Author: oi_admin

4 Easy Ways to Transform Your Entrance

Posted on September 26, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Entrance Shadow

Transforming your foyer from a dumping ground into a grand entrance is easy! Here are a few ways to create an amazing first impression in an area that typically will experience a lot of wear and tear:

1. Clear Clutter - A chaotic looking hallway will turn people off so remove clothing that is no longer in season. Organize hats and scarves in stylish baskets and stack footwear in an orderly fashion.

2. Lighten Up - Foyers are usually fairly dark so clean light fixtures and use a brighter bulb to cast more light. Painting the walls a light shade will open up the area and with a strategically placed mirror it will create the illusion of additional space.

3. Add Some Style - Check out antique markets or yard sales for unique pieces of furniture. A small bench for guests to sit on while taking off their shoes works well for larger areas while a small table to catch keys is perfect for compact spaces.

4. Spruce It Up - Breathe some life into your gloomy hallway by adding a few plants and even fresh flowers.

Bring the Indoor, Outside!

Posted on September 26, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Stylish Shadow

The trend of extending the indoors outside is as popular as ever!

Extending your indoor space outside will add value, comfort and style to your home. Here are a few inexpensive ways to transform your yard from dull to dazzling:

Dress up furniture with bright outdoor pillows
Add charm with a piece of up-cycled furniture
Hang outdoor solar lights on tree branches or in the ground
Accessorize with candles, lanterns and ornaments

It is easy to add some style to your garden without spending a fortune -- just use your imagination! Not only will you be able to enjoy the great outdoors but it’ll also increase your home’s resale value when it comes time to sell.

Inspection Insights: Manufactured Homes

Posted on September 26, 2017 by oi_admin - News

A manufactured home is a home that is built in a factory and transported to a building lot where it is placed on piers or a foundation.

Manufactured homes used to be known as “mobile homes” or “trailer homes”. These terms have faded away in favor of the term “manufactured homes”.

Manufactured Shadow

Manufactured homes are built on a non-removable steel frame chassis. The concept is that the entire home is built in the factory, on a chassis so that it can be rolled on its own wheels to the site. If the home were not a complete unit but rather panels or modules that are assembled on site, the structure would have to be built in compliance with the local building code. Since the home is built as a complete and moveable unit, the factory can build the home to a single standard.

If a garage or a deck or addition is added to the manufactured home, the local code applies.
The following factory built homes are NOT the same as “manufactured homes”. They are built in a factory but must comply with the local codes where the home will be located –

Modular home: A modular home is a home that is built out of pieces that were manufactured in a factory. Many modular homes have full basements and attached garages.
Panelized home: A panelized home is built from factory built panels. The panels are walls with windows, doors, plumbing and wiring already in them. The panels are transported to the site and assembled into a home.
Pre-cut homes: Pieces of the home are cut to size in a factory to facilitate easy assembly on site. Log home building kits, for example, include all of the pieces pre-cut and ready to assemble on site.

Single Section versus Multi-Section
Years ago, most manufactured homes were single section homes. They tended to be long and narrow, a necessity for transportation. Today most are multi-section. That is two or more sections are towed to the site and placed together. Multi-section manufactured homes open up the possibilities for more interesting floor plans. The long narrow look is no longer required.

The Power of Olive Oil

Posted on September 26, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Olive Shadow

Out of the kitchen, olive oil can be put to good use on personal or household chores.

1. Polish wood furniture with a teaspoon of oil and using a soft rag.

2. Lubricate measuring cups and spoons for easy cleanup of sticky ingredients like honey, grain mustards and syrup.

3. Control hair frizz by combing a bit of olive oil through dry hair to tame the frizz and fly-aways.

4. Remove paint from your skin by applying a small amount of olive oil. Rub in gently. Scrub with a dry cloth.

5. Fix a squeaky door by using a rag or cotton swab to apply olive oil to the top of a problematic hinge.