Using his General Contractor experience and real estate broker knowledge, and inspired to participate in sustainable development, Paul began remodeling homes in Albuquerque three years ago.  Since then he has renovated five houses in the North Valley, Huning Highland (or East Downtown, EDO), and Albuquerque Downtown areas.   He is also currently restoring two duplex income properties in the Old Town, Sawmill neighborhood.  So if you are looking for a Realtor with general contractor, investment property, designing, and remodeling experience because perhaps, renovating homes is something you would like to get involved with, Paul Chavez will be of great assistance.  He continues to spend countless hours researching the latest Home Remodeling and Sustainable Development news to enhance his professional knowledge for not only his own projects but also for his real estate clients.      

As much as possible, Paul incorporates key principals advocated by the green building movement.  Some features included in his construction projects are building concrete countertops, installing renewable cork flooring, restoring old hardwood floors, and better insulating the properties  He also like to incorporate as many "earth elements" or nature-inspired aesthetics as possible.  So, for example, instead of using ceramic or porcelain tile, he will choose slate and/or travertine stone tile.  Paul likes to paint walls with colors which reflect the diverse New Mexico landscapes.  When making a decision between painting doors or leaving them in their natural wood state, he will go with the latter.  Here are three examples of what a bit of sweat equity, imagination, financial investment, and (more than) a few longs nights can accomplish, when remodeling, renovating and restoring homes.   

        Before: 1200 sq. ft home located on .5 acres of land.  This 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom North Valley house had carpet and vinyl flooring, laminate kitchen countertops, 1960s tiled shower surround and bathroom walls, old light fixtures, original 1950s electrical and plumbing service, evaporative cooling, and shingled roof.    

After (8 very LONG months): 1900 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with cork and laminate flooring, water-based stained concrete countertops, slate shower surrounds and kitchen backsplash, refrigerated air, energy-star rated appliances, updated electrical and plumbing service, energy efficient lighting, metal roof, low-e windows, and hand-plastered, (very colorful!) walls.                                                                                 

    Before: This 1930s adobe, 900 sq. ft 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in Albuquerque Downtown had old carpet and vinyl flooring, electric wall heaters and window swamp cooler, broken windows, marble bath surround, old appliances, different wall textures in each room, outdated (leaking) plumbing and electrical service, and crumbling stucco.

After: Exposed and refinished hardwood floors, concrete countertops in kitchen, renovated all 24 original windows, new electrical and plumbing service, new shingled roof, central refrigerated air/heating combo unit, new interior plaster, new solid maple cabinets, new stucco, reinforced basement, washer/dryer service, new energy-efficient appliances, travertine shower surround, contemporary lighting fixtures and bathroom pedestal vessel sink.  

Before: 1450 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom North Valley home in need of some TLC (pictures tell the story).

After: exposed and refinished existing hardwood floors, slate flooring in all wet areas, new solid maple cabinets, concrete countertops in kitchen in bath, travertine shower surround, new exterior stucco and interior plaster, central refrigerated air/heating, allergy-free wool carpet in master bedroom, energy efficient appliances, updated plumbing and electrical service, built 6 ft. tall privacy block wall.