WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR FLATHEAD VALLEY DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK, CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TALENTED PROS DESIGNING, BUILDING, OUTFITTING AND SELLING YOU YOUR HOME. THIS FALL WE’RE FEATURING two OF THE VALLEY’S FINEST builders; Andrew Fischer and Brad Reedstrom of BIGFORK BUILDERS.
“Each phase/aspect of a project needs to be true, or it will carry-over and telescope through onto the next. “The next guy can fix it” is NOT an option in great construction.”
–Andrew Fischer. President, Construction Manager. Bigfork Builders
Bigfork Builders
Andrew Fischer, Co-Owner, President & Construction Manager
Andy and Brad are on site from the first nail to the final walk-through to help guide clients through the design and building process. This unique, hands-on building philosophy allows Bigfork Builders to maintain control over every phase of the building process, reduces the frequency of scheduling interruptions and maximizes accountability, productivity and overall quality. Their commitment to superior standards and unsurpassed personal service have earned them an outstanding reputation within the home building industry.
What geographic area(s) do you serve?
All of the greater Flathead and Swan valleys; Whitefish to Polson and Condon.
What is your professional background?
Over 30 years in the construction industry – most all of which is in the high end custom home building. 2 year technical college course in carpentry and construction management.
When did you know that you wanted to go into construction and what motivated you?
As a teenager working as a laborer on a farm, I realized that the various carpentry projects were the most rewarding to me. I also had a bit of a role model in the industry.
What project(s) are you the proudest of?
All of them! But especially fond of the ones that we were more involved in the design and details side of things.
What makes the difference between good construction and great construction?
It’s all in the details as they’d say. Each phase/aspect of a project needs to be true, or it will carry-over and telescope through onto the next. “The next guy can fix it” is NOT an option in great construction.
What word(s) do people use to describe your work?
Tight. Attention to detail.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Two things; turning a pile of lumber into a structure is very rewarding. And turning that structure into a home is an honor.
How did you get your start?
Sat next to the right classmate on the first day of tech school – Brad Reedstrom.
If you weren’t in construction, what would you be doing?
Great question – I’ve asked myself that many times. Structural engineering maybe?
What do you listen to while you work?
Employees, Owners, and Trade Partners.
Do you have a favorite sport or recreational activity, and what do you enjoy about it?
Most things that get me into the backcountry with friends, and out of cell service.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
We have four seasons here. Each one has their pros and cons, so we never get too complacent.
Favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
Floating the Colorado River thru the Grand Canyon. Unforgettable!
“My father was an electrical contractor and my grandfather was an incredible woodworker. As a kid growing up, I was on jobsites all the time. I watched and learned and developed a love for the craft of homebuilding.”
–Brad Reedstrom. Vice President, Operations Manager. Bigfork Builders
Bigfork Builders
Brad Reedstrom, Co-Owner, Vice President & Operations Manager
Since 1992, Andy Fischer and Brad Reedstrom’s executive team and crew of skilled tradesmen have been constructing award-winning, luxury custom homes in the Flathead Lake/Swan Valley area of Montana. They strive to incorporate the newest innovations in construction technology, the highest building industry standards, and locally supplied, distinctive materials into every home that Bigfork Builders constructs. From hand-hewn log designs to sleek and modern residential retreats, they have the skills to meet the vision and imagination of their clients.
What services do you offer?
We specialize in designing and building exclusive luxury-level custom homes, working with homeowners and architects from conception to completion.
What area(s) do you serve?
We build in the Flathead Valley area and beyond, in Bigfork, Whitefish, Lakeside, Polson and even down as far as Condon.
Describe your process—how do you work with clients, designers, and architects?
After the initial meeting, we work with the client on site selection and review, if this is not already in place. Our third phase is typically a Pre-Construction and Design Agreement and a Cost Analysis. Phase 4 involves drafting up a Construction Contract, preparing the Budget, and obtaining approvals and building permits as needed. Construction on the home begins after that and, once complete, we give the home a thorough clean up and hand the home over to the client with a walk-through checklist and a complete homeowners’ manual.
What project(s) are you the proudest of?
We are extremely proud of all our projects because we give our very best to each and every one.
What makes the difference between good construction and great construction?
It starts with great design and involves an entire team of owners, architects, interior designers and builders.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
We love helping people realize their visions – making their dreams a reality so they can make memories for the future.
How did you get your start?
My father was an electrical contractor and my grandfather was an incredible woodworker. As a kid growing up, I was on jobsites all the time. I watched and learned and developed a love for the craft of homebuilding.
Do you have a favorite sport or recreational activity, and what do you enjoy about it?
I love to be on the rivers in the summer, rafting with good friends. In the winter, I am usually skiing or shooting in our trap league.
Favorite season? Why?
I love fall the best. It’s when everything seems to slow down a little, the air smells fresher and there is a crispness in the air that is refreshing.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
Our small community attracts some really great people.
