J.J. Ballard's Blog

Perform annual maintenance on your air conditioning units now, before the real heat hits and A/C contractors become busy!

There are a few things that most homeowners can do themselves to help maintain their air conditioner:

• Ensure the filter is clean or replaced regularly. Disposable filters are inexpensive and should be replaced once per month during high use periods.
• Trim back plants so there is at least one foot of clearance from the A/C unit – this allows proper air flow, reducing motor strain.
• Sand and other debris can get sucked into the condenser coils. To clean the coils, first disconnect the power to the A/C and then use a garden hose to spray the coils clean.

The best advice is to have an annual maintenance service performed by a professional air conditioning technician. Always ensure the following items are included in the maintenance service:

• Condenser – check pressure, oil motor bearings, and current electrical draw; tighten all hardware and visually inspect wiring and condenser coils.
• Air Handler/Evaporator – Visually inspect wiring and oil motor bearings; clean or replace filter, tighten all hardware, inspect condensation drain, pan, pump, and auxiliary pan; clean drain system, and check that evaporator coils are clean and free of damage.

With proper maintenance, the air conditioner should run smoothly for years. However, should the unit break down due to normal wear and use, your client’s home warranty company will repair or replace the covered parts and components – saving their hard-earned money and keeping their home cool during the heat of summer!

Adapted from Old Republic Home Protection Newsletter

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home of just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

from AHS “Inside & Out” Newsletter

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home, so why not make yours really stand out? Whether you’re selling or simply want to upgrade, here are some simple tips and ideas to get you started without breaking the bank:

1. Plan ahead and find patterns, colors and textures that you like from magazines, home improvement stores and the Internet.
2. Set a budget! Know what upgrades will give you the most value for your money and do your best to stick with your budget.
3. Make a plan and do one thing at a time, especially if you’re going to do it yourself.

So where should you start?

Cabinets
Repaint or stain your cabinet doors and add new hardware. This is one of the easiest and least expensive upgrades you can do that makes a big difference. If you need advice on what works best with the cabinets you have, take a door into your local home improvement store and ask for professional advice.

Kitchen Counter Tops
Counter tops can be expensive if you’re going for granite, but that’s not your only option. You can opt for concrete or granite overlay. Do your research to find what suits your budget and style best.

Kitchen Floors
Your choices are endless when it comes to updating your kitchen floors. From peel-and-stick tile to laminate wood flooring and travertine, the sky is the limit— but be mindful of your budget! Bring home samples of the flooring based on your style and budget before you make a final decision. Many real estate professionals agree that a kitchen remodel splurge should be saved for the countertops and not the floors, so keep this in mind when deciding. You want to make sure you get great value from any upgrades you do.

Saving Money on Kitchen Appliances
If your appliances are in good working order and match in color and style, save your budget for more beneficial upgrades. If your appliances look really dated or don’t match the new look of your kitchen, you may want to consider finding some great scratch and dent deals.

Did you know that appliances can be painted? A professional paint job can turn your white appliances into fresh, new-looking ones. You can also buy appliance-safe paint at your home improvement store and do it yourself.

Kitchen Lightening
Installing modern lighting is amazingly simple if your kitchen is already wired for overhead lighting. A new chandelier can make a big difference, and you can find options for less than $150! To make an even bigger impact, be sure to install a dimmer switch. You’ll be surprised what a difference a little “mood switch” can make.

The options are endless for remodeling your kitchen on a budget. The hardest part is deciding which upgrades will make the biggest difference on the smallest budget. Just be sure to do your research and to set realistic goals. And last, but not least, enjoy the project by making it your own.

from AHS “Inside and Out”

Whether you are trying to sell your home or spruce it up, little things can make a big difference!

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan – set a budget – get started!

Adapted from American Home Shield “Inside and Out” January 2011 issue

The Power of Bamboo
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world with certain varieties that grow a foot or more per day. Their stalks reach maturity in only three to six years—decades less than the maturity rate of a traditional North American hardwood. Plus, a single bamboo stalk can be harvested multiple times since it regenerates after cutting.
Bamboo is by far one of the easiest and most affordable ways to go green in and around your home. Consider top bamboo products when you’re ready to upgrade, replenish or replace:

Bamboo Floors
Bamboo flooring has gained popularity as an environmentally sustainable building material that is stronger than most hardwoods. Its durability, cost and status as a green building material make it an attractive choice for many homeowners. It’s sleek, durable and stylish, at a great price.

Bamboo Fencing
Bamboo fences are probably the most practical, effective and sustainable type of fencing. They can be easily mended, cut and bent. They’re also durable and flexible, holding strong even when tested against high winds. Bamboo fences are naturally antibacterial, which means mold and mildew are avoided.

Countertops
Bamboo countertops are hard, durable and bring warmth to your kitchen. A uniquely renewable source, bamboo’s natural resistance to bacteria makes it ideal for the kitchen. The product can be finished with natural mineral oil, beeswax or linseed oil, for protection and easier cleaning (who couldn’t use that?).

Furniture
Considering new furniture for inside or outside your home? Take a look at the many bamboo products on the market. You’ll find that nearly anything can be made from bamboo including chairs, tables, sofas, beds and more. There’s a vast array of styles, colors and designs that are totally affordable. The fun side of bamboo is its flexibility, allowing furniture makers to get create unique and refreshing designs that are harder to achieve with traditional hardwood.

Blinds
Not only are bamboo blinds popular for their aesthetically pleasing looks—they’re energy efficient, durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. Bamboo blinds are very suitable as window blinds because they have a very low heat absorption rate.  They keep a low temperature in the house during summer and help keep the heat inside during the winter.  You can also use bamboo blinds and shades for room dividers or door screens as well. Best of all, they’re surprisingly affordable.

As you consider options for going green in your home, try implementing bamboo anywhere you can. The floors are durable, the countertops are beautiful, the fabrics are soft and the price is just right.

From American Home Shield “Inside & Out” April 2011 issue