Small renovations that can make a big impact

Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve on the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home. Some homeowners may employ the mantra “go big or go home” when they embark on home improvements, thinking that only the largest renovations produce noticeable change. But that’s not the case. Various smaller renovations can provide a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks as well.

— Countertops (and hardware): A complete kitchen overhaul may stretch some homeowners’ budgets. However, changing an older countertop for a new material can provide the facelift a kitchen needs. And while changing the cabinets may be homeowners’ ultimate goal, swapping hardware in dated finishes for newer handles and pulls can provide low-cost appeal.

— Paint: Painting a space is an inexpensive improvement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to create an accent wall or cozy nooks. Homeowners also can showcase their personalities with their choice of paint colors.

— Lighting: Homeowners should not underestimate what a change in lighting can do. When rooms or exterior spaces are illuminated, they take on entirely new looks. It’s worth it to invest in new lighting, whether it’s a dramatic hang-

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ing light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces.

— Weatherproofing: Improving windows, doors, weatherstripping, and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help homeowners save money. The initial investment may be significant, but those costs will pay off in energy savings. According to One Main Financial, space heating is the largest energy expense the average American homeowner has, accounting for around 45 percent of all energy costs.

— Mudroom: Turn an entryway into a more functional space with the addition of cabinets, benches or custom-designed storage options that perfectly fit the area. Cubbies and cabinets can corral shoes, umbrellas, hats, bags, and much more.

— Accent updates: Any space, whether it’s inside or outside a home, can get a fresh look with new decorative accents. Invest in new throw pillows and even slipcovers for living room sofas. Use new tile or paint the brick on a fireplace in a den, then update the mantel with decorative displays. Purchase wall art that can bring different colors into a room. Change the cushions on deck furniture and buy color-coordinated planters.

These subtle changes will not cost as much as full-scale renovations, but they can still help homeowners transform their homes.

Home renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States in 2022, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular. According to the Canadian lifestyle resource Icy Canada, which culled various data points and sources, window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels and deck projects are the most popular renovations in Canada.

up for hogs but when I heard the gobble I forgot all about wild porkers and quietly slipped out of the woods in hopes of calling the bird in for photos today! The Rio Grande subspecies of turkey were stocked not far from my home a few years ago and the birds appear to be doing well. Hopefully there will be a hunting season in a few years but until then, I will continue hunting them with my cameras. I’ve discovered this is almost as much fun as hunting with a gun or bow but I dearly love chicken fried wild turkey breast and fajitas made from the drumsticks and thigh meat. In a few weeks, I will be heading down to the Hill Country to hunt turkey on the famous Y O Ranch near Kerrville. In my opinion, there is no place on earth that is more beautiful during the spring than the rolling hills and bluebonnets this time of year than down in the Texas Hill Country.

There are many signs that spring is here, regardless the ‘official’ date is March 20 this year. The wild turkey gobble I heard yesterday is an indicator that winter is about done. Turkey begin to break off from the big flocks of winter to spread out, the hens looking for nest sites and the gobblers in hot pursuit of the hens.

White bass are also beginning their annual spring ‘run’. My good friend, Jeff Rice, owns land adjacent a feeder creek above Lake Fork. Jeff tested the waters over the weekend and caught a few heavy egg laden females. In a few days, the water will clear from the heavy rains of last week and fishing should be red hot. There is something very special about walking a creek bank this time of year tossing small spinners and soft plastics parallel to the bank line in hopes of connecting with the makings of a shoreline fish fry. White bass just fight harder during the spawn, possibly because they lay in ambush around deeper pools and catch baitfish that the current brings within their strike zone. I’ll make a day trip to Jeff’s place soon with some dry wood, cast iron skillet, cooking oil and cornmeal. A can or two of pork n beans, a big onion and two or three potatoes will complement our noon time meal along the creek. We have developed a system of setting up a site for lunch downstream and then walking a quarter mile or so up the creek, fishing our way back to camp. To my way of thinking, nothing is tastier than freshly caught white bass or catfish fillets cooked in the deep woods along a creek bank when dogwoods are in bloom!

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Largemouth bass are moving shallow; some are already locking down on nests, usually on the north end of lakes where the water warms a bit quicker, but in the farm ponds around home I fish, I’ve already found bass in the shallows on nests. I usually don’t fish for the ones on nests but target the fish staging in a bit deeper water, honestly they are usually a bit easier to catch. Once they are on nests guarding their eggs, I leave them alone. The future population of bass depends upon a good spawn and to my way of thinking, the spawning fish has all it can do to keep sunfish and other bass away from those tasty eggs! I love to watch what I call ‘carry over’ ducks and geese this time of year. It seems more and more waterfowl nest here your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

TOMMY PHILLIPS Kaufman County Extension Agent

The rains have returned, and we have had above average rainfall during the fall and winter, so why are all my trees dying?

In September 2011, most of Texas was in a drought - the most severe drought in Texas history. Across the state, trees - particularly mature oaks, elms, pines and junipers - were dying simply from the lack of water. Last summer, we experienced similar conditions as large portions of the state were under extreme or exceptional drought. Thankfully, we started getting much needed rain in August.

With the return of seasonal rains to most parts of Texas in 2022, pastures and agricultural fields turned green once again. Trees that weren’t killed directly by the drought began to leaf out or put on new needles.

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PLACE YOUR AD with THE SHOPPER 903-7843328 their nest but by mid to late April, it’s common to see then with goslings paddling around in one of the remote ponds or old gravel pits in the area. Mexican whistling ducks have also become common during the past couple of decades. I have a big dead oak where I live and a pair of whistlers has already taken up residence in a hollowed out spot near the top of the tree. Each year, the tree is used as a nest site. I’ve often wondered if it’s the same pair that comes back each year. I’m afraid this might be the last year the old tree serves as a nursery, some of the bigger dead limbs are breaking off and a strong wind will someday cause the entire tree to topple over. Let’s hope it stands long enough for the ducklings to hatch.

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Well, it’s time for me to put on my camo, grab my cameras and attempt to call in that old turkey gobbler that sounded off about this time yesterday morning. Wish me luck! Contact outdoors writer Luke Clayton via his website www.catfishradio.org.

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