Family Deck

The Salamander Company built a beautiful deck for us. Although this was not a huge job, it was conducted with the utmost professionalism. I have never had such a positive experience with a contractor/construction job. I will be using The Salamander Company for all future building projects.

Golf Course Solar Remodel

We weren’t planning to remodel our house until we became aware of an insidious water leak that had been causing damage for a very long time. The ensuing project came as a shock when we learned half our home, about 1400 sf, had to be gutted and rebuilt. This included excavating our brick floors. Salamander did the rebuild for us. They came recommended by a local architect friend as being highly competent and well suited for a project our size. We reconfigured the interior to enlarge the bedroom into a new master bedroom, bath and walk in closet, by absorbing an underutilized middle bedroom. The project included moving plumbing, rebuilding our whole radiant floor heat system and reconnecting it to our rooftop solar array, pouring a new slab, reframing all the interior walls, upgrading and moving wiring, removing part of the ceiling to install a heat recovery ventilator and also move bathroom vent fans, replastering and repainting. They engaged and coordinated with the best contractors in Taos on our job. Reconstruction started in mid-February, 2020. By mid-March, the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown had taken effect in New Mexico. The community shut down for the first 2 weeks, and Salamander decided to observe the orders. We understood, recognizing we were now dealing with a second calamity on top of the first. Work gradually resumed. Through the spring and summer the crews came and went, some supply chain delays were now stalling material orders for ours and other projects. There were some unexpected hiccups, some caused by us, like our cabinetry choice, that Salamander rolled with and managed to our satisfaction. They were good communicators, and when we were onsite they updated us on the work and made sure all our questions were answered. They were really focused on getting the details right, light fixtures perfectly located, wood trim custom made, masterful plaster repairs when ceiling trusses forced relocating a fixture here or there. The finish work is really beautiful. They run a tight ship, and kept their tools orderly and tucked out of the way each day, and managed trash runs timely to keep the jobsite neat. Although it was sad to see them go, it was nice to have my carport space again when it was all finished. Salamander did a great job for us and we are very happy with our newly rennovated home.

Dolores Street Renovation

We are very pleased and fortunate to have had Salamander remodel a section of our house, gutting and
re-configuring a large space with only partial walls into an eat-in kitchen with fireplace, and a master suite with bath. The
project included adding wooden ceilings throughout, an on-demand gas-powered water heater which in turn powers a
radiant floor heating system, custom cabinets and tile work in the bath and kitchen, zinc kitchen countertops,
custom plaster with French pigments hand applied and burnished on walls , and stained and polished concrete
floors.
These gentlemen are craftsmen whose detail work is of the highest quality, They are innovative solution seekers
who kept us informed almost daily by phone calls, texts, and photos since we were only on site a couple of weekends
monthly. They were able to offer alternative ideas when ours were not structurally suitable, and willingly accepted
our decisions . They are intelligent, witty, and good company as well!

El Prado Addition

Patrick and Ivy transformed our El Prado Home beautifully! We live and work in Albuquerque but kept in close
communication through email, telephone, and periodic weekend visits. They are both very easy to work with and we could easily defer to their ascetic and better judgement. I changed my mind twice during the process on
structural issues and Patrick happily agreed to make the changes and always with terrific results. They diligently worked
on the project completing it well within expected time frame. Their attention to detail was remarkable and their
craftsmanship is evident throughout the house. They are truly collaborative. They understood what we were trying
to do and made it happen. The end result is better than we had hoped, We highly recommend this talented team!
R & R

Timber Frame Farmhouse

“Patrick and Ivy know only one way to do things—the right way. They are not just
great
builders, they are also great company. There are a lot of builders who will say they have design capabilities, but Patrick is a truly talented designer as well as builder.”

Mesa Vista Home

“Salamander builders built our Straw Bale house while we were living 2,000 miles away! We communicated by phone and email during the project, and made occasional site visits. Everyone was
amazed that we were able to do this long distance, but it was mostly due to the great relationship we had with our builders, Patrick and Ivy. Along with our architects, who Patrick introduced us to, we were able to purchase items, make design decisions, and end up with the house of our dreams! After our home was completed, we continued
working with the Salamander Company for additional projects, such as adding a portal and a coyote fence. Patrick and Ivy
do excellent work and don’t quit until you are completely satisfied!”

Portal House

Building my house with Patrick O’Brien, the owner and contractor of The Salamander Company, was a totally wonderful experience. From the initial discussion, going over the plans and talking about budget, he was professional and very personable. We worked together to make some changes as the project went along which was thoughtful, creative and fun. His crew were very skilled, efficient and worked hard even through our Northern New Mexico weather events. Patrick managed and worked well with his sub-contractors to get each stage done. Patrick’s advice to me regarding stonework vendors and different materials was excellent with quality outcomes.
The COVID situation did cause lumber and sub- contractor prices to increase but overall, I know the beautiful home I received is well worth every penny.
The finished home is beautiful and highly efficient. I know people say building is very stressful but that was
not my experience. The most difficult part was moving and unpacking.
I highly recommend Patrick O’Brien and the Salamander Company for any building project you have in mind.

H&H Straw Bale Home

“The Salamander Co. built the home in Taos where we currently live. The house is a showcase inside and out. The details, the woodwork, tile, plaster etc. are superb. This is a highly knowledgeable, highly professional company. Every time I show off the house I make sure to point out the details such as the
wide windowsills or the back screen porch with a brick floor, and red pine half walls and posts coming seamlessly out
of the top. For full details and photos of the project check out our blog, buildingwithstrawbales.blogspot.com”

Calle Coyote Project

We used The Salamander Co for a fairly extensive remodel on our home in Arroyo Seco, involving replacing the floor radiant heat and tiles, completely renovating the kitchen, 3 bathrooms, and converting a sunroom to a new spa bath. The project grew in scope as problems were discovered, but Patrick was always positive and applied his extensive experience in the construction field to provide us with solutions. He listened to us, offered valued opinions, and would do the research for new ideas we brought to him. He is a true craftsman, and it showed in all the fine details of the job, especially the woodwork.

We began our remodel in January 2020 ,and when the NM COVID restrictions were imposed in March, the subcontractors inability to keep schedule and cost estimates became a significant challenge. That Patrick was able to complete the project while still under these restrictions showed his dedication to us personally. We are extremely happy with the work he and his crew did!

Taos Adobe Addition

“Patrick, Ivy and their crew did a beautiful job updating our kitchen,
adding
a room on the front of our adobe house to give us a dining area and a sitting room. They also corrected a couple of problems in one of our bathrooms, turning it for a cold and uninviting room into a warm room that is congruent with our house. Our addition was completed in 2008 and included a new gas fireplace, cabinets, tile floors, windows
and a new door as well as stone counter tops in the kitchen. We are experienced remodelers and really appreciate
quality work. We have had ZERO problems and the work done is as beautiful now as the day it was completed. We know that
one is always taking a chance when remodeling an old house and we are so grateful to Patrick and Ivy for the high
quality work.”

Santa Fe Renovation

“I have admired Salamander’s work for years, so when I purchased a new home I immediately asked them to do my renovations. They did everything, from installing a doggie door to creating a new balcony railing to designing two very large custom cabinet pieces. They were always on time and conscientious,
kept the workspace neat and clean, and worked collaboratively with me on decisions. The cabinetry is exquisite, the
attention to detail beyond my expectations, literally eliciting gasps from friends when they first see the work. I wholeheartedly recommend Ivy and Patrick for all building needs.”

El Rito Straw Bale Home

Designed by David Bury, AIA, Ojai, Ca.
Built by The Salamander Co in 2006

“My experience with Builders; The Salamander Co, was a resounding success. My brilliant brother in law, David Bury, designed my Tibetan/Moroccan/New Mexico style Straw Bale house. But luck shined upon me when I found the right builders to bring the blueprints into magical reality. I am so happy with my ‘warm in the winter and cool in the
summer’ house. The thick Straw Bale and the effective recycled newspaper insulation in the ceiling makes my house
feel like a fortress of ‘green’ comfort. It is the middle of November and we have had temperatures that have been as
low as 10 degrees at night. So far my thermometer in my Great Room has stayed between 65 to 75 degrees and I have
not had to use my radiant heat yet. My home is beautiful, the quality workmanship is commented on by all who come to visit me. I recommend Patrick and Ivy to all!”