2013 International Builders' Show

We recently took some of our employees to the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.
 

The International Builders' Show (IBS) is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders' and is the largest annual residential construction show in the world. The show features the latest innovations and products in new construction. Over 3 days, 900 exhibitors were showcased and over 100 education sessions were given to all in attendance.


Our team was able to learn a lot and we're excited to put new techniques and ideas into practice here at Ball Homes! We're looking forward to what 2013 has in store for us!

Cleaning the Kitchen Sink

You use the kitchen sink to clean the dishes, but what do you use to clean the sink? You would think that it would be one of the cleanest areas of the kitchen, but grime and bacteria love to lurk in damp areas, and the kitchen sink is prime real estate. Follow these few quick cleaning tips to keep your sink grime-free.

Try to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners when cleaning your sink. Not only are they toxic if ingested (do you really want remnants of chemicals where you cook your food?), but they can be very expensive. You can make homemade cleaners using common household items. It’s more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective. Abrasive sponges should also be avoided because it can scratch the surface of your sink.

What You’ll Need:

Liquid Dishwashing Soap

Baking Soda

Distilled White Vinegar

Lemon Juice

Rags or soft sponges

Old toothbrush

1. Wet the entire surface of your sink. Sprinkle baking soda all over the sink and use the rag or sponge to rub in until it forms a paste. Baking soda makes a great sink cleaner because it's abrasive enough to scrub away light hard water deposits and stuck-on grease and food, but not so abrasive as to scratch fixtures like faucets. And because it's a food product, you don't have to worry about chemical residues coming in contact with your dishes or food.

2. Use the toothbrush to scoop up some of the baking soda paste and gently scrub the caulk rim around the top of your sink. Rinse, repeat, and wipe with a soft rag until the rag comes clean. For your garbage disposal, use this technique to clean the rubber flap, gently inverting it so you can also clean the underside. You'd be surprised about the amount of grime and bacteria hiding under there! Don’t forget to clean the sink strainers and any other sink pieces.

3. After you’ve finished scrubbing with the baking soda, spray the entire surface with the distilled white vinegar and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Vinegar is a natural antibacterial agent, so it’s perfect for the kitchen. Plus, vinegar’s acidity is great for dissolving calcium deposits and water spots.

4. Rinse the entire sink with liquid dishwashing soap and water, making sure that you remove all baking soda residue from the surface. Then wipe the sink dry with a clean cloth.

5. To disinfect your garbage disposal, pour a half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Add one cup of a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice on top of the baking soda. Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes. While you’re waiting, boil a kettle of water. Once it’s boiled, pour it down the drain to rinse away the mixture, leaving your drain bacteria free.

Do you have any tried-and-true cleaning tactics? Let us know on our Facebook page!

A Testament to the Ball Homes Experience

Ball Homes is a family-owned and operated company that has been building affordable homes for Kentucky families since 1959. During that time, we have met a variety of different people who have entrusted the construction of their home to us. We understand that there are many different options out there and we are honored that you have chosen us to build your dream home.

We believe that our best advertisers are our customers. Their feedback truly matters in every step of the homebuilding process, and we ask for it regularly to make sure that our clients are completely satisfied with the work they have trusted us to do. Here is just a small sampling of what people are saying about us.

“It is rare to find a company, such as yours, that takes pride in their work and does what they can to keep their customers happy . . . Thank you for the dedication you give to your homes and your customers.” — C.P.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank you and your Customer Service organization for all the help, support, and immediate response to our needs. We have built a number of custom built homes over the last 25 years and the service and cooperation we receive from Ball Homes’ entire organization has been equal or better. The Customer Service personnel and the subcontractors have been a pleasure to work with especially when so many companies tend to ‘walk away’ from their commitments… Again, thank you for the excellent service, much appreciated” —L.Y. and S.Y.

“You have an excellent team . . . We love our new home and have been very impressed with the quality of workmanship and the quality of service provided. I just wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how wonderful the experience has been.”—S.M.

"This is the fifth house we have built and this is by far the best! The workmanship is superior! We are very happy customers!" -- FK and JK

"I closed on a customized Ashley II Ball Home . . . Not only was the floor plan amazing, but the available options were tasteful and complementary. I have had several compliments from friends and family, as well as from impressed passersby. My Milestone agents . . . and Walden Mortgage were unfailingly courteous, professional, patient and available. In fact, when the closing was delayed and almost jeopardized my trip abroad, all of my agents, in concert the regional and national directors, came up with a practical solution to the problem. Thus, despite some moments of anxiety on my part, when all was said and done, Ball Homes came through for me, and I was able to make my trip. Since closing, the quality service has continued through the Customer Service Department . . .[My agent] has maintained contact, to make sure that I am thrilled with my investment. And I am. I have made frequent and terrible oaths that this is the last house I will ever build or buy, but if that ever changes, I know whom I will be calling …”— E.E. 

To read more of our testimonials, visit our website today! We would love to hear from you on how we can make your dream of building a home come true!

2013 New Home & Remodeling Marketplace

If you are in the market for a new home this year, make sure to mark your calendar for the 2013 New Home & Remodeling Marketplace, sponsored by the Lexington Home Builder's Association. Many new home construction and remodeling companies and vendors will be on hand to talk with people interested in building ideas.

The Marketplace will be held February 22nd-24th at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. Enter through the main gate of the Horse Park and follow the signs for free parking. Exhibitors will be available Friday from 4:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am-4:00pm.

Be sure to stop by the Ball Homes booths located at 1000P and 1100P. We have had great success with this event in the past, and we're very excited for the opportunity to be there again!

New Lots in Versailles

We have just released 9 new lots in our Huntertown Glen location in Versailles, KY. Many homesites in the subdivision are eighty feet wide.

Huntertown Glen is located off Huntertown Road, just north of the Bluegrass Parkway. It has convenient access to both Lexington and Versailles. A variety of floor plans are available to build in this subdivison, ranging from 1,941 square feet to over 3,500 square feet, with three to four-plus bedrooms and two car garages.
 

The Ramsey model home is located in the subdivision at 410 Paddock Drive. For more information on the new lots available in Huntertown Glen, contact Ben Brown, Matt Gerwin, or Erin Raymond today!