Drum roll please……..Yes, I did pass my Contractor’s License test!!!
With a comfortable margin at that. After two and a half hours I closed the book (the Code Book to be exact) on another short chapter of my life. I began studying the first weekend of January. I took the test on February 10, 2009. It was a challenge. Being an everyday student of life is different than being a student needing to memorize facts and figures, OSHA rules, and what a sheep foot roller does! Most was familiar, and a lot of it I never had reason to learn, but in the end I knew enough! After studying hundreds of questions, it got down to knowing 80! I am thrilled that I can continue what Mario started 25 years ago when he got his New Mexico contractor’s license.
On that note we have finished the home on the east mesa. 
As of Friday, February 13th the family has been moving into their new home. What a thrill it was to turn over the keys to them. Here is a photo of the finished home. I know Mario would have been so thrilled with the outcome. The owners came to us in September of 2007 with their dream of a round great room with a fireplace in the center. As you can see from the photo the dream is a reality. Mario’s design in all its glory!
Just as we completed one home, we broke ground on Monday the 16th on our next home. This home is located a couple of miles up Camino Real Road, north of town. Another rammed earth “not-so-big” home. An energy efficient 1455 sq. ft. home with an additional 1029 sq. ft. under roof for porches, garage and storage for a total of 2,484 sq. ft. Melissa has spearheaded the project and is making sure it’s moving forward! More on that home as we progress.
The Showcase home in the Alameda District downtown Las Cruces is moving along quite well. The final metal roof is done, we insulated a few days ago. See the photo of the foam insulation which is applied to the underside of the roof. The sheetrockers began today and look like they will finish hanging rock tomorrow. The first coat of exterior stucco is complete. Before we know it we will be installing cabinets!
And speaking of cabinets-they are going in today at RW’s home. We’re going to template for granite tomorrow! Yippy!!
Because I have the pleasure of visiting the homes we’ve built over the years something has come into my awareness lately….Just as we age, our homes age, too. We start out with a new home, like a new baby, dang near perfect. As we age we need to see our doctors for check-ups, we need to fix a thing or two along the way. Maybe we start needing reading glasses, maybe something a little more serious—a broken bone, or perhaps some blood pressure medicine. Just as we age our homes also age. They were new once, but just as we age, a home ages, too. They must also be taken care of. They need checkups, too. Things wear out, the sun beats down on the roof, the furnace needs clean filters, the stucco may need recoating or the dishwasher needs replacement (to an energy efficient model). As well, just as we need a cosmetic change once every few years—a new haircut, perhaps, our homes may need a cosmetic change, too. New tile, a new paint job, or maybe new door hardware. How about a soft-close toilet seat?! Take care of your homes; know that they may need some attention. They definitely do not take care of themselves. Let us know if you need our expertise in taking care of your home-either maintenance or cosmetically.
On February 12th we presented a check to Habitat for Humanity in Mario’s memory for just over $12,000! Thank you so much for those who contributed. We are very pleased to honor Mario by supporting the great work that Habitat does in building homes.
A couple of Fridays ago Max & Melissa invited me to go with them to the Downtown Ramble. The galleries located in Downtown Las Cruces open their doors for an evening. It was great. Put it on your calendar–first Friday of the month from 5:00-7:00 p.m. You’ll see great art as well as meet and greet many Las Cruces folks.
That is the update as of now. Look forward to continually sharing my news and thoughts. As usual, I love hearing from you.
Best to all,
Pat Bellestri-Martinez, NM Licensed Contractor in a couple of weeks!!! (Have to complete my Business/Law class and send in the paperwork!)