In 1977, the Huits wanted to build their own house in northeast El Paso. They bought two lots, built two homes, moved into one and sold the one next door. The next thing they knew they had seven or eight projects going, and Del, along with a friend, Carlos, launched Cardel Homes in 1979. Carlos had been retired for about twenty-five years but “We just kept building,” Del says. “We started in northeast El Paso,” adds Lorraine, “A friend of our family was moving here from California. They wanted to build on the West Side, and asked us to consider building their home; we hadn’t really considered building on the West Side, and it was their house that brought us over.”
Since then the company has continued to thrive. Today, rather than building twenty-five homes a year, they only build eight or so. “But,” smiles Lorraine, “we build ALL custom homes. They’re upscale homes that need more time, have more details and take time to build. In this price range there’s so much more that clients want in their homes; they personalize their home. We pay attention to every detail and make sure that everything going into the house is what they have envisioned in their dreams.”
“I like the design of our homes,” says Del. “We make them livable, not flashy.” Lorraine adds, “And what I like about our homes are our kitchens. They set us apart. As a licensed interior designer I try to keep in mind the functionality and the use of the products that we’re putting in. And the look has a lot to do with it. I always consider myself living in that house; where would I want the dishwasher to sit? Where would I want storage for utensils? Where would I want pots and pans? Homes are sold mainly for their kitchens and master baths. I think a woman has a lot to do with that decision. If it’s something that they really like and can work in, it feels comfortable and it makes a difference. I also always tell clients to keep things they really want to use; don’t sell it or give it away, because we can always find a special spot for it.”
After almost thirty years Del still enjoys getting his hands dirty. “My favorite part of the job,” Del explains, “is being out in the field, supervising and working on the houses - watching them get put together.” Currently, Del has plenty to supervise. Cardel Homes is keeping busy all over El Paso. They just completed a development on Tierra Estes Estates on the East Side. “We built ten custom homes out there that turned out really nice,” says Lorraine, “and at the time we were a little nervous about the East Side; we weren’t sure that area would sell, but once one of the homes sold, one right after the other sold.” Jake, their son, took care of that East Side project. A UTEP graduate with a business degree, Jake will most likely carry on the family business. “Jake really likes it,” Lorraine says proudly. “He’s good with the customers and the subcontractors and he loves being out in the field.”
While finishing up six current projects, the Huits are looking into building in the Valley and Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The company is also working on a house for the Parade of Homes 2006. “A one-story house, our Parade home is a different design than what’s normally done,” relates Lorraine. The house will surround an inner courtyard that houses a pool, with all windows and doors looking out into the courtyard. “This is what people will be looking for, that indoor-outdoor living option.”
Reflecting upon the company’s success, Del smiles, “I’m surprised at how quickly it has all gone by. It’s going be thirty years before long; we started building in ‘77 and we’ve had a lot of fun. It’s a challenging business.”
“I think it was something that evolved and it’s something that I’ve learned to enjoy,” adds Lorraine. “Our company has been blessed with what we’re able to accomplish. Being successful and working hard has given us the opportunity to give back to El Paso.”
Both Del and Lorraine feel a strong connection to El Paso. “I think that El Paso is very unique,” explains Lorraine. “Everyone always thinks the grass is greener on the other side, but El Paso still has that small town feel. Everyone knows everyone and I think in a larger city we might not have had that connection with the community.”
“And it’s a very laid back community,” adds Del, “I still like it after thirty years. It’s vastly different from where I grew up, but I love it.”
As a long time resident, Lorraine feels the need for master planned communities. “I’d like to see our new developments move towards a neighborhood design. This is something people are looking at. If you had a central park where people could walk with their kids, to enjoy an evening and to meet their neighbors…I think that people would be more inclined to go out if it’s close enough to walk to. That would be really nice to see.”
Whatever the future holds for El Paso neighborhoods, Cardel Homes will continue to be a part of the growing city and its people.
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