Blackfoot Builders: Local Residential Construction in the Missoula Valley
Blackfoot Builders, LLC is a family-owned residential construction company based in Missoula, Montana. They serve the greater Missoula Valley area, covering a broad region from Flathead Lake to the Bitterroot Valley, and from St. Regis to Potomac. Owned and operated by Dan Howell, the company takes on a range of construction projects with a focus on quality craftsmanship and clear communication with clients.
Blackfoot Builders specializes in the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), additions, and garages, though they evaluate projects on a case-by-case basis depending on fit and availability. As an experienced ADU contractor and ADU builder, they work with homeowners to design and build custom units suited to the specific constraints and goals of each property.
One example of their ADU work is a project completed in 2021 in the Rattlesnake neighborhood of Missoula. Working within a limited lot size, Blackfoot Builders constructed a custom, efficient modern studio apartment for the homeowner. This project reflects their ability to function as a capable detached ADU builder and backyard cottage builder, adapting to site-specific challenges while delivering a functional living space.
Beyond ADU construction, Blackfoot Builders has taken on a variety of other residential projects. These include framing and siding work on a new home build in Turah, MT, as well as a timber trussed barn in the Jocko Valley, constructed in partnership with Lupine Joinery. Their project portfolio also includes backyard decks, patios, remodels, and new construction, demonstrating a broad range of building capabilities.
About Dan Howell and the Company Background
Dan Howell, the owner and CEO of Blackfoot Builders, is a lifelong Montanan, born and raised in Kalispell. He moved to Missoula in 2009 to attend the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in exercise physiology. During his time in school and for several years after, Dan worked as a wildland firefighter, including two years on the Helena Hotshots — a position that demands discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail.
After approximately a decade in wildland fire, Dan transitioned into the construction industry. He began his building career with Dovetail, a custom homebuilding company based in Bozeman, MT, before returning to Missoula to work as an independent contractor. He eventually founded Blackfoot Builders, bringing with him a professional approach to residential construction and a commitment to putting the customer first.
Dan prioritizes communication and trust throughout every project. Outside of work, he is an active member of the local community and enjoys sand volleyball, hunting, backcountry skiing, and spending time with family and friends.
Services and Service Area
Blackfoot Builders offers the following types of construction services to homeowners in the greater Missoula region:
- ADU construction — including custom accessory dwelling units tailored to individual lot sizes and homeowner needs
- Home additions
- Garage construction
- New home construction (framing and siding)
- Remodels
- Decks and patios
- Specialty builds evaluated on a case-by-case basis
As a local accessory dwelling unit builder operating in Missoula, MT, Blackfoot Builders brings hands-on experience and regional knowledge to each project. Homeowners interested in exploring a potential project are encouraged to reach out for a free consultation to determine whether Blackfoot Builders is the right fit for their needs.