Dear Pat, Melissa and Max,
Gosh, it’s been two years since we moved into the new home you built for us. 
Time is really flying by, and we wanted to give you an update. We would also like to reiterate what a delightful experience we had working with you and the Soledad Canyon team during the entire process, from initial planning to the move-in day, particularly the following: • Your input on design and decoration was excellent, and much appreciated.
• We were impressed by your efficient communication with, and coordination of subcontractors, both during construction and on follow-up items.
• The quality of workmanship and attention to detail was superb.
• Your procedure for documenting invoices, and including receipts for all expenses, was very informative and helpful. Thanks again for the iPad with all of the construction related documents, and the hundreds of photos you took which documented the entire construction project.
• It was fun working with you and your friendly, capable team. You made us feel like family!
Update: One of the reasons we chose to go with rammed earth was energy efficiency. After two years of experience, we can definitely document the fact that we made the right choice. Although our Soledad Canyon Earthbuilders home is larger than our previous home, the utility costs are significantly lower! Much of this difference is due to the use of solar panels for electricity, but the rammed earth walls, spray foam insulation, on-demand water heaters and overall construction quality cuts the gas consumption by about 65%. In fact, the heating bills are low enough that the solar panels (5kW system) excess production pays our entire gas bill and part of the sewer/water charges. For 2013, our total utility charges (electricity, gas, water and sewer) were $208, for a savings of about $2500. As a bonus to the energy efficiency, the rammed earth construction also provides great sound insulation. We love it!
In summary, we are very pleased with the home you built for us, and we certainly enjoyed the project and the friendships that developed. Our only regret is the loss of Mario during the initial planning stage. Although we were deeply saddened, we feel privileged to have worked with him, and to have him as a friend for this short time. He would be very proud of all of you for your dedication to the completion of this large project, and the high quality standards you maintained throughout.
With our best wishes, Bob & Cindy