Summer Safety Reminders

Now that summer is officially here and the kids are getting out of school, it's important to remember to brush up on important safety tips that will keep you and your family safe during the warmer months ahead.



Sun Protection:
Sunscreen is a MUST, even on cloudy days. Sunburns can lead to skin issues down the road, so be sure your and your kids lather up at least every 30 minutes with a product that has both UVA and UVB protections and an SPF of at least 15-30 (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association of Dermatology) . Try to find the shade as much as possible, and even consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for further protection against the sun's rays.

Beware of Bugs:
Warm weather doesn't just attract people to the great outdoors. Mosquitos, ticks, and other insects are out and can carry dangerous diseases. When you're outside, be sure to use an insect and tick repellent containing DEET. Don't forget about protecting your four-legged family members too. Pets can be put on a monthly flea and tick control program to protect them while they're outside.

Beat the Heat:
As temperatures rise, your body loses a lot more fluids, so it's important to stay hydrated. Don't wait until you're thirsty to start drinking fluids. By that point, you're already dehydrated, so make sure to get plenty of fluids before, during, and after being outside.



Grilling Tips:
Grilling out is a favorite activity during the warmer months, but make sure you're prepared before you head outside. Don't let children near the grill. It can still remain hot for a long time after it's done being used. Also, make sure all meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to avoid food-bourne illnesses.

This summer can be fun and enjoyable for everyone in your family. With a safety plan, you can make sure that everyone has a great few months.

The Best Floor Plan for Your Family

With over 70 different floor plans to choose from, you can be assured that you and your family will find the best plan that meets your wants and wishes in a new construction home. Our team of designers are always looking at the latest design trends that meet the desires of our homeowners. Here are a few of our top selling floor plans in our Cottages, Villas, and Traditions collections.

Cottages: Morgan, 1,505 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

Traditions: Monroe, 2,476 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Final Homesites Released in Chilesburg

Ball Homes has released the final remaining homesites in Chilesburg Landing and Chilesburg Trace. More than 70 lots have been released for sale within the two communities and they offer 49 different floor plans, including selected Villa and Traditions plans. Lots typically range from forty-five feet to sixty feet, with homes ranging from 1500sf to over 3500sf. Homes include two car garages or larger, three to five bedrooms, with many flex room and loft options available. Prices start at $169,950 in Chilesburg Trace and $209,900 in Chilesburg Landing, at time of release.

For more than a decade, the Chilesburg subdivision in Lexington has been a flagship community, boasting the first Ball Homes model village, as well as one of the first communities built with newer design trends, including boulevards, open spaces, pocket parks, and walking trails. With the subdivision amenities and the award winning floor plans, many homeowners have wanted the opportunity to live in such a desirable neighborhood. "The demand for the Chilesburg subdivision remained strong, even during the softening of the market," said Realtor Mike Wheatley, the Sales Team Manager for Central Kentucky. "Home values in Chilesburg remained steady, and in some cases even appreciated, even as other markets remained stagnant or depreciated."

To learn more about Chilesburg Landing or Chilesburg Trace, visit an open house or contact a Ball Homes Specialist.

Organize Your Family Drop Zone

Have you made your New Year’s Resolution list yet? Like many people, you may have added “Get Organized” to your list of things you’d like to accomplish this year. One place that many people have trouble getting organized is the family drop-zone; a central place in the home where family members (sometimes literally) drop their keys, bags, mail or other important documents.

Many of our homes have built-in drop zone areas , like the Glenstone or Livingston floor plans. However, if that area isn't organized, the accumulation of everyone’s stuff can get overwhelming! By getting (and keeping) your family drop zone organized, you can make sure everyone gets out the door in the morning quickly, while still keeping your home clutter-free at the end of the day.

When you're preparing to tackle your family drop zone, ask yourself these two questions.

Do I use this item on a daily basis?

If the answer is no, find another place for it. Only keep must-have items in your drop zone so that you keep it from becoming a dump-zone!

How can I better utilize this space?

After you’ve cleared out all the unnecessary items out of your drop zone, look at the space itself. Is there something you can add to make the space more efficient?

   • Place a decorative bowl on the counter to hold your keys, or mount hooks on the wall to hang bags or purses.

   • Get a basket for each member of the family to hold shoes, gloves, or scarves.

   • Put drawer organizers to good use by holding pens, pencils, stray paper clips or stamps.

The final step in keeping your drop zone organized is to commit to keeping it maintained. When you come home from work, don’t just drop all the mail in a giant heap. Pledge to sort everything into its proper place. Involve your kids in your efforts too. When they walk in the front door, make sure they know that their shoes and bags need to be put in their bins or hung on the wall instead of dropped on the floor or the counter.

Do you have a family drop zone that you plan on organizing this year? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Create Curb Appeal at Your New Ball Home!

Now that you've moved into your new Ball home, you're ready to add your own personal style to it. There's furniture to arrange and cupboards to fill, but don't let winter weather keep you from putting your personal touch on the outside of your home. There are things you can do right now to add curb appeal to your new home and add "you" to your new abode.

Knock, Knock

Your front door makes the first impression for your house. Make it shine with a new wreath or door mat to greet your guests, like this DIY welcome mat from bottosblog.blogspot.com. If you have a porch, add a decorative bench or rocking chairs. Create symmetry with topiaries or sconces flanking the doorway.

 Photo Source

Light Up the Night
Attract attention to your home even after the sun has gone down. Install decorative lighting in your landscaping or along your front walkway. The bright side (no pun intended) with installing outdoor lighting is that it provides safety and security as well as looking great. Here's an article from the designers at HGTV on working with landscape lighting.

Stop and Smell the Flowers
Plants and flowers can bring instant color to a dreary landscape. Because planting in the winter can be tricky, install ready-made planters or window boxes. Keep your shrubs trimmed and freshen up the mulch to keep your garden areas from looking overrun or tired-looking. Eventually when the weather warms, you can define your landscape with edging stones to add more color and texture to your garden beds.