Southwest Montana Building Industry Association

Welcome to the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association 

The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA) is a Bozeman-based trade association.  We are concerned professionals working with pride and integrity to provide quality housing to southwest Montana. Affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and the Montana Building Industry Association, the Association provides advocacy, networking and educational resources to Members.  Together this three-tiered federation also provides information and resources for consumers, such as tips for selecting a contractor, home ownership checklists, historical information and housing trends.

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We urge everyone to carefully select their contractor. 

Checklist for Hiring a Contractor

Use this checklist to help you select a builder or remodeler to work on or build your home.

• Does the Contractor have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks, suppliers and tradesmen?
• How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
• Have you called your local Better Business Bureau? They can alert you to any complaints.
• Does the Contractor have sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Will the Contractor provide you with names of previous customers? Ask them if they would hire the Contractor again.
• Have you seen the Contractors work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate with the Contractor? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process.
• Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract? The contract will benefit both of you. Review it carefully.
• Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the contractor is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.