What It Takes to Build on an Infill Lot in Missoula

The Inside Scoop from Saddle Mountain Construction

Infill construction has become one of the most exciting—and most misunderstood—opportunities in Missoula’s housing market. You’ve probably seen it: a brand-new home tucked between two older houses, or a lot split that turns one home into two. It’s creative, efficient, and a smart way to build within city limits.

But infill isn’t the same as building on raw land out in the county. There are real trade-offs, local nuances, and hidden costs that many homeowners don’t consider until it’s too late.

At Saddle Mountain Construction, we’ve built and remodeled on infill lots throughout Missoula—and here’s what you need to know before you take the leap.

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🧭 What Is Infill, Anyway?

Infill construction refers to building new homes on vacant or underused lots within an existing neighborhood—often in established parts of town like the Rattlesnake, the South Hills, or the Franklin to the Fort area.

Sometimes it's a teardown. Sometimes it's a lot split. Either way, the goal is the same: add new housing without expanding the city’s footprint.

⚠️ Challenges Most Buyers Don’t See

Building on an infill lot comes with a few curveballs:

• Tight Site Access: Delivering materials, staging equipment, and maneuvering around neighboring homes requires precision—and experience.

• Utility Confusion: Old plats and outdated city records can lead to surprise costs when reconnecting sewer, water, or power.

• Zoning & Setbacks: Just because a lot looks “buildable” doesn’t mean it meets current city codes for setbacks, easements, and lot coverage.

• Tree Protection & Drainage: Mature trees and urban water runoff can affect everything from grading to foundation design.

None of these are dealbreakers—but if your builder doesn’t anticipate them, they can seriously derail your budget and timeline.

✅ What Makes Infill Worth It?

Despite the headaches, infill has some real advantages:

• Location, location, location. You get access to established neighborhoods, schools, trails, and walkability you can’t replicate in the outskirts.

• Infrastructure already in place. Roads, sewer, and power are nearby (even if coordination takes effort).

• More sustainable. You’re using land more efficiently, reducing sprawl, and breathing new life into older areas.

Plus, the right infill home—built smartly—can hold serious long-term value in a town like Missoula where available land is tightening.

🧱 How We Make It Work at Saddle Mountain

We’ve built on everything from tight lots with alley access to steep urban slopes. Our approach to infill includes:

• Lot Evaluation Walkthroughs – Before you buy, we’ll walk the site with you and identify red flags and hidden costs.

• City Coordination – We speak zoning fluently. We’ll review variances, navigate site constraints, and handle permitting headaches.

• Tight Timeline Management – We plan deliveries, subcontractors, and inspections like a military operation—because you don’t get unlimited space or time in town.

• Custom Design That Fits – Your house won’t just “fit the lot.” It’ll fit the neighborhood, the view, the sun, and your lifestyle.

  
  

👷 Thinking About an Infill Project?

We love infill work—but only when it’s done right. If you’re considering a teardown, a lot split, or you’ve found a tucked-away lot you think might work, let’s talk before you buy.

Because on an infill lot, what you don’t know can cost you. But with the right builder, it can be the smartest move you make.

👉 Schedule a consultation or call (406) 241-4546 to walk a lot with us.