Building a new home or renovating an existing one is like stepping into the great unknown. With a builder as your guide, it’s a journey that could last many months, involve a great deal of money, and bring much stress to your life. The relationship you cultivate with your builder is crucial to the success of your project. I spoke with several Abilene professionals who have … [Read more...]
Lasso Lounge: A Rental Remodel
Located near Hardin-Simmons University, the Lasso Lounge is a short-term rental that pays tribute to the HSU cowboys and the pioneer legacy of Abilene. But until recently, the one-bedroom apartment was a garage filled with trash. “It was basically a hoarder house,” said Brett Stewart, the owner of the property. Brett and his wife, Andie, bought the house in north Abilene … [Read more...]
Adding Rooms and Memories: A Look into Gary and Kristie Gragg’s Home Addition
As Gary and Kristie Gragg looked forward to Gary’s retirement and as their large family continued to grow, they began to envision more space, a place to entertain, and a spot that would keep their loved ones coming back time and time again. With five grown kids, four in-laws, eleven grandchildren and one on the way, there was plenty to consider as they started to look for … [Read more...]
Mighty Hope Homes
For Paul and Ashley Herrera, their homebuilding company Mighty Hope Properties is much more than a business – it is the couple’s way of giving back to their community and making the dream of home ownership a reality for people who might otherwise not be able to purchase their own property. Paul said Mighty Hope Properties was founded on the belief that home ownership is … [Read more...]
Punch Up Your Patio
Outdoor living spaces come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe your apartment has a cozy patio. Perhaps your home has a gracious front porch with a perfect view for watching West Texas sunsets. Or maybe you have a pool to cool off in when the summer really heats up. Whatever the case may be, each space has potential. Instead of overlooking your outdoor spaces, think of them as … [Read more...]