Written by Sheryl Hawkinson • Photo by Travis White
A few years ago, my husband and I began discussing the possibility of increasing the size of our downstairs family room space. Our 3,500 square foot home simply lived smaller then a conventional home of this size. We talked about "pushing the walls out" this way or that, but never really made the commitment to move any further. Sure we contacted a few contractors, received some bids and even paid for an architect to give us some ideas. Quite frankly; we where simply flabbergasted when the estimates of construction literally crushed our projected budget. Until recently we had given up the whole idea. We just couldn't justify paying so much for a mere 600 square foot addition. Yes, a pool bathroom would be nice and the additional living space would be fabulous however, we just couldn't see spending that kind of money.
As a DIY (Do It Yourself) kind of guy, my husband Rande, thought about taking on the challenge himself. Soon he found himself dealing jobs out to others. I would hear him say, "I can pay someone to do that and I could hire this out." But we would ask ourselves, "How would we know if the guys we hired could or would do the quality job we would be expecting?" Our expectations have always been high and all too soon the project idea was simply being tossed aside again.
After visiting the UBuildIt office in Schertz (a spur of the moment idea since I was in the area) and talking with Lee Randolph, the representative for the Garden Ridge area, I became excited once again of the possibility of more space. I went home energized and eager to tell my husband that we might have found what we needed to get the dream project underway. After a few weeks of discussions and implementing our ideas into a detailed vision, we began the long awaited process.
UBuildIt had what we needed. The "know how" and "know who" that could help us with this exciting mission that we were so zealous to begin. My husband and I were able to meet with the UBuildIt team and pick and choose the jobs we felt comfortable with and hire out the rest. We didn't need to worry if the subcontractors would be reputable or not. The UBuildIt team already did their homework and knew the area contractors that would provide us with the best possible work at the best possible price.
The opportunity to work as our own contractor, receiving discounts on building supplies, learning how to schedule subcontractors and deal with the city and their requirements, allowed us an invaluable hands on experience.
Our project became a family affair. Not only were we able to save money by picking and choosing what we wanted to do ourselves, we were able to assign various projects for all of us, including our 2 boys Jared and Joel.
Demolition was one of those projects. Although we left most of it to the hired crew, Rande and the boys were able to spend quality time together while working side by side as a team removing bricks from one specific area of our home. Those same bricks were recycled back into the project again saving money, materials and space in landfills.
When it came to insulating the new walls, we all worked together and mastered the measuring, cutting and installing of the insulation product into the walls of our new space. Not only did we master the insulation project, we shared in the duties of painting, saving us hundreds of dollars. More importantly the time we spent as a family is simply priceless!
Scheduled visits with Mike Robare of the UBuildIt team
insured us that the work completed exceeded city require- ments and more importantly our own high standards. In addition, if Mike had an idea, he was more then willing to give us direction that ultimately resulted in a better out come for us and our home.
UBuildIt, worked with us as a consultant, directing us through the entire building process. Having the guidance of a professional organization allowed us to feel assured we wouldn't be "taken". From start to finish the expansion was painless and looking back surprisingly fun! The process and outcome has exceeded our expectations, creating new memories to cherish as we enjoy our new living space together.
Our project is now close to completion and we are extremely excited to show off the work that we accomplished, as a family, with the help of our new friends at UBuildIt!
It's only moments before you see the entry to Enchanted Rock that you might pass a gate protected by two large stone lions on your right. This gate adorned with antlers spelling out "Trois" is a stop worth taking. 
In 1994, Rebecca and Charles knew that their dream to build their home was not intended to be just a vision and a dream, but a reality; a reality depicting their own "Heaven on Earth". Rebecca left the corporate world and began to use her gifts; gifts of healing and a love of people and cooking. Rebecca, an ordained minister and self taught culinary chef, can not only create a meal meant for a royal family but loves the opportunity to bring two people together in holy matrimony. 
As you step into the small chapel adorned with statuary and a large church bell you might actually think you have left Texas and somehow traveled back in time. The chapel entrance leads you to a large hand poured stairwell aligned with candles. Down the stairs you feel the warmth of a cozy intimate seating area. Neatly arranged are heavy dark handmade church pews that can easily seat 50 and a lovely stone fireplace mantel. Adorned on each side are beautiful freestanding candelabras that hold the remnants of the sweet smell of lovely candle wax drippings. As you follow the path you come to another hall that leads down to a small entrance. This is it! The remarkable hand dug underground Grotto, featuring handmade stalactites, dim underwater lighting and fresh treated creek water that allows you to feel one with nature. Take a dip in the warm pool water and feel as if you have found one of the earth's most phenomenal secrets. 
The Estate's restaurant features handmade window box tables decoratively filled with pieces from the past. Peer through the glass and seize history while gazing upon treasures of fossils, antique razors, hand-carved Meerscham smoking pipes, aged newspaper clippings and so much more from a bygone era. The decor is cozy and comfortable with tables overlooking a view of Enchanted Rock. The true divided light windows allow light to stream in, yet the room's romance lingers with thick draperies pulled to each end of the expansive windows. 
Traveling back outside, colored wine bottle bottoms peeking out from the walls, while inside, the bottle tops allow the light to stream in and play off the interior walls. Native plants and earth tone colors of the adobe shaped buildings compliment the natural colors and rock of the landscape. "This is surely a place to come and unplug" said my husband, Rande Hawkinson. "The calming, peaceful environment surrounds you." Atop the wraparound terrace your view is only limited by your eyesight. Tile mosaic art pours over the floor of the terrace and the detailed ironwork railings laced with climbing wisteria vines add to a sense of well being. A cool breeze can be felt blowing from what seems to be all directions. Sipping a glass of house wine while watching the sunset views at The Trois Estate, allow guests to experience a serene and rejuvenating feeling. Simply a little piece of "Heaven on Earth." 
The 10 guest suites of the Estate are comfortable with large scale furnishings and handmade furniture replicating old world charm. The eclectic rooms, with antiques scatted about, uniquely incorporates the large antique doors around the village. These antique doors and hardware can be found hung as an invitation to enter a secret place. To open a door at The Trois Estate is like opening a gift. The thought of how long ago, and by whom, this same door was opened comes to mind. Touch the doors and rub the old beautiful detailed carvings, you can only wish they could talk and tell the story of where they once hung. 
While at The Trois Estate, it is a time to "let go" and allow your mind and body to rest. Internet, television and cell phone service is not at your every beck and call, so be prepared to let it all go. The 57 acres of open enchanting space inspire you to find the dreams you may have thought were long gone. 
Our world today is bombarded from all angles with disorder, fear and pandemonium on a daily basis. However, as difficult as it has been, there is a group of people that have, with determination, been able to stay focused on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control with a purpose to accomplish a long awaited victory over the world of hate and mayhem.