Article by Jennifer Miller

Photos by Isabel Martinez of IDM Lens 

For Dylan and Tabitha Bellows, stepping into home construction was not part of their career plan. It grew naturally from a desire for greater flexibility, a shared interest in design and building, and the realization that they enjoyed creating homes together. 

Bellows Construction began in January 2021 after Dylan decided to pursue construction full-time, taking a leap of faith to build a business centered on craftsmanship, family, and flexibility. He initially focused on siding, exterior painting, and a variety of residential construction projects. 

Then, in March 2024, the couple began building their own home. Six months later, they moved in, and the experience opened the door to something new. “We had a lot of fun with the whole process, from picking the layout to choosing the finishes,” Tabitha says. 

That personal project eventually inspired Bellows Construction's first spec home, marking an important milestone for the young company. While the couple also owns rental properties, this is the first home they have built specifically to sell. "This feels like new territory," Tabitha says. "There is a lot of responsibility, but it is exciting."

That responsibility is shared between the two of them. Dylan serves as the general contractor and remains closely involved in the hands-on construction. Depending on the project, he may complete siding, painting, flooring, cabinetry, and other finish work himself. 

Tabitha handles much of the interior design and works alongside Dylan and their architect on layouts and functionality. She is also the listing agent for the home. Their different strengths give Bellows Construction a balanced perspective. "Having both sets of eyes on things is valuable," Tabitha says. "We notice different details." 

Designed for Real Life 

That family-first mindset is evident throughout the company's first spec home. The floor plan is open, with natural light traveling through the home and a comfortable connection between the kitchen and living areas. Tabitha says she wants a home to feel peaceful, uncluttered, and welcoming. 

Functionality is considered in both the large and small details. The home includes a spacious pantry designed for families who shop in bulk, generous bedroom closets, a bonus room above the garage, and an office with custom built-ins. 

The primary suite includes another thoughtful feature: a closet that connects directly to the laundry room. These conveniences are paired with details intended to give the home character, including tile showers, statement lighting, oversized doors, built-ins and carefully selected finishes. 

The goal is not simply to follow current trends, but to create a home that feels fresh, personal, and more elevated than a standard builder-grade property. 

Tabitha is especially drawn to Western influences and pieces that carry a story, a reflection of growing up in a ranching community north of Billings. She hopes to continue incorporating those touches in ways that feel modern and distinctive. 

Balancing Beauty & Budget 

Creating memorable spaces while staying within budget is one of the more challenging parts of building a spec home. "It is a lot of trial and error," Tabitha says. "First and foremost, things need to be functional, but the home also needs details that attract people's attention." 

The couple carefully considers where an upgrade will have the greatest impact. They may invest in oversized interior doors, custom tile or a statement fireplace, then select more budget-conscious hardware or finishes elsewhere. 

Dylan is also intentional about collecting multiple quotes for cabinetry, flooring and subcontracted work. That attention to pricing is something the couple hopes will become a defining part of the Bellows Construction experience. 

As they look toward taking on custom homes, they want clients to understand where their money is going and to avoid unexpected increases whenever possible. "There can always be a surprise that comes up during construction," Tabitha says. "But we want to be open about costs and communicate clearly." 

That transparency stems from the value at the center of their company: integrity. “Dylan and I value integrity above anything else,” she says. “We are not going to cover up a mistake or ignore an issue. We want that to be what we are known for.” 

Built Around Family & Community 

Bellows Construction is only a few years old, but the couple already has a clear vision for the future. They hope to continue building spec homes while partnering with families to create custom homes designed around the way they truly live. 

For Dylan and Tabitha, building homes is also about building a life together. Their two young boys often visit job sites, giving them the chance to watch their dad at work and become part of the process. "The thing we value most is being able to do this as a family," Tabitha says. 

That sense of community extends beyond their own home. Since settling in Billings, the Bellows family has found lasting friendships and encouragement from those around them. "Building this house, so many of our friends have stopped by to congratulate us and support us," Tabitha says. "Our community here is amazing." 

For homeowners preparing to build, Tabitha offers one piece of advice: make as many decisions as possible before construction begins, but don't let the process become overwhelming. "Most things are fixable," she says. "It's okay to change your mind." 

That perspective reflects the foundation of Bellows Construction itself. Thoughtful design, honest communication, and homes built for the people who will live in them. 

Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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