I spent $61,000 building a personal pub in my backyard. There are 3 mistakes I wish I hadn't made.

Stephen Hutyra.

Stephen Hutyra

• Stephen Hutyra, 42, built a personal pub he calls The Thirsty Goat in his backyard.
• He loves the space, but wishes he'd installed a hot-water heater for the bathroom and sinks.
• He also could have benefited from a little more space behind the bar area.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stephen Hutyra, a 42-year-old program analyst living in the small town of West, Texas. It's been edited for length and clarity.