Here are some things to consider​

Why RV-Style Tiny Homes Aren’t the Best Fit
A lot of people shop for small park-model RVs or “tiny homes on wheels” because they look affordable and seem easy to install. The problem is how they’re classified.
Units built to the ANSI A119.5 Park Model RV code are legally considered recreational vehicles, not houses. That means:

• They can’t be approved as a dwelling or ADU.
• They can’t be permanently connected to utilities on a residential lot.
• They’re not allowed for long-term living in most jurisdictions.
• Cities and counties often limit occupancy to short term, occasional use.

What looks like a quick solution often turns into a permitting headache.


Why HUD-Code Manufactured Homes Are the Better Option
Manufactured Homes built under the federal HUD Code (24 CFR 3280) are recognized nationwide as real dwellings. They’re factory-built, inspected, and meet structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety standards.
The HUD definition requires:

• A minimum of 320 sq ft,
• A permanent chassis,
• And construction designed for full-time residential use.

Even at smaller sizes—say 340 to 480 sq ft—a HUD-code home is considered a legitimate house, not an RV. That makes it a strong candidate for an ADU wherever manufactured homes are allowed.


A Major Advantage: Flexible Financing
Here’s where HUD-code ADUs open up opportunities that site-built casitas can’t match.
A HUD-code home can be titled as either:
• Real property - attached to the land on a permanent foundation and financed like part of the main home, or
• Personal property (chattel)—financed separately and not tied to the mortgage on the land.
That second option creates several benefits:

• You don’t have to refinance or touch the mortgage on your primary home.
• The ADU can be bought, sold, or moved later without affecting the property deed.
• You can generate rental income while keeping the ADU as a separate asset.
• Investors and homeowners avoid the long timelines and cost of site-built construction.

In short, you get a fully legal dwelling with the flexibility of a movable asset.


Why This Matters for New Mexico Homeowners
New Mexico’s mix of large lots, rural-residential zoning, and strong factory-built housing industry makes this approach especially appealing. A small HUD-code unit can serve as:

• A casita for aging parents
• A private guest suite
• A long-term rental
• A flexible investment you can sell or relocate later

And because it’s built to a federal housing standard, the path to inspections and approval is clearer than it is for RV-style units.


Final Thoughts
If you're considering an ADU in New Mexico, a small HUD-code manufactured home offers the safest and most flexible route. It meets residential standards, works with most zoning rules, and can be financed separately from your land—giving you options that site-built casitas simply can’t match.
If you need help evaluating whether a HUD-code ADU can work on your property—or you'd like to explore models in the 320–500 sq ft range—NM Home Solutions can help you compare options and walk through the permitting and placement process.
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​I'm thrilled to see this roadmap for decarbonization in New Mexico come to life! It’s been an honor to contribute to this effort by supporting training and awareness initiatives that promote Energy Audits. These audits empower homeowners to uncover utility savings while cutting carbon emissions, driving a more sustainable future.

see link below for more details!
buildingdecarb.org/new-mexico-building-decarbonization-roadmap

​It was an amazing day at the Earth Day Festival NM event this past Sunday. Great discussions with industry peers and inquisitive consumers as well. I had the privilege to moderate a discussion panel on the importance of sealing the envelope of your home, weatherization, and the benefits of having a Certified Energy audit on your home prior to implementing energy efficiency upgrades.
I want to personally thank my panel colleagues – Troy Cucchiara, David Best, and Xavier Obando for their time and expertise. I would also like to extend a personal thank you to Stefi Wesiburd for her support and hard work at the event.
NM Home Solutions will continue to work and advocate for the education, training and adoption of advanced energy efficient HVAC Heat Pumps, Water heaters, Solar, etc. In collaboration with the Energy Smart Academy at Santa Fe Community College. Additional thanks and recognition to the Director of ESA, Jeremy Mier, and our Expert trainer and curriculum development specialist – Jeff Polk.
And lastly, Thank you to everyone who came out to the festival, I hope a great time was had by all! 

​I'm thrilled to share that I've successfully passed the BPI exam for the Total Building Performance Certificate! Being among the first applicants for this innovative Pilot Program fills me with pride. I wholeheartedly endorse this course for anyone interested in advising homeowners on the abundant opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and conservation in their homes.
#BPI

Excited to announce that I will be moderating a discussion panel on how to save money on your home energy bills! Please plan to attend this event if you are wanting to learn about all of the new programs and products available to help reduce you home energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future!
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click here for more information on Earth Day!

​So excited for New Mexico to be a leader in this program to help homeowners with energy efficiency upgrades to their homes!

​It was a pleasure hosting Senator Heinrich and his staff at The Energy Smart Academy (Santa Fe Community College) to discuss our Energy Auditor Training program and our new upcoming Cold Climate Heat Pump and Water Heater Heat Pump training courses.
These training programs are an integral part of the Inflation Reduction Act / Energy Efficiency Programs sponsored by Senator Heinrich. The courses will provide training necessary for well-paying job opportunities in the Energy Efficiency field.  Certified Energy Auditors will be necessary to provide Home Energy Audits required for homeowners who want to take advantage of the many resources and opportunities for Tax Credits and Rebates that will substantially offset the cost of retrofitting existing homes with advanced energy Efficient heating and air conditioning systems, Insulation, air infiltration sealing, water heating, and more.
We are excited to announce that The Energy Smart Academy has a limited amount of grant funding available to pay for this training!
If you are interested in acquiring this training and advancing your career in this exciting field, please contact the Energy Smart Academy at [email protected] or call 505-428-1676
 
Some additional links outlining the Senators visit.
https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/readout-heinrich-tours-santa-fe-community-college-highlights-how-inflation-reduction-act-continues-to-deliver-for-new-mexico
 
https://nmpoliticalreport.com/news/heinrich-talks-heat-pumps-during-visit-to-santa-fe/
 
I want to personally thank Senator Heinrich, and Alex Eubanks, Rita O’Connell and Edward Tabet Cubero for their support in setting up the visit with the Senator.
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I would also like to recognize the following individuals at the Energy Smart Academy for their contributions to this program. Jeremy Mier (Director), Gerardo Lopez, David Best, and Jeff Polk (trainers), Joshiah Mulligan (admin), Jeffrey Granger (Senior advisor)and Kris Swedin (Dean of Cont Ed)

eLooking for ways to help your energy bills? We have info for you here!

1. If you meet certain low income guidelines, you may qualify for a variety of home upgrades to include insulation, new water heater, new heating appliances such as heat pumps or high efficency gas furnaces, smart thermostats and more. the great news is if you qualify, these are completely free to you! there is no catch and no strings. This program is provided to every State through the Department of Energy. You can find the participating Weatherization agencies and information on how to apply here - link

​2. If you do not meet low income guidelines, but would still like to weatherize your home, there are several incentives avalable in the form of rebates and tax credits. For more information click here

Some items can even be purchased at home improvement stores and receive instant rebates, such as insulation, thermostats, led lights, etc. Check your local store for more information.

Lastly, check your local utility provider for electric and gas programs.
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