Author: oi_admin

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.

Tips for Added Value: Interior

Posted on September 20, 2017 by oi_admin - News

Many home sellers often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes and upgrades that not only increase visual appeal, but may also add real value to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for a better price.

The kitchen and bathrooms must get a deep cleaning. Sellers should consider having a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
If kitchen cabinet exteriors are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinetry, refacing can give old and worn cabinets new life and can visually update a kitchen. Even new paint can do wonders to spruce up that first impression.
Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives everything a fresh look and prevents potential buyers from focusing on an eyesore.
A stylish new kitchen faucet doesn’t have to cost a lot and can instantly update the look of the room. In the bathroom, new updated faucets and towel bars will have a similar effect.
Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the house. Stick to neutral tones so buyers aren’t distracted by colors that make a statement. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
Take a look at the doorknobs and handle sets of the interior doors. If the hardware is dated, unmatched or otherwise doesn’t look its best, consider replacements. There are many attractive hardware styles available today that won’t break the bank.
If carpet is covering hardwood floors, consider having it removed to expose the hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are desirable, so they should be shown off. If the carpet is going to stay, it should be thoroughly cleaned.

Homeowners should save major remodeling projects – and the significant budget required – for their new home, not the one they are about to sell. But implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment in time or money.