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Backyard Mayhaw Production

By
Cary Sims
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After promoting and discussing the planting of peaches earlier, I have had several folks call and talk about their landscapes and problems they have had growing peaches.

Most typically, soils that stay too wet are the most common problem for would be peach growers.

So, have you considered planting a mayhaw tree? Mayhaws have the notoriety of growing in swamps and often without full sunlight.

It was two gentleman named Haywood Quarles and Donald Capps of Burke that got me started on mayhaw fruit. Mr. Quarles gave me a few germinated seedlings of mayhaws that I planted at my previous residence on Lancewood Circle north of Hudson almost 15 years ago.

Though Mr. Quarles has passed away, his family still maintains his orchard and sells fruit. Mr. Capp’s wife, BJ, puts up some of the best Mayhaw jelly in the county, or so I have been told.

Though not in a low-lying area, they thrived and did well. They bloomed and bore a couple of fruit the spring before we moved to a farm in Clawson.

Mayhaws are native to Angelina and surrounding counties. In fact, they are native to the entire southeastern United States. Mayhaws are in the rose family and the hawthorn genus. They are medium-sized trees that produce white blooms in the spring. Unlike peaches, you will need space for two mayhaws as they will need to cross pollinate for production.

Mayhaws produce a small apple-like fruit that is usually less than 1 inch in diameter. They usually bloom in late February and sometimes sustain crop loss due to late winter freezes. The fruit usually ripens in early May.

The trees are also valued as an ornamental species. Mayhaw trees are cold hardy and, if properly conditioned, they can survive temperatures as low as -25 ºF. Mayhaws are often found along river bottoms and along streams and in swamps.

Common insect pests of Mayhaw include aphids, apple maggot, flat headed apple borers and white flies. Plum curculio is the most debilitating insect.

Regarding disease, the most common that I have noticed is the cedar-apple rust. While no products exist to combat this frequent issue, proper pruning and other management practices can help overcome it.

Although they are often found in low areas subject to perennial flooding, Mayhaws perform best in well-drained soils. Historically, Mayhaws have been collected from native stands; however, there are many

named cultivars. If my memory serves me right, Donald Capps told me the largest Mayhaw tree he ever saw was on top of a hill in, what was then, property of Temple Inland.

Others have told me about how they would gather the floating fruit from creeks and sloughs after they had ripened and fallen into the water.

With two mayhaws planted in a landscape that may not be optimal enough for most finicky fruit species, it should not be too long before you enjoy their wonderful spring blooms and late spring fruit.

Chairman James White Asks Governor Abbott to Take Action on Technology Companies

By
Rep. James White
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State Representative James White urges Governor Greg Abbott to consider immediate action regarding technology companies who leverage their access and dominance to undermine the culture of freedom of speech. In his request, Rep. White states that immediate actions should include the divestment of state funds from these companies.

“These companies are private sector entities that enjoy civil immunity and as any other organization or U.S. citizen, they have a responsibility to foster and promote our culture of freedom of speech. Where will this end? Religious thought, political beliefs, stances on the 2nd amendment?” stated Rep. White. “It is fair that they should not allow their platforms as a virtual space for mayhem or violence. However, these corporate technology behemoths are using their market monopoly status to degrade freedom of thought and discourse.”

Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

It’s Your Money: Texas Comptroller Announces Biennial Revenue Estimate

By
Rep. James White
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The Texas House and Senate did not convene this week. However, my office spent the week meeting with various stakeholders and constituents, reviewing filed bills to oppose and support, to include surveying our state’s fiscal condition. This review of our state’s
budget picture begins with the state’s Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE).

Article III, Section 49a of the Texas Constitution requires the Comptroller, Glenn Hegar, to prepare a state revenue estimate for the remainder of the fiscal year and upcoming biennium and present it to the Legislature at the start of the legislative session. This revenue estimate is important because subsequently in Section 49(b), the state constitution binds the Legislature to this estimate. Although it would represent fiscal irresponsibility, the Texas Constitution only allows the Legislature to spend in excess of the Comptroller’s estimate in the case of an “emergency and imperative public necessity” and with a four-fifths super-majority vote of the total membership of the Texas House and Senate.

So therefore, when I am asked, “Why didn’t the Legislature spend more hard earned taxpayer dollars,” I respond, “Because we don’t have a printing press in Austin. Your Texas Constitution doesn’t allow deficit spending, and our Texas taxpayers expect fiscal conservatism and responsibility.”

On January 11th, 2021, Comptroller Hegar released an updated BRE for our current 2020-2021 biennium and upcoming 2022-23 biennium. The revenue estimate represents a 0.4 percent decrease from funds available for the 2020-21 biennium. This decline is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused revenue collections to fall well below what the Legislature expected when it approved the 2020-21 budget in 2019; therefore, the ending 2020-21 balance will be close to a negative $1 billion. The Texas Legislature is projected to have $112.5 billion in revenue available to satisfy constitutional and core government functions in the current budget cycle or the upcoming 2022-2023 biennial budget, which starts on September 1, 2021.

In addition, Comptroller Hegar estimated that the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) (colloquially known as the Rainy Day Fund [RDF]) would have nearly $11.6 billion. This is $0.4 billion less than what was available during the 86th Legislative Session. General revenue involves fee and tax collections assessed and collected in Texas and not dedicated for a specific purpose: sales taxes, fuel taxes, business franchise taxes, e.g. In his 2022-23 revenue estimate, the Comptroller’s office anticipates a total general-purpose spending revenue of $112.53 billion, which is an anticipated $6.59 billion reduction or 5.53 percent decrease from the previous 2020- 21 biennial revenue estimate ($119.12 billion).

This decrease in total spending revenue means that your state legislature still must exercise fiscal prudence and focus taxpayer money to core constitutional functions such as public education, disaster response and mitigation, public safety, mental health and early childhood therapy, bridges and roads, and our parks and boat ramps.

I am committed to working with my colleagues in producing a fiscally conservative budget that meets the needs of our commitments and obligations as a state. We are blessed to live in the state with the financial wherewithal to provide the opportunities to our next generation of Texans and provide comfort and security to the most vulnerable. We can do this without accumulating excessive levels of debt and taxing our citizens out of their businesses and homes. In fact, it is not prudent of us to tax these businesses and individuals in the midst of a pandemic when grants and unemployment insurance benefits barely are meeting the needs of Texans to stay afloat when our government has mandated closures and partial reopening of our Texas economy.

Along with the revenue estimate, the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) released the 2022-23 General Appropriations Bill by the Texas House. The House proposes a state budget of $119.7 billion in General Revenue for 2022-23, which is a 4.09 percent increase over 2020-21. Despite the claptrap from uninformed critics and political hacks, every budget that I have voted for and signed into law by either Governor Rick Perry or Governor Greg Abbott, has included withdrawals from the ESF/RDF. As of the initial appropriations bill filed, there are no recommendations to appropriate from the fund. This is most likely to change due to the deficit of the proposed budget, how the Legislature will appropriate federal COVID-19 relief funds, and what the Comptroller has set as our estimate of available funds in the BRE.

As we received information on the upcoming budget, myself and the legislative office ensured that we spent the week productively. We have been joining weekly seminars with the Office of the Attorney General in regards to human trafficking and the actions the Attorney General has taken to combat the problems.

We met with our local food banks and Feeding Texans in regards to the needs of the district and what we can do to assist. Our food banks have been critical to ensuring that our fellow Texans obtain basic needs. Many are on government and charitable assistance for the first time in their lives and getting resources for a hot meal are critical in the midst of this pandemic.

Our local county judges and I have a weekly call with the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) in regards to COVID vaccines. I receive multiple requests a day from our elderly who are in need of a vaccine but do not have access to one. This high demand for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine has created the problem.

Additionally, we are getting more centers that can properly maintain and distribute the vaccines. I joined our judges in asking the DSHS and the Texas Department of Emergency Management to send more vaccines and proper equipment to maintain the vaccines at the ideal temperatures. Additionally, I saw the great news that our Lumberton High School cheerleaders brought home the UIL 4A Spirit State Championship. This is a remarkable achievement for these young ladies! What an incredible honor for the Lumberton community as this is the first time that the school has held this prestigious title.

I also send my congratulations to Coach Brandon Prouse of Deweyville ISD. The Southeast Texas Coaches Association chose Coach Prouse as their Coach of the Year. Coach Prouse has guided the district’s sports programs since becoming the athletic director back in 2017. His leadership led the Deweyville Pirates to advance to the University Interscholastic League playoffs during the 2020 season. Lumberton ISD had the honor of having eight students earn a spot in either the Texas All State Band or All State Choir. I am proud to congratulate Lianna Blankenship, Garrett Owens, Kara Rumsey, Lindsey Kubsch, Emma Nelson, Grace Flanakin, Lanie Arevalo, and Seth Thibodeau. They have all represented Lumberton with honor and have made their families and educators proud.

David Bellow one of our outstanding fathers from Jasper and member of Texas Equal Parenting also visited with me. He is a terrific advocate for stronger families and I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout the session.

In conclusion, it is your money, your rights, your state, and your Capitol. Every Texan admits that visiting their Capitol during the biennial legislative session is a great experience. To assist in arranging your visit please call Saul Mendoza, my Chief of Staff, at (512) 463-0490. Or, you can email him at saul.mendoza@house.texas.gov. I trust that God will continue to bless you and your family and through you, the great state of Texas.

Chairman James White Asks Attorney General Ken Paxton to Lead on Keystone XL Pipeline

By
Rep. James White
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Federal and state executive branch governance through executive order has degraded our constitutional order and destroyed our local prosperity. Based on phone calls, emails, and letters, the People of Texas are sick and tired of being sick and tired. The latest
assault on the economic rights of many Texans is the executive order signed by President Joe Biden that revoked the presidential permit to allow the Keystone XL Pipeline. In the middle of a pandemic when too many of our fellow Texans are unemployed it is imperative that we do not continue on a path that will damage people’s livelihoods and the economy. Therefore, State Representative James White has asked that Attorney General Ken Paxton to meet with him and discuss the options afforded to Texas, whether legislation and/or litigation, against this presidential unilateral action.

“Using his pen, President Biden has de-employed thousands of Texans, defunded our state, county, and local school districts, and put our country on a path of energy dependence,” stated Rep. White.

“The Keystone XL Pipeline is a $7 billion project and for the right reasons it is the most studied and scrutinized pipeline project in U.S. history,” highlighted Rep. White. The Keystone XL Pipeline first submitted its application back in 2008. By 2011, the Obama State Department completed the Environmental Impact Study and found that this project would have limited adverse environmental impact. On May 22, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3 with a bipartisan vote of 245-175. Additionally, this project has prevailed in court numerous times over the last decade.

Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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The third week of session is coming to a close. The Redistricting Committee has been meeting every day this week to hear testimony from the public and Senate Finance will start meeting next month.

Here are five things happening around the state this week:

1. Texas Gun and Ammo Sales Rise

Gun and ammo sales are skyrocketing in Texas again this year. Some retailers said their sales doubled in 2020 when compared to 2019 and they’re struggling to keep inventory on the shelves. According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation report, there were about 5 million new gun owners in 2020 nationwide. Manufacturers are saying they have enough orders to fill the next three years of production. One man who has been in the gun industry for six years said, “People can buy ammo and shoot ammo faster than they can make it.”

2. Southeast Texas Regional Operations Center Vaccine Website

The Southeast Texas Regional Operations Center (SETROC) has created a new website to allow residents in a five-county region to sign up to be notified when there are COVID-19 vaccines available. The regional operations center serves Orange, Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, and Newton Counties.

There is a four-step process involved for citizens who want to get vaccinated. First, complete the sign-up form on the SETROC website. That web address is https://vaccine.beaumonttexas.gov/. After signing up, you will receive a confirmation email. Importantly, just signing up does not mean you have an appointment. The next communication you receive from SETROC will inform you that you are eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment. This will come as an email and an automated phone call. You can return to the above web address to schedule your appointment and complete necessary paperwork. After you receive the first dose of the vaccine, you will receive a card indicating an approximate time when your next dose is due. A few days prior to that date, you’ll receive another email and automated phone call to schedule your second

appointment. We are working to stand up additional vaccine hubs throughout East Texas as quickly as providers are able to source more vaccines.

3. Driver’s License Expiration Waiver Ends in April

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding Texans that the waiver that allowed people to put off renewing their expired driver’s licenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic is set to expire April 14. If you are driving with an expired license make an appointment to renew your license or renew your license online. Many Texans can use the online renewal process, an easy and safe option that doesn’t require you to ever set foot in an office. Currently, driver’s license offices are operating on an appointment only basis, so DPS is encouraging Texans to make an appointment as soon as possible to avoid fines or other penalties. You can make an appointment online at https://dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense.

4. Cleveland Hospital Selected as COVID-19 Vaccine Hub

Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland has been selected as a vaccination hub by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The first shipment of vaccines were set to arrive at the hospital last week. Vaccines are still being prioritized for Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the roll out. Phase 1A includes frontline healthcare workers, residents at long-term care facilities, home health workers, and first responders. Phase 1B includes persons 65 and older, or 16 and older with chronic medical conditions. The vaccine is being provided free of cost. To schedule an appointment please call 281-806-7370 or 281-806-7380.

5. Senate Budget Proposal Highlights

Last week, Senate Finance Chairwoman Jane Nelson filed SB 1, the Senate’s base budget. This is the first step in the legislative process for developing the states budget for the next two years. As filed, the bill appropriates $251.2 billion in All Funds and $119.7 billion in General Revenue. The bill funds public education and the changes made to the school finance formulas last session including $3.1 billion to fund enrollment growth and $1 billion in state aid related to property tax compression. There is also $8 billion allocated for mental health funding across 24 state agencies, including $19.5 million to maintain operations for the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium. The Texas Department of Transportation would receive $30.4 billion to address the state’s transportation needs, including $26.4 billion dedicated for highway planning, design, construction and maintenance. This is a great starting point for the budget process and I look forward to working on the budget as a member of the Senate Finance Committee this session.

SHARING THE ROAD WITH 18-WHEELERS AND OTHER TRUCKS

By
Joshua Blackwell
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TxDOT is reminding all drivers to take extra precautions when driving around trucks.

Thousands of large trucks and tractor-trailers travel busy Texas highways every day. Weighing 20 times more than an average car, “big rigs” require more time to accelerate and decelerate and have large blind spots that other motorists need to be aware of to help avoid a potentially deadly crash. 

An 80,000-pound, loaded tractor-trailer going 65 mph can take as much as the length of a football field to come to a complete stop, which is why motorists should avoid driving too closely or swerving in front of a large truck. 

Tractor-trailers and large trucks also have more and larger blind spots than passenger vehicles do. It’s important to try to stay out of these blind spots around the front, back and sides of trucks. A good rule of thumb for motorists to remember is that if they can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, that truck driver can’t see them or their vehicle either.

To help keep everyone safe on the road, TxDOT asks motorists to give trucks plenty of room and observe the following safety tips when driving around large trucks:

·         Pass trucks safely by waiting until you can see both truck headlights in your rearview mirror before moving back into your lane. Pass a truck only when it’s legal and safe.

·         Stay away from a truck’s “No Zones,” blind spot areas in which crashes are more likely to occur. No Zones include the blind spots along each side, the space up to 20 feet in front of the cab, and the area up to 200 feet behind the trailer.

·         Maintain a safe following distance. Be sure you can see the driver in the truck’s side mirror.

·         Never cross behind a truck that is backing up.

·         Don’t squeeze between a truck and the curb. Trucks make wide right turns, and the driver may not see you. 

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

Maintaining a Sense of Normalcy While Routines Stay Disrupted

By
Statepoint
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With the roll-out of the vaccine taking place slowly, it may be awhile longer before life returns completely to normal. However, if you have been working remotely, it may be a good idea to reincorporate some of the elements of your regular routine into your schedule now.

Not only will maintaining a sense of normalcy help you to feel more productive and more like yourself again, it could also help make the transition to the workplace smoother when it does occur. Here are a few ways to go about it:

• Rise and shine: Have you let your morning schedule slide into chaos during the pandemic? Now is the time to get back to your regular hours. Get to sleep each week night at your pre-pandemic bedtime and set your alarm for your regular wake hour. With no commute, you may find yourself with some extra time in the morning. Use it to get organized for the day, exercise or check items off your to-do list.

• Get dressed: Dress as though you are heading into the workplace. Wear pants that don’t have an elastic waistband, do your hair and wear accessories. Regain your sense of style and feel good about how you look.

• Structure your day: When working remotely, it’s easy to feel like the workday has no clear beginning or end. For better work-life balance, try to structure your day as you once did, setting regular business hours. Be sure to include breaks so you don’t experience burnout. And, if your weekdays once included time for socializing with colleagues, make time for it now. Set up a virtual coffee meeting, lunch or happy hour.

• Use tech tools: Stay accountable to your new schedule as well as your fashion goals with wearable tech, such as the Casio Edifice Watch. With full-time Smartphone Link technology, this timepiece enables you to stay up-to-date and on time. When paired to a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth, you can access the correct time in your current location and for up to 300 cities worldwide, as well as your calendar, receiving notifications for tasks, meetings and events. Featuring five alarms, a stopwatch, countdown timer and a two-year battery life, this water-resistant timepiece can be a highly functional tool as you transition back to a regular schedule.

If working from home long-term has you feeling sluggish and unproductive, get back to your regular schedule. Maintaining a sense of normalcy can help get you out of the rut.

Governor Abbott Issues Proclamation Recognizing January 28th As Sexual Assault Survivors Day In Texas

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Survivors Day in Texas. House Bill 2298, authored by Representative Tan Parker during the 86th Legislative Session, established January 28th as Sexual Assault Survivors Day in Texas. This day is a time for Texans to come together to build awareness around the issue of sexual assault and to recognize the courage of survivors throughout the Lone Star State.

Texans are encouraged to honor survivors today as the State of Texas continues its mission to encourage healing and empowerment for survivors of sexual violence. Texans can also use the hashtag #TXSexualAssaultSurvivorsDay to share their support on social media.

The Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF) was established in 2019 to ensure a survivor-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative and coordinated response to sexual violence experienced by adults and children across the state. The SASTF brings together various professionals and survivors who are singularly focused on delivering critical system improvements on behalf of Texas sexual assault survivors. In honor of all Texas survivors, the SASTF will convene its first quarterly meeting of 2021 today, January 28th,in recognition of Sexual Assault Survivors Day.

“Our state is extremely grateful for the courage shown by survivors who bravely share their stories and lend their voices to this cause, as well as for the many law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and organizations like the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force, who continue to fight for the safety of all Texans,” reads the Governor’s proclamation. “I encourage all Texans to join me in renewing our commitment to ending sexual assault and empowering survivors. Texans are not overcome when faced with adversity; together, we can protect the vulnerable, help victims find healing, and bring offenders to justice.”

“On this special day of recognition and every other day, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) is proud to honor all survivors who display incredible bravery, courage and perseverance on their path to survivorship,” said Justin Wood, General Counsel and Vice President of External Relations for the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (SASTF Steering Committee member).

“Sexual Assault Survivors Day honors the strength and resilience of survivors across the state and serves as a reminder of the commitment of support they deserve from their communities. The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is thankful the SASTF includes a multidisciplinary approach to the process, ensuring that future policy solutions will center the voices and experiences of sexual assault survivors,” said Rose Luna, CEO of TAASA (SASTF Steering Committee member).

Learn more about the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force’s work and vision for the future.

View the Governor’s proclamation.

Governor Abbott Holds Listening Session In San Antonio On Texas Economy And Construction Industry

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today held a listening session in San Antonio with construction workers, small business leaders, and advocates to discuss how Texas can better support small businesses and workers in the wake of COVID-19. Following the listening session, the Governor held a brief press conference to provide a summary of the discussion and outlined proposed legislative strategies to ensure a more prosperous future for the state of Texas.  

During the listening session, Governor Abbott and participants discussed strategies on how to grow the Texas economy and help business owners and workers impacted by COVID-19. The Governor noted that he is working with the Legislature to provide civil liability protections for individuals and businesses and review regulations suspended during the pandemic to cut unnecessary red tape. The listening session also highlighted the importance of broadband access for medicine, education, and business. The Governor said this session, Texas lawmakers must remove barriers that slow down and prevent broadband deployment to unserved Texans. Additionally, listening session participants discussed finding ways to reduce permit process delays for Texas businesses. They also discussed the COVID-19 rapid testing program for front line workers of small businesses, the Texas Enterprise Fund, and how the state of Texas can continue to develop a high quality workforce. 

“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the past year, Texas remains the economic engine of America,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas businesses have gone above and beyond to operate safely, and it is crucial that we continue to foster an environment that allows them to succeed. I look forward to working with the Legislature on these important issues, and continuing these conversations with business leaders and workers across the state to build a more prosperous future for every Texan.” 

The Governor was joined for the listening session by:
State Representative Liz Campos
Blaine Beckman – President, Associated General Contractors San Antonio
Ed Berlanga – President, Greater San Antonio Builders Association
Chase Botkin – Superintendent, Myers Concrete
Matt De La Garza – Site Superintendent, RCO Construction
Frank Fuentes – Chairman, Hispanic Contractors Association
Lisa Fullterton – President/CEO of A Novel Idea (DBA Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, DBA Cinnabon)
Leo Gomez – President & CEO, Brooks Mario Mejia – Equipment Operator & Carpenter, RCO Construction
Patrick Richardson – Owner, Silo
Annie Spilman – Texas State Director, National Federation of Independent Business
Joshua Surface – Project Manager, J3 Company
David Weaver – Assistant Superintendent, Stellar
Mario Valdez – General Superintendent, J3 Company
Stanislas Vilgrain – Founder & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Cuisine Solutions

8 Tips for a Successful Home Renovation

By
Statepoint
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Thinking of remodeling your home? From safety and security to product and contractor selection, there are many factors to consider.

Follow these eight remodeling tips to help minimize hassles during a renovation:

  1. Create a budget. Create a project budget and set a spending limit. Whether you plan to utilize savings, home equity loan, line of credit or free up funds through refinancing, now is the time to identify how you will finance the project, and how much you want to spend.
  2. Prepare the house. Before work starts, clear all spaces where professionals will be working, as well as walkways they will use to access these areas. Remove valuables and breakables to avoid damage and cover furniture in areas where paint or dust could harm upholstery. Keep other considerations in mind. For example, if you’re renovating the kitchen, you may need to create a temporary food prep area.
  3. Work with reputable professionals. When selecting a contractor, be sure they have references, certification and an understanding of the project. For example, when tackling window and door projects, Andersen Windows, Inc. recommends hiring an Andersen Certified Contractor to do the job. These contractors receive product training, installation resources, offer an exclusive 2-year limited installation warranty, and their expertise and experience in an extensive range of residential projects means they’re able to capture your vision for your home and work with you to provide the right products.

Bottom line: working with reputable professionals makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the materials used to complete the project.

  1. Schedule wisely. Choose a timeframe for your home renovation that best fits your busy schedule. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause delays. Build this into the timeline so you’re not taken by surprise.
  2. Address safety. Talk to your contractor about what COVID-19 measures they practice to help keep customers and employees safe. Find out whether they’re following CDC guidelines for businesses, including always wearing a mask, social distancing whenever possible and frequent hand washing. Also, ask if they offer virtual consultations that allow you to start the process contact-free.
  3. Add or update your security system. With professionals frequently coming in and out of your home, a home renovation may be a good time to add or update your security system with reprogrammable smart locks. Offering more convenience and greater control, the Yale Assure Lock for Andersen patio and entry doors for example, is a sleek, key-free entry lock that makes it easy to grant access to contractors for limited periods of time, lock and unlock doors from anywhere and monitor from afar.
  4. Communicate openly and effectively. If a renovation is done correctly, you may never need to repeat the process. This makes open and honest communication with your home renovation team essential. Be sure to share your vision and to ask questions as they arise. At the same time, expect the professionals working with you to communicate regularly and address all your concerns.
  5. Get a return on your investment. Prioritize projects that will potentially raise the resale value of your home. According to FortuneBuilders, the top 10 greatest returns on investment for home renovations include bathroom and kitchen remodels, landscaping, replacing entry doors and replacing windows. It also helps to select products that come with transferrable warranties. This will give your property a tangible leg-up on the market when it’s time to sell.
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