Hot Tips & Cool Ideas for Building

Achieve the look of natural stone affordably
Thin-set stone tile can be used as a fairly affordable way to achieve the rich textured look of natural stone. Stone tiles can be used for flooring, countertops, bath and shower stalls, and accent treatments on walls. Since the hardness and character of stones vary, consult with tile, flooring, and stone suppliers to be sure you get the proper stone for your application.

Protect your wood windows
The ultraviolet rays (UV) of the strong, high-altitude sun in northern New Mexico causes serious damage to many home-building products such as wood and some roofing materials. If you like wood windows, consider using vinyl- or metal-clad exteriors, which provide protection from UV while giving you the look of wood you want on the interior. A good building products store or window supplier can help you select the right windows for your project

Build a healthy home
"Healthy building" considerations are important when building, remodeling and decorating. You may want to try to minimize "out-gassing" by limiting the use of products that are made with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and adhesives. Consult with suppliers, contractors, architects and designers to ensure that you are reducing or eliminating potential health dangers.