the client in the loop with decisions. Even after the project has been wrapped up, I make myself available if there are any additional requests.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH DESIGNERS?
I remember the first time I worked with a designer, and I thought that she had some unconventional and unworkable ideas. I doubted her expertise and the value of her contribution to the project. Boy, I quickly found out how wrong I was! After watching her through the process, I learned she was so important to the project and together we nailed it! After that, I embraced working in close collaboration with designers. I get excited to work closely with the design team, from the first conceptual stages to the execution of every detail.
At every phase of the project, from concept design, to implementation, to ongoing follow-up, I work to keep the client in the loop with decisions.
–Terry Hutchinson
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU THE PROUDEST OF?
I am most proud of my 2012 Oregon’s Street of Dreams home. It was my first time building in the NW Street of Dreams Showcase. This home was the very first home in the Street of Dreams that exceeded the environmentally friendly home standards and I earned the “Earth Advantage Platinum” rating. Each year after I was grateful to continue to earn prestigious awards from my peers in the building industry.
WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND GREAT CONSTRUCTION?
Details, Details, Details… Pay attention to details so the big problems don’t exist. Overall, anyone can use quality materials, but it’s about the knowledge of products and the assemblies of materials. How they are installed is key to creating a long-lasting quality home for generations. It’s not just about getting to the finish line; it’s about doing the job correctly.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Relationships. I’m one of those rare guys in the construction industry who is truly a people person. The relationships that are built with the clients, designers, architect, suppliers, and subcontractors mean so much to me.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Getting into the construction business wasn’t by choice. As a kid starting from about age ten, my dad would wake me up at 4:30am any day I had a break from school. Over my summers and breaks he would drag me to his construction sites. Like any kid on a jobsite, I started out hauling supplies, running errands, sweeping, and keeping the work area tidy. As I got older, my responsibilities and skill sets expanded. By my late teens, I was a full-on carpenter and truly loved it.
At the age of 23, I branched out on my own to start my own construction business. Fortunately, by working with my dad over the years, I learned skills that have carried me through the years. My dad is a perfectionist, innovator, and problem-solver. He has passed these traits on to me. Thanks dad; I love you!
WHAT IS A PIECE OF ART THAT YOU TRULY APPRECIATE?
I have a large, heavy bronze statue of two bull elk perched on a mountain that was awarded to me for one of my fine custom home builds. I’m grateful to own this piece called “Two Bull Elk” by Lorenzo Ghiglieri, a celebrated master sculptor.
WHAT’S ON THE TOP OF YOUR LIST AS A GREAT GETAWAY?
Anywhere with my four boys. We enjoy our camping, rafting, hunting, and fishing trips. Nothing beats spending time
with my kids.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SEASON AND WHY?
Hands-down, I would have to say fall. Autumn reminds me of backcountry trips with my father. We’d run a string of pack horses 18 miles into Colorado’s wilderness on our annual elk hunt. Spending time with my dad at our camp above 10,000 feet and surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks is an experience I’ll never forget. Now I’m creating those same memories with my own boys.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING WHERE YOU DO?
Really, it’s Montana. No need to say any more!
