How We Build

Staying Cool and Comfortable In Las Cruces With a Desert Sky Builders™ Energy Efficient Home
In a location like Las Cruces and surrounding areas, home attics and space between ceilings and roofs can reach temperatures as high as 110 degrees. Today homeowners demand even cooling and heating throughout their homes. In our advanced homes the high-efficiency heating and cooling system, advanced Cocoon insulation and tightly sealed air ducting assures that all rooms are evenly cooled and heated throughout the year and less energy is used to do it! Better insulation and tight- tested ductwork, along with Low E dual pane windows, mean a quieter, more energy efficient home for your family. These features equal a home that uses less energy, increases indoor comfort, and saves you money.

Quality 2x6 construction* gives our Desert Star Builders™ homeowners:

A Stronger Better Built Home
R25 Composite Wall Rating
Straighter walls
Quieter for Peaceful Living
Reduction in Stucco cracking
46% more wall insulation
*2x6 Construction- Exterior livable area walls only.

STRIKING EXTERIOR FINISHES

• Careful attention to the preservation of the natural desert surroundings

• Unique architectural styling in Territorial, Mission and Tuscany design including inviting entry courtyards with every design

• Lighted wall accents at front entry and garage entrance

• Finished oversized garages with insulated foam-core doors. Remote openers provided for all garage doors

• Concrete, salted surface driveway from street to garage entrances

• Sand-finish stucco system over extra strong OSB plywood sheathing, “Tyvek” stucco wrap and fully mesh covering all sheathing areas to achieve both strength and energy efficient exterior walls

• Concrete walkways in salted finish

• Covered front and rear porch areas with a salted finish or tile finish if client so chooses

MONEY-SAVING ENERGY FEATURES

• High-efficiency gas furnace with 14 seer A/C unit

• Low E dual-glazed insulated windows in a vinyl or aluminum finish

• Blown-in cocoon insulation in 2x6 exterior walls and the ceilings of living areas to achieve R-Values of R-23+ and R-45, respectively

• 50 gallon high recovery gas water heater with re-circulating system for water conservation and convenience. Tankless systems available if client so chooses

• Computerized thermostats and electrostatic air filter systems

•  Foam sealers between concrete foundation and exterior walls

CHARMING INTERIOR FEATURES

• Hand textured walls and ceilings with special detailing of drywall, trims and casing

• Dramatic volume ceilings

• Hand-set ceramic tile flooring in foyer, kitchen, nook and wet areas per plan

• Extensive detailed hand tiled areas such as backsplashes, nicchos, fireplaces and barreled arches

• Choice of quality stain-resistant carpeting in a wide array of colors and styles

• Choice of solid wood or hollow core interior doors with choice of design

•  8’ tall entry doors with decorative handle-set and deadbolt lock

• Ceramic tile vanity tops, tub deck and shower in all baths except pedestal lav in any powder room or as per plan with granite as an option if the client so wishes

• Designer coordinated lighting throughout with accented niccho lights

• Ceiling fans throughout including all bedrooms, family room and studies

• 100% “Custom Made”, not store bought cabinets in every home complete with rollout shelves

• Choice of oak, maple or hickory cabinetry featuring 42” upper cabinets in kitchen. Alder is an option

• Choice of quality appliances such as JennAir or GE Profile gas cooktop, dishwasher and eye-level oven/microwave combination.

• Stainless steel kitchen sink with Euro faucet design and standard garbage disposal

• Choice of designer Formica, tile or an optional “upgrade” of granite countertops in the kitchen

• Choice of 36” or 42” high bath vanities throughout

• Plumbed for future water filtration at utility closet or in garage

• Decorative rocker panel light switches

• Designer bath faucets with 8” spread at each lav

• Master shower comes standard with one rain head and one wall shower head. A Hand-held showerhead is an option

NOTABLE CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

• Engineered post-tension steel-reinforced foundation and floors

• Dual-application termite and pest control consisting of treated seal plate at foundation as well as 100% sprayed on treatment of all wood material throughout the home with a lifetime warranty

• Passive air exchange to maximize indoor air quality

• Prewire for five (5) phone locations (CAT 5 wiring) and five (5) TV locations (RG-6 cable) with your choice of locations

• 10 year “Residential Warranty Corporation” warranty

CUSTOMIZED OPTIONS

• Dramatic fireplaces

• Swimming pools and hot tubs – coordinated with Pools by Design.

• Unique countertops using granite, quartz, tile or soap stone

• Advanced audio, video and added security systems

• Central vacuum system

You’re Not Alone

We are committed to offering the highest quality materials and options for your new home, as well as providing you with excellent customer service and an unforgettable experience. You’ll be working throughout the project, one-on-one, with a trained interior designer to assist you in selecting the options for your home. In this process, you’re definitely not alone. That’s why our Home Interior Designer, Joy Akers, will work with you to help make the most important decisions, the color selections, in building your home stress free. Joy is there throughout the project to offer guidance, advice and listen to your wishes in making this home your Dream Home. We both want to make it a truly a custom home that fits your personality.

We encourage you to prepare for your appointments in advance by understanding what you’ll be asked to select while working with Joy. Here are a list of items you will be selecting and tips on how to prepare:

• Flooring, Countertops

• Window Coverings

• Lighting

• Cabinets

• Stair Rails

• Appliances

• Low Voltage Wiring

• Pools

• Landscaping

• Other miscellaneous options

We encourage you to look through magazines, attend open houses, as well as attend the Las Cruces Showcase of Homes or Parade of Homes to gather ideas for your new home. Make notes, drawings or clip pictures of examples of what you’d like to incorporate into your home. A picture is always worth a thousand words. Above all don’t limit yourself to only seeing homes in your price range. Any item or idea seen in a multi-million dollar home can be incorporated into your dream home.