Local log cabin builder uses 'artisans' to create homes

Whiling away the days on the shores of Waikiki, Hawaii between building gigs might be a version of paradise that many wouldn't trade. But as soon as Ray Herrera returned to the mainland in 1996 to work on a log cabin project, he was hooked.

"Well, I'm a Western Colorado boy," Herrera said. "So coming back to the mountains and building the way I do - it just kind of came naturally."

Herrera left a job with the Kihie, Maui-based Hilltop Development Company and moved to the Incline area where he worked for Alan Richards - his "log cabin mentor" and friend - and honed the craft of log cabin construction.

"It's an art and so I work with artisans - not just regular contractors or construction workers," Herrera said with a smile as his crew put some finishing touches on the remodel of Debbie Ross' Dyer Circle home. "It's a process and a form all unto itself. My employees are woodworkers and craftsmen. They really have the gift it takes to make this type of construction work."

Herrera, who started Alpine Home Builders Inc. in 2000, this summer completed construction of a 5,000-square-foot all-log home in Incline in one year and two months.

"It was my biggest project and done in record time," Herrera said. "I have to give all the credit in the world to my foreman Enrique Castillo. Every time I have some kind of vision he understands what it's going to be in three dimensions, including all the pitfalls. I started working with (Castillo) when I came here and knew we'd have a good relationship. You can see the results."

Indeed, as Ross reviewed plans on what would be the finishing touches of her current remodel, she sang Herrera's praises.

"Well, he came highly recommended and he exceeded those expectations," Ross said. "It's not often you hear people say that about their builders. You have to be careful when you do log construction. Ray came in, identified what some of the problems were, fixed them - and was so efficient."

Part of Herrera's ability to finish the specialty building projects expeditiously may his depth of experience in the log construction medium. While he's worked 27 years as a contractor, he completed his first log cabin project in Beaver Creek, Co in 1985.

"It was the first one built in Beaver Creek," Herrera said. "It wasn't the last."

Herrera, who said he comes from a farming and ranching background, would like to return to work the land after retirement from construction.

"Let's just say that cows don't complain as much as people," he paused for a moment. "But to tell you the truth, I've been pretty lucky with the folks I've worked for."

Herrera's company employs four full-time builders with work ranging from complete home construction to interior remodels to building wine cellar.

"Any project you got, any time of year - we'll do it," Herrera said noting that when time off does come around he likes to share one of his favorite activities with his crew. "I like to take them out riding and roping... well, we're working on the roping part. I guess we weren't all meant to be cowboys."



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