Construction & Excavation Questions, Answered
These are the questions Handy's Construction hears most at site visits around Missoula and western Montana: estimates and cost, excavation, septic permits, foundations and frost, homes, shops and remodels, and where we work. If yours is not here, call (406) 491-6141 and ask Tyler.
How do estimates and pricing work at Handy's Construction?
How much does a construction or excavation project cost in Missoula?
It depends on the size of the job, the foundation it needs, the soil and any rock, how much grading and drainage work the lot needs, access for equipment, finish level and the season. Handy's Construction does not quote by phone guesswork: owner Tyler Handy visits the site and gives you a free written estimate. The foundation cost guide explains the biggest factors.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Every estimate from Handy's Construction is free, done on site and written up, with no obligation.
Who will I deal with during the project?
Tyler Handy. Handy's Construction is owner-operated, so the person who writes your estimate is the person running the job and answering the phone.
What should you know about excavation and site prep?
What does site preparation include?
Usually clearing, rough and finish grading, a building pad, the basement or footing dig, utility trenches, and a driveway or access road with drainage. The exact scope depends on the lot. See excavation & site prep.
Does Handy's Construction haul its own dirt and equipment?
Yes. Handy's runs its own excavators and dump trucks under USDOT #4414052, so digging, hauling spoils and moving equipment between sites do not wait on another company.
In what order should a rural lot be prepared?
Access first, then clearing, then well and septic locations, the building pad, utilities, and final grading and drainage. Our guide to preparing a rural lot in western Montana walks through each step.
How do septic systems work in western Montana?
Does Handy's Construction install septic systems?
Yes. Handy's installs new septic systems and replaces failed tanks and drain fields, digging the whole system with its own equipment. Tyler Handy is a licensed septic contractor. See septic systems.
Do I need a permit for a new septic system?
Yes. New and replacement systems need a permit from the county health department before work starts. In Missoula County that is the Missoula City-County Health Department; Ravalli, Lake and Mineral Counties have their own environmental health offices. The Missoula County septic guide explains the steps.
Why do some lots need an engineered or pressure-dosed system?
When the soil is too tight, too fast-draining, too shallow or too close to groundwater for a conventional gravity drain field, the design calls for an alternative such as a pressure-dosed system. The site evaluation decides which one fits.
What should you know about foundations and concrete?
How deep do footings need to be in Montana?
Below the frost depth set by the building department that issues your permit. Handy's Construction confirms the requirement for your lot before digging. Read frost depth and footings in Montana.
Can Handy's do both the excavation and the concrete?
Yes. The same crew digs, forms, pours, waterproofs and backfills, so there is no hand-off between companies. See concrete & foundations.
Can concrete be poured in winter?
Yes, with cold-weather protection such as heated water, insulated blankets or enclosures, so the concrete does not freeze while it cures. It adds cost, so spring through fall is easier when the schedule allows.
What can Handy's Construction build?
Does Handy's Construction build custom homes?
Yes, from the excavation and foundation through framing and finish, including cabins and accessory dwellings. See custom home building.
Should I build a pole barn or a stick-frame shop?
Pole buildings are often the economical choice for big clear-span shops and barns, while stick-frame suits finished, heated space. Compare them in pole barn vs. stick-frame shop, or see pole buildings & shops.
Does Handy's Construction do remodels and additions?
Yes: kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, flooring and interior finish work, plus commercial remodels. See remodeling & additions.
Does Handy's Construction handle demolition?
Yes. Handy's tears down old buildings, garages and interiors, hauls the debris away and leaves the site ready for what comes next. See demolition.
Where and when does Handy's Construction work?
What towns does Handy's Construction serve?
Missoula, East Missoula, Bonner-West Riverside, Clinton, Seeley Lake, Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Corvallis, Hamilton, Superior, St. Ignatius, Ronan and Polson. See service areas.
What are your business hours?
Monday to Thursday 7 AM to 6 PM, Friday 7 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday. Call (406) 491-6141.
Is Handy's Construction licensed and insured?
Handy's Construction LLC is a licensed and insured Montana contractor, and its trucks run under USDOT #4414052. Ask for current certificates with your estimate. For what to check with any contractor, read how to choose a general contractor in Missoula.
Rather ask on site? Get a free estimate
Tell Handy's Construction what you are building and where. Tyler looks at the site, the access and the ground, then gives you a written estimate with no pressure and no obligation.
or call (406) 491-6141