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Tag: Tips for your Home

Reducing Allergens in your Ball home

Wednesday, May 1, 2013



If you’re like me, you both love and dread this time of year. While the warm weather can be so inviting, seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on your immune system! Itchy, watery eyes, plus sneezy, runny noses equals a miserable mess! Luckily, there are simple changes you can make in your new Ball home to keep the allergens down and your sinuses clear! Follow these steps to help minimize your symptoms.
1. Change your furnace filters regularly. Not only will new filters better trap dust, dander, and pollen, but it will help your HVAC system run smoother and longer. When you shop for filters, look for models designed to capture microscopic particles including bacteria, mold spores and pollen. Pleated filters increase the amount of surface area where these particles can be trapped.
2. Wash your bedding. When we sleep, our dead skin and hair cells slough off and can stick on the fibers of our bedding. Wash your sheets and blankets on the hot water cycle at least every one or two weeks. For down comforters, wash them on the gentle cycle in warm water and throw a few tennis balls in with it so the feathers don’t clump together. Make sure your comforter is COMPLETELY dry before using it again to prevent the build-up of mold. If your washer or dryer isn’t big enough to handle it, you’re better off taking it to the dry cleaners.
3. Take your shoes off when you enter your house. With the spring rain coming and going, our shoes can easily be caked in mud and dirt. Do you really want to track that through your home? By removing your shoes at the door, you can eliminate up to 70% of dirt and germs, like e Coli, being tracked through your home. Keep your shoes neat and tidy in your mudroom or in the garage.
4. Vacuum or mop at least once a week. We’ve all heard that vacuuming regularly is essential for keeping allergens at a minimum. Use a vacuum cleaner with a small-particle or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap particles and spores. You can also vacuum your furniture and curtains too. If you have hardwood, laminate, or linoleum flooring, use a sweeper or mop. For area rugs, take them outside, hang them over a fence or chair, and beat them out with a broom or stick. You’ll be surprised how much dust gets shaken out, even if you vacuum regularly.
5. Get everyone in on the action! These tips won’t help reduce allergens in your home if no one knows to follow them! Get your family or roommates involved in the process. Explain to them why you want to make these tips a part of your weekly routine. Get everyone on board to help keep your Ball home clean and clear all year long!

Category: Home Maintenance

Did You Know? Laminate Flooring Edition

Tuesday, April 16, 2013



One of the most sought-after home amenities is wood flooring. From its timeless, classic look to its durability, wood flooring has been a leader in home floor coverings for decades. It’s stylish and can be easily maintained and cared for compared to its counterpart, carpet.  However, hardwood flooring may not be the right choice for every homeowner. It can be very expensive and may not work for every homeowner’s lifestyle. For homeowners who want the natural look of wood without the high costs, laminate floors can be an alternative solution. They are generally cheaper than wood floors and they achieve a similar look and feel of wood. If you’re on the fence about deciding if hardwood or laminate is right for your home, here are a few facts about laminate flooring.

Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The top layer is a high resolution photo of wood which is super-imposed onto the planks and then topped with a clear protective layer.  Most people cannot tell the difference between wood and laminate because the photos are of such high-quality.
 
Laminate has grown in popularity for a number of reasons.

 

      They are very easy to install. Most laminate floors are clicked together and don’t require nails like hardwood flooring. It can be installed in virtually every room of the house, including stairs, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Laminate floors are often called floating floors because they are not glued to the slab.  They typically "float" over the sub-floor on top of a foam or film underlayment, which provides a moisture barrier and has a sound-reducing property.

They are easier to maintain than traditional hardwood flooring. Laminate floors are scratch- and impact-resistant, which means they can hold up in high-traffic areas without losing its shine or durability. Homeowners won’t see the scratch marks left by pets, children, or high heels like you might with hardwood floors. Laminate flooring is also considered a good selection for allergy sufferers because it doesn’t capture and trap dust particles like carpet does.


In terms of care and maintenance, the most important thing you need to remember is water and laminate DO NOT mix.  Sitting water can cause the planks to warp and swell, which is not covered under warranty.  Spills are not a problem if they are wiped up quickly, but it is not a good location for your pet’s water bowls. You may want to consider using area rugs underneath their bowls or move them to another location if your pets tend to be messy!
 
Choosing the right flooring for your new Ball home is a big decision. Many factors come into play when deciding on the type of flooring you will use. To help you decide, take a look at our previous blog post for some questions to ask yourself when choosing flooring for your home.
 
As always, our dedicated team of Ball Homes Specialists and Design Consultants are here to help you make your dream home a reality! Contact us for more information!

Category: Decor and Design

Protect Your Furniture in your New Ball Home

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Moving into a new Ball home may also mean getting new furniture. Having new furniture can be really exciting, that is until you spot the first stain or chip and realize that your furniture is no longer brand new. However, if you take care to clean your furniture carefully and regularly, you will find that it stays looking newer for longer. Use these tips to care for your furniture and it will last for years to come.
Leather Furniture
Each item of leather furniture that you buy should come with instructions from the manufacturer on how you should care for the item. However, in general most leather items can be cleaned with the commercial leather cleaning solutions that you can find in your local supermarket. For the occasional sticky finger residue or food spills, a swipe with a slightly damp cloth will do the trick. Just make sure you wipe up any excess liquid to keep the leather from staining or drying out. Leather furniture is also very sensitive to heat and light, so make sure you keep it away from windows, fireplaces, and central heating vents.
Wood Furniture
The most important thing to remember about wood furniture is that it needs to be dusted...quite a lot. This can be annoying but if you get into a regular cycle, then you’ll find it just becomes natural for you to wipe and polish the wooden surfaces a few times a week. Like leather, wood is very sensitive to heat and light, so position your furniture away from heating vents, fireplaces or radiators. Don't store it in attics or garages, where temperature and humidity levels vary widely from summer to winter, day and night. Avoid placing furniture in areas where it will sit in direct sunlight, which can fade or discolor it; use drapes, sheers or protective window films to guard against the sun's rays. Use placemats, tablecloths, or coasters to protect your furniture from the heat and cold of dinner plates and glasses.
Upholstered Furniture
Dust and dirt can cling to upholstered furniture much more easily than wood and leather. Make sure you vacuum on a weekly basis. Lift up couch cushions and pillows and clean the crevices underneath where crumbs love to hide. Flip and rotate loose cushions regularly to distribute wear more evenly. Switch the position of a love seat and a sofa, or swap the positions of a set of chairs as the seasons change. Consider using a spray-on fabric protector as another layer of protection from spills and smudges. You can have your furniture retailer apply a layer of protector, or you can purchase your own commercial product. If you choose to do it at home, make sure you read the instructions thoroughly and carefully.


Category: Home Maintenance

Making a Basic Tool Kit

Thursday, February 28, 2013

There is no doubt that, at some point, you will need to use a tool kit when you move into your new Ball home. From hanging pictures on the wall, to installing new curtain rods, make sure you’re prepared for anything life (and possibly your decorating style) throws at you by assembling a basic tool kit for your home.
There are a couple of different ways you can go about assembling a tool kit. Many stores offer a complete set of tools in an already assembled kit, or you can purchase individual tools as you need them. Depending on your budget at the time, one option might be easier than the other. The most basic tools will often get the most wear and tear, so make sure you buy tools that are of good quality.
·         A tool box, bag, or bucket to put everything in
There’s nothing worse than not being able to find the tool you want when you need it because everything is scattered all over the place. Make sure you have a large box or bag to put all your tools in at the end of the day. Don’t worry about buying a container that is too big--you’ll fill it up eventually.

·         A claw hammer
A claw-style hammer is used to drive and pull nails. This style of hammer will more than likely accomplish any job you need around the house. The more you use one, the more you’ll appreciate a cushioned grip.

·         Screwdrivers
There are many types of screwdrivers out there. The most common ones you will need are varying sizes of a flathead screwdriver (the one with a straight edge) and a Philips head screwdriver (the one with a + at the end). If storage is tight, buy a screwdriver with interchangeable tips.
·         Measuring Tape
Purchase a model that has a blade lock on it, so you can measure what you need without it snapping back on you. The blade should be at least 3/4” thick to keep the tape from buckling when you’re measuring longer lengths. 

·         Flashlight
A flashlight is vital if the power goes out or you are working in a tight area. For starters, any sturdy flashlight will do for your collection, but eventually, you can include other lights of various sizes or ones that can bend or tilt.
·         Pliers
Standard pliers and needle nose pliers do different types of the same job. Needle nosed pliers are handy when you are working with something small and need to grip or bend wires.Heavy grooved pliers are better for removing nails or large staples. Your hands will thank you for getting pliers with padded grips.

·         Utility Knife
It is important to have a sharp, sturdy utility knife. These knives work well for trimming or slicing and the blade can be used to open many types of products. A better option would be to get a knife with a retractable blade, for safety and storage convenience.
·         Level
A level is a must for straightening up pictures, drilling holes in a level line, checking tabletop alignment, or mounting towel bars perfectly. It's important to get an accurate level for accurate positioning. A good sturdy level will last a lifetime, so make sure you go with a quality brand.
 
·         A variety of hardware
Finding the right size screw, nut, or bolt can be intimidating. Luckily, most hardware stores sell handy kits full of the most common sizes. Alternatively, get a few screws, bolts, and nails in small, medium, and large sizes to keep on hand. Having some in silver tones and some in gold tones is a good idea, too. In all events, hardware stores are usually staffed with friendly experts who can answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
·         Power drill
As the unquestioned king of the power tools, a power drill will save you lots of time and offers versatility. You can use a cordless drill for light home maintenance and repair jobs.
Besides drilling holes in a variety of materials, it can be used for grinding, sanding, polishing, and mixing paint. If possible, buy a variable speed drill. You'll find this particularly useful for driving screws, and if the drill also has a reverse switch, you can remove screws as well.
This list is, by no means, all-inclusive. As your life changes, you may find that your tool needs change as well.

Organizing Tips for Your Laundry Room

Friday, February 8, 2013


Laundry rooms seem to be a catch-all for many homes. Your living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms normally get a deep clean every now and then, but the laundry room seems to get overlooked. While you wait for your dream to come true that the laundry fairy would come for a visit at your house, make sure you’re getting the most out of your laundry area by making sure it’s clean and organized.
Hampers:
Make sure everyone in the family puts their laundry in the dirty clothes hamper. It will save time by not having to pick up clothes off the floor and sort them. If you have enough space where you store your hamper, get a basket with multiple sections, like this one from Target, so that your family can separate their clothes as they drop them in the bin.
Cleaning Supplies:
Cleaning supplies don’t really work unless you can find them when you need them. Store your bottles and containers together in a plastic caddy and stick it on an easy-to-reach shelf. If you have wire shelving, the caddy will help keep bottles from spilling. If you make your own cleaning supplies, make sure each bottle is clearly labeled.
Stain Chart:
Spill wine on your favorite sweater? White t-shirts not so white anymore? Keep all your stain removal tips in one place, so you won’t have to go searching for the ingredients to rid your favorite pair of pants of that unwanted blemish. We really like this printable stain chart from Martha Stewart. Laminate it and tack it up on the wall or a cabinet where it will be easily seen.
Lost and Found:
Who hasn’t lost a sock to the dryer every now and then? Use clothes pins to tack the remaining mate to the outside of your laundry basket until the other one has been found. Keep a small basket on top of the washer to hold change and other miscellaneous items you find in pockets. Consider keeping a small trashcan next to your dryer to throw your used dryer sheets or the contents of the lint trap.
How do you keep the laundry area clean and organized at your house? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Category: Home Maintenance
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