Dad Makes Major Home Renovation When His Daughter, Grandkids Move in After Her Divorce (Exclusive)
At just 19 years old, Ericka Andrade got married, seeing it as the easiest way to leave home and pursue college out of state.
Six years later, her marriage unraveled, and by 2024, after a difficult three-year divorce process, she found herself starting over as a single mother of two.
With few options, she returned to her parents' home in Houston to regroup and begin searching for a new place to live.
That's when her father, Porfirio Andrade, stepped in with a solution that was both practical and deeply personal: he offered to convert his garage into a livable and affordable space for his daughter and grandsons.
'He converted the garage into a mini apartment with two bedrooms, a combined kitchen, living, and dining area, and a full bathroom,' Ericka tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'My parents live on an acre lot, so we face the back of the house, which gave us space for a playground and soccer goals.'
Her father handled nearly all of the renovation himself, with support from his wife, children, and even his grandsons, who helped by passing tools and staying close by.
Most evenings, he worked late into the night, after a full day at his regular job. His dedication transformed the project into a labor of love, built as much with determination as with drywall and nails.
'He doesn't have formal construction experience, but he was a military official and instructor in Mexico and later worked as a welder for 13 years,' Ericka reveals. 'He learned most of what he needed from friends.'
It took her father about five months to turn his vision into reality. 'I've been furnishing it little by little, I'm being intentional about making the space feel like us – cozy and personal, not just decorated,' Ericka says.
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Following her divorce, Ericka says her family was 'heartbroken.' Her parents had been married for over 30 years, so navigating a situation like this was unfamiliar territory for the whole family. Despite the challenges, they offered unwavering support in every way they could.
'They've supported me through everything. Even when I got married at 19 against their wishes, they still stood by me,' she admits.
'They've helped with school, work, and the boys. I have a full-time job and go to college, which can be overwhelming, but they always step in to help.'
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Despite having a 50-50 custody agreement with her ex-husband, who has always been involved in the kids' lives, Ericka's parents help out every way they can, giving her time to work on school assignments.
'At first, it felt dark and uncertain. Now I see it as one of the biggest blessings," Ericka says of her divorce.
"I discovered a strength I didn't know I had, and I feel unstoppable. I truly couldn't have done it without my parents and their constant support.'
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