--- title: "The Salamander Company LLC. — Home Builders | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/the-salamander-company-llc-pfvwus-pf~629296125 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~629296125.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "The Salamander Company LLC." category: ["Home Builders"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fed3a9cb00679eae_7500-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Po Box 905, Taos, New Mexico 87571, United States" latitude: 36.3953 longitude: -105.5847 phone: "(575) 741-0602" website: http://www.thesalamandercompany.com rating: 5 review_count: 20 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 64 last_updated: 2026-09-29 --- # The Salamander Company LLC. Original Houzz profile: [The Salamander Company LLC.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/the-salamander-company-llc-pfvwus-pf~629296125) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Home Builders - **Location:** Taos, NM - **Serves:** Taos, Arroyo Seco, Ranchos de Taos, Taos Pueblo, Talpa, Arroyo Hondo, Taos Ski Valley, Carson, Cerro, El Prado, Trampas, Tres Piedras - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - References available - Eco-friendly - 20 years in business The Salamander Co. LLC. has been building beautiful custom homes in the Taos area since 1998. We began specializing in Straw Bale building and have evolved to incorporate other technologies from Adobe to Frame, Pumice-Crete, SIPS panels and more. As we have grown in our experience, we have come to believe that building in a sustainable way is as much about the aesthetics of a home as it is the materials used. By using regionally produced materials from straw bales and adobe bricks, to small scale forested Douglas Fir we are able to strike a healthy balance between sustainable building materials and mainstream building products. A natural curiosity and practical knowledge have helped us to discover techniques and procedures that yield homes that are warm and inviting, and also perform well. Over the years we have expanded to include custom cabinetry, woodwork, and mosaic tile work. Rainwater roof catchment for domestic use and landscaping is becoming a growing need and we have partnered with Smart Water Systems LLC smartwatersystemsllc.com to design and install catchment systems on some of our projects. We enjoy each phase of the process of building and are always open to new ideas and materials. Efficiency, comfort and beauty are what our clients expect from us and we work hard to deliver. Please look through our portfolio and feel free to contact us with any thoughts or questions you may have. Thank you for visiting. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Remodeling - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Energy-Efficient Homes - House Plans - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Green Building - Project Management - Garage Building - Home Restoration - House Framing - Floor Plans - Barn Design & Construction - Sustainable Design - Historic Building Conservation - Carport Installation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Tiny House Construction - Drafting - Log Home Construction - Custom Cabinets - Custom Furniture - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Taos - Arroyo Seco - Ranchos de Taos - Taos Pueblo - Talpa - Arroyo Hondo - Taos Ski Valley - Carson - Cerro - El Prado - Trampas - Tres Piedras ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | The Salamander Company LLC. | | Address | Po Box 905, Taos, New Mexico 87571, United States | | Phone | (575) 741-0602 | | Website | http://www.thesalamandercompany.com | | License Number | NM 371503 | | Followers on Houzz | 64 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TheSalamanderCo ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [The Salamander Company LLC.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/the-salamander-company-llc-pfvwus-pf~629296125) - **Website:** http://www.thesalamandercompany.com - **Phone:** (575) 741-0602 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Profiled and featured in the Taos News in 2010Best of Houzz Service 2014-2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/santa-fe-area-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~1452154220) - [NAHB Remodelers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-remodelers-pfvwus-pf~597469654) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 4.8 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Norma Schafer, Aug. 2024** > Patrick O'Brien, owner of The Salamander Company, built the house of my dreams on the Rio Grande Gorge Mesa in Taos, New Mexico. It is amazingly well-constructed and beautiful, energy efficient, and sited perfectly. The house was built during the pandemic when materials were scarcer and more costly. Patrick was on top of everything to ensure everything was completed on time. The house was completed within a year -- on time and within budget. All the sub-contractors provided excellent service and the crew was on top of everything. I did not use an architect. Patrick and I worked together to refine the floor plan that I wanted and he provided expert advice on everything. I can't say enough about his communication style -- honest, open, responsive, and kind. I highly recommend The Salamander Company for any construction project. **★★★★★ — Loren Jacobson, Aug. 2024** > Salamander built the most beautiful house for us. It was not an easy project: very modern, with clean lines. Patrick pays attention to every detail and takes a lot of pride in his work. He is a pleasure to work with—warm, solution-oriented, responsive, and honest. We are so grateful that we chose Salamander to build our dream home, a home we know we will enjoy for years and years to come. **★★★★★ — Juliana Martin, July 2021** > Building my house with Patrick O’Brien, the owner and contractor of Salamander Co.LLC, 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 of the Salamander Co. for any building project you have in mind. **★★★★★ — The Schreibers, June 2021** > The Salamander Co 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 Co for all future building projects. **★★★★★ — csummit1, March 2021** > 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! **★★★★★ — HU-509895365, March 2021** > Our 900 square foot suspended deck project was designed and constructed by Salamander. Both the design and execution of construction were exceptional. Plus Salamander followed up on all ensuing minor issues in a timely manner. I very strongly recommend Salamander for any small to large construction project. **★★★★★ — Mary Emery, Feb. 2021** > 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. **★★★★★ — Henry Architects, Dec. 2018** > Excellent Taos contractor. Salamander Construction follows architectural plans! And they bring creativity and craft to every project. We appreciate their attention to detail and extensive experience. They worked closely with the owner and architect to meet budget and design intent. **★★★★★ — mariamikhailasart, Dec. 2017** > This is the second time The Salamander Co has done construction for me. They built my strawbale house 10 years ago almost exactly, and this year they added on an addition. They do beautiful work, they are quality exacting, responsible, easy going, stick to the budget pretty well (it's construction in a volatile world after all), and they are honest! In Taos, they are simply the best. **★★★★★ — Rhonda Wyche, Feb. 2016** > We are very pleased and fortunate to have had Salamander remodel a section of our house, gutting and reconfiguring 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! **★★★★★ — rlrubin46, Nov. 2015** > On retirement and change to full time use of our 23 year old Taos vacation house, we hired the Salamander Group for renovations based on friends' satisfied customer referrals. They added a sunroom and a garden room, updated the original septic system, built a master bedroom walk in closet, and converted an original tub guest bathroom to an elegant tile/stone walk in > shower. I also had Patrick install a 1700 > gallon roof rainwater storage cistern for our > expanding garden. Patrick and Ivey were > conscientious, skillful, reliable, excellent > problem solvers, and congenial. The overall > cost was reasonable . They also had > efficient working relationships with the > various inspectors involved. **Comment from The Salamander Company LLC.:** > Thanks for the kind words Richard. It was a pleasure working with you and we look forward to next seasons corn harvest! **★★★★★ — smurrell18, July 2015** > Our Carson Forest Home turned out to be every bit if not more than what we had hoped for. Patrick did a fantastic job of converting my very unprofessional and rough drawings into a beautiful and comfortable home. The materials and craftsmanship were top notch and after 10 years it still looks like new. The house was placed exactly as we had imagined for many years on a rise facing the Taos mountain range and catching the early morning sunrises . His idea of a mini library in a wide hallway for our books and a desk was great and used alot. They included us on every little change that was needed to be made and was a pleasure to work with. We would recommend the Salamander Company anytime. The straw bale construction is great for warm winters and cool summers. ## Selected projects - [Territorial Home on the Mesa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/territorial-home-on-the-mesa-pj-vj~7157857) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: This modest sized, highly insulated and lovely Territorial style home sits out on the high mesa just east of the Rio Grande Gorge. It has wide expansive views in all directions, from the rolling sage covered hills to the west and north to the stunning snowcapped mountains of the Sangre de Christo range to the east there isn’t a bad view from here. This home was built with extra attention given to the details of air tightness, moisture protection and energy efficiency. The radiant floor heat syst… - [Calle Coyote Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calle-coyote-project-pj-vj~6567383) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This re-model was for a contractor assisted, owner-built home that is being upgraded by the now grown children of the owner. A generational project we were pleased to be a part of. The original house design called for a creative use of passive solar technologies including solar hot water radiant powered by PV panels and Trombe Walls. Our directive was to modernize the kitchen, bathrooms and general living space without losing the intention of the original design or functionality. We worked close… - [Portal House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portal-house-pj-vj~6742082) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Shou Sugi Ban Garden Shed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shou-sugi-ban-garden-shed-pj-vj~2830034) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 10 - Description: This 8x12 structure has long been on my to do list. Each spring my wife, Lisa, prepares her seed starts for the summer garden. Vegetables and flowers all in flats and under grow lights begin to appear on any available flat surface in our home. Last year we had our guest bathroom turned into a tomato grow zone to the point we couldn’t accommodate guests. So, I finally realized just how much she needed a seed starting/general potting shed in the garden. I began the project when we had some downtim… - [Redwood Deck in the Trees](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redwood-deck-in-the-trees-pj-vj~5805483) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: We were called in to look at an odd patch of steeply sloped land that made up the side yard on this beautiful Straw Bale home in the treed mountains just north of Taos. We talked with the owners about their goals for the space and came up with this deck design. The underside looks like a railroad trestle bridge which is all needed because at the highest point of the deck, about 12 feet in the air they wanted a large hot tub, which filled with splashing people will add a significant live load to… - [Golf Course Solar Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golf-course-solar-remodel-pj-vj~6580525) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: We were called into this project after the clients discovered a long working leak in their plumbing. By the time it was detected there was black mold under the entire Brick on Sand floor. In order to remove the brick all of the interior walls had to be removed. In all, the kitchen, living room, two bathrooms and a bedroom were demolished. Taking advantage of the freedom of a blank slate they hired the same designer who originally did the house and came up with a new plan which is where we come i… - [Crows Nest Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crows-nest-deck-pj-vj~6646183) - Location: Taos, New Mexico - Photos: 3 - Description: We worked with Taos Landscaping to create this lovely new backyard for a couple and their young family. A complete re-imagined backyard from the recycled wood/plastic deck from Cali Bamboo and its elevated “crows nest” hexagonal seating area to the zero scaped garden with stone steps, Bocce Ball court and hot tub, this outdoor living space will get lots of use year round. - [Atrium House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atrium-house-pj-vj~1204001) - Location: El Prado, NM - Photos: 27 - Description: This 2400 sq. ft. home rests at the very beginning of the high mesa just outside of Taos. To the east, the Taos valley is green and verdant fed by rivers and streams that run down from the mountains, and to the west the high sagebrush mesa stretches off to the distant Brazos range. The house is sited to capture the high mountains to the northeast through the floor to ceiling height corner window off the kitchen/dining room.The main feature of this house is the central Atrium which is an 18 foot… - [Valverde Commons Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valverde-commons-project-pj-vj~2366017) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 18 - Description: This 1265 square foot home is located in the Town of Taos. Designed by Solar Plans LLC of Arroyo Seco, NM. This home is built using a panelized wall system called Raycore and is designed to be very close to a net zero energy building. Great care was taken during the construction process to eliminate areas where air infiltration could occur. A thermal mass Trombe Wall is utilized to provide heat to the Master Bedroom in addition to the highly efficient radiant floor heat system which is throughou… - [Custom Wood Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-wood-furniture-pj-vj~1203977) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Santa Fe Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-fe-renovation-pj-vj~356749) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 10 - Description: We replaced doors and windows, added skylights, built and installed custom cabinetry in Living Room and Dining Room. New stair and railing. We also added a second floor roof deck. - [El Prado Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-prado-addition-pj-vj~843711) - Location: El Prado, NM - Photos: 16 - Description: Located just north of Taos and tucked away among tall evergreen trees this project has plenty of charm. The owners wanted a master bedroom/bathroom and living room addition to compliment their cozy Pumice Crete home. The energy efficient addition features a double sided wood burning fireplace finished with custom stonework. Hand dyed smooth plaster walls warm the spaces and the custom cherry cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom enhance the design. A walk out roof top deck offers beautiful views… - [El Mirador Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/el-mirador-home-pj-vj~900747) - Location: Ranchos de Taos, NM - Photos: 14 - Description: This 3200 sq. ft. Pumice-Crete home sits on the western slope of the foothills just south of Taos, NM. Tucked into the Pinon and Juniper trees with mountains to the east and the broad Taos Valley to the west the site is secluded and peaceful. The 14 “ thick Pumice-Crete walls are poured into forms and finished with stucco to create a highly insulated shell. Sound transmission is also very low. The thick walls allows for deep interior windowsills, in this house we used poured concrete. We also fl… - [Carson Forest Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carson-forest-home-pj-vj~1601470) - Location: Carson, NM - Photos: 10 - Description: This 1850 square foot home is built in Carson, NM. which is about 25 miles west of Taos across the Rio Grande Gorge. It sits tucked in among the rolling Pinon Pine covered hills. The sandy soil and sparse groundcover gives one the feeling of being on a vast shoreline. The house is built from Straw Bales and has an interior Great Room with a high cathedral ceiling and large windows facing east towards the distant high mountains near Taos. A screened porch off the kitchen offers a nice place for c… - [Dolores Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dolores-street-renovation-pj-vj~1601405) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 13 - Description: This renovation included a Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom and a new kitchen. We installed Radiant Floor heat and poured a new concrete floor which was acid stained and finished with a semi-gloss sealer.In the Master Bathroom we built a custom vanity and linen closet with sliding doors. A curbless shower with a frameless glass door and pebbled stone floor complete the custom tile work. In the kitchen our client chose Alder wood and we built the cabinets with raised panel doors and full extension… - [Gottlieb Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gottlieb-bathroom-pj-vj~2074533) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 11 - Description: Our client came to us with a request to re-make her master bathroom. She has a colorful contemporary aesthetic and was instrumental in the design process. We used white washed bamboo for the wall below the colorful custom tile band. Eucalyptus was used for the floor and the wainscoting. A curved front bathtub, wall hung vanity and commode complete the simple lines of this inviting bathroom. - [Taos Straw Bale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/taos-straw-bale-house-pj-vj~367387) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 23 - [Timber Frame Farmhouse Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/timber-frame-farmhouse-renovation-pj-vj~388505) - Location: Plymouth, MI - Photos: 25 - Description: This home was built in 1848 from hand hewn red oak. Traditional timber frame joinery is throughout the structure, mortice and tenon, lap joints and wooden pegs hold this house together. Our renovation was inspired by this carefully constructed home. Enjoy. - [H & H Straw Bale Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/h-and-h-straw-bale-home-pj-vj~372389) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 23 - Description: We built this house for our friends, they wanted a Straw Bale home with traditional Pueblo Style design with a touch of modern design. We brought in Edge Architects and they worked with our friends and came up with this lovely design. The collaboration between the clients, builders (us) and the architects resulted in a successful project. - [Taos Adobe Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/taos-adobe-addition-pj-vj~360407) - Location: Taos, NM - Photos: 9 - Description: We were asked to build a small den addition onto this lovely little adobe house in Taos. We worked closely with the owners and were able to create a cozy space which complemented the intimate quality of the original house. [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-builders/the-salamander-company-llc-pfvwus-pf~629296125) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141917414/list/wish-list) — 1 idea - [thesalamanderco's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20336752/list/thesalamanderco-s-ideas) — 5 ideas - [Kathy’s Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102243141/list/kathy-s-bath-remodel) — 3 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/thesalamanderco) ## Community Q&A **Q: where can I purchase the table and post?** *(in Photo Questions)* Building a new deck I want to purchase the cable and post A: Hi. I made the posts from 4x4 Redwood. SS Steel cable system from View Rail. **Q: Where is this garage door from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is a site built door. **Q: What is the cost of construction for this type of house?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am interested to learn cost comparisons of the following types of construction: adobe, concrete block, rammed earth, other methods?? A: This house is a hybrid: Adobe and Straw Bale construction. Quite complex due to it's design. It was built in 2009. In today's market this house would come in at around $275.00/sq.ft.. Want one? **Q: What color is the exterior?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the exterior paint color what shade is that A: That is an El Rey stucco color called Fawn. **Q: what are the wood structures above log uprights** *(in Photo Questions)* What A: Thank you for the kind words. We purchase these materials from a local mill in Taos, NM. and we mill it in our in our shop. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-29.*