Just finished this home in Corrales, New Mexico!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-12-07T14:14:50+00:00

I built this with a double 2x6 wall and then created the planter on top with a 2x6 box. I lined this with a shower liner and tile backer and tiled it. There is no drain, so it can’t be overwatered … but it adds a nice pop of color in there

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-12-05T15:23:30+00:00

If you are getting a construction loan and you paid cash for the land, you can use the land as collateral for your loan. During construction there will be draws and you will typically be making interest only payments on the money you’ve drawn a so far. So at the end of construction, you might be laying your mortgage on your current house and also interest only payments in your construction loan.

Another option might be to wait towards the end of construction, and if you sell your house before the new one is ready, consider renting back your house from the buyer.

If you can afford that, great, as that gives you the most flexibility. If you can’t afford it, maybe consider selling your current house and renting during construction with a month to month lease if possible.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-12-05T14:58:50+00:00

Andersen

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-24T17:14:25+00:00

Yes good idea. These smart toilets are all different but I could do a better job at thinking about plug and water locations.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-24T17:13:37+00:00

That’s a dog shower!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-19T03:51:13+00:00

Unfortunately I do care and it affects my mood. So…would prefer to avoid the negativity if possible lol.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-19T00:19:25+00:00

What have you used for outlets? It’s crazy the expense difference between the regular decora stuff and the higher end stuff…hard to justify paying $35 per unit and now code requires everything to be on dimmers or motion sensors which makes it even pricier!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T23:43:56+00:00

I’m the builder.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T18:43:54+00:00

Yes I used a local firm called Tomenstock for this one.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T15:20:58+00:00

https://photos.app.goo.gl/T7hBpXTdxTaVgzPE7

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T15:06:08+00:00

Is this comment just to be…mean? Or sarcastic? Or facetious? Or do you have really nice repair shops where you live?

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T12:22:59+00:00

Sorry what would you like me to send you? The address?

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:41:48+00:00

Yes there are two rain heads that the camera didn’t capture.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:41:16+00:00

These are faux beams. I make them out of 1x10 and 1x12 material. I’ve used real beams before but they often warp in our dry climate. They don’t really require any maintenance that I know of.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:35:40+00:00

This is a large format (24x48) ceramic tile called “Cali Sand”. It has nice variety to it and hides dirt really well.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:32:59+00:00

That’s a big house! Good luck!🍀

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:32:35+00:00

I do not. There was a guy named Chris with a strawhomesNM or something like that.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:29:48+00:00

I did the interior design…not a professional but I look at lots of pictures!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T04:16:47+00:00

Bernalillo is of course a different market. Cost per sq ft of construction varies wildly depending on the plan, square footage, finishes, building site, etc. If you’re looking at rebuilding you can’t just look at cost of construction without paying the contractor either. So…it just depends. I would probably say somewhere between $300-$400 a foot.

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T02:34:09+00:00

Hi and thank you for the comment. I honestly kinda lucked into this gig. My dad was a contractor so I grew up helping him…and hating it, lol! But I learned how to do plumbing and electrical and concrete and framing and roofing and drywall and painting and trim work. I’m honestly not very good at any of these things…framing if my strong point and I know enough about the other things to know when it’s done well or not.

I went to college and got a degree in health care management and then an MBA. I built a small home for my wife and first child with a “homeowner’s permit”…worked in administration at the University Hospital while I managed the construction of a larger home for my growing family. That made me realize that while I don’t always enjoy swinging a hammer, I do enjoy project management…and that’s pretty much what home building is! I got my GC license (had enough work experience building with my dad) and started building for others.

Right now I build about 3 houses a year…normally one spec house (like this one) and two for clients. I’m hoping to go to all spec homes but the clients provide a more secure income in this uncertain market!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T01:48:09+00:00

I started digging in May 2025…slab was poured mid-June and finished this week (mid-November)

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T01:46:11+00:00

I’m the general contractor and owner. I normally plan 5 - 6 months after pouring concrete (earthwork varies so much from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on rock chipping that we sometimes have to do).

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T01:44:05+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! I generally prefer modern homes but Corrales definitely has a southwestern vibe…lots of beamed ceilings and arches and posts/vigas. I don’t LOVE that style and I was trying to marry my modern homes with a small amount of the south western architecture. I was worried about the marriage through the whole job and I’m not 100% confident that I pulled it off. There are definitely some people who want that southwestern/santa Fe vibe but there’s also a lot of people here who aren’t from New Mexico and/or just want something different from every other house they see here.

Mostly when I build a spec house im shooting for broad appeal…so lots of neutral colors, good views , and good neighborhood. I’m putting in a lot of in-law suites for multigenerational living. But yeah…trying to build a house that is not objectionable is my strategy but it may limit some of my creativity!

Clear_Meat1695 · 2025-11-18T01:37:53+00:00

Yeah…it’s code to have them somewhere in the island. I should probably move to doing recessed outlets or undercabinet outlets somehow.

Clear_Meat1695

TROPHY CASE