For the past five years, Munda has built high-end custom homes, most upwards of $300,000. Prior to Copper Ridge, Munda focused on commercial building for eight years, doing everything from fieldwork to hard labor to hanging red iron-metal stud framing. But when the housing market in Las Cruces began to boom, Munda decided to start building residential properties. “Building homes is a completely different animal. You have to go back to the drawing board to learn and re-learn all of the things you have practiced for so long,” says Munda.

Munda and Levy focus on building traditional Southwest-style, pueblo and Tuscan-style homes, but anything their customers request is on the table. “We’ve built a broad spectrum of homes,” says Munda. “I don’t want to be known for building one type of home.” As members of the Las Cruces Homebuilders’ Association, Munda and Levy adhere to strict building standards and strive to stay on the cutting edge of new trends in homebuilding.

Munda says Copper Ridge Builders prides itself on exceptional attention to detail. “We really try to bring in new ideas, styles and products–not the same old stuff,” says Munda. While building, homeowners can expect an interactive and highly valuable experience. Access to builders and designers all the way through the process will ensure they end up with the home they imagined.

One thing that makes Copper Ridge builders unique is their plethora of in-house specialists, including Levy’s Pronto Plumbers, who do all the plumbing work for Munda’s projects. Recently, Munda also brought his father, Joe Rey, out of retirement to help with electrical work, along with a professional landscaper and an in-house interior designer. And, when Copper Ridge has to call upon subcontractors for custom cabinetry, rockwork, roofing, pest control, wrought iron work or any of the other options a homeowner wants, they make sure the quality is top notch.

“Everyone around here has a good team behind them; and together we have created an exceptional team,” says Munda.

But that team wouldn’t be complete without Munda’s wife, Michelle Levy Munda, who lends her hand to most aspects of the business, including interior design, choosing colors for the properties and, as Munda puts it, “keeping me focused.” Michelle and Dustin also have three children, Jordan, 10, Brogan, 4, and brand new baby, Cami, who was born on July 4. Michelle also works full-time at MountainView Regional Medical Center and part-time at Memorial Medical Center as a nurse.

The family business is a point of pride for Munda, who says he does it all for his kids and family. “Without them, none of this would be worth it,” says Munda.

Currently, Munda is working on completing his personal home in Mesilla Park, which will be featured in the Fall Showcase of Homes this year. He is also in the final stages of establishing a new office for Copper Ridge Builders and Pronto Plumbers at 1695 Hickory Loop.