Anyone owns OMG category?

Question

I am expanding to more specialized Airbnb this year. I think one of my projects will get some local spotlights but wondering what the criteria for is getting OMG category. Has anyone here successfully received the category?

Joel Oh · Answer

That is so cool! Never knew they sell silos like that but it makes sense since not everyone needs a gigantic tower. The house I regret most for not getting it is this one,

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/N8064-975th-St-River-Fall...

I was so close to getting it, but I chickened out because I have absolutely no idea how these houses even exist. With some additions, this would qualify for the OMG category, but I think they didn't have that category back then when it was on the market.

Michael Baum · Answer

I am sure we will not get in that category. Looking at the places, they are all the "weird" kind or have some kind of alternative building practice.

The USA is filled with earthen homes, an old Patriot silo, etc.

One that I thought was interesting was the grain silo home in Ellensburg, WA. I drive through there to our lakehouse and there are a few of these structures used for homes in the area. They are sure cheap to buy and build up.

I thought of building a place out of a part of a 747. Not a lot of municipalities allow that sort of structure as living space in our area. At least I know where I can get one...

Michael Baum · Answer

Well, they are very efficient. Better than underground homes which have issues with moisture etc. Easy to keep it to a comfortable temp. It is naturally insulated and it captures passive heat with strategically placed windows.

There can be a lack of natural light but it can be designed for it.

Plus you can plant on top of it. Have a garden for food or flowers. Pretty cool.

You probably won't find this type of home in Florida or anywhere where the water table is high. It makes sense in places where it has temperature extremes. Great for Arizona. Dry and hot. Much cheaper to keep it nice and cool.

Works well in the Rocky Mountains etc as well. Still dry but -20 degrees means this makes a good way to keep things warm with little energy.

Here is a builder in Durango, CO - https://www.formworksbuilding.com/

Joel Oh · Answer

This is very cool. I wonder who still makes houses like this. I am having a hard time even finding a decent window vendor XDDD

Michael Baum · Answer

Yeah! That looks like a cool place. Not sure of the area, if there are cool things to do there but the home is neat.

The biggest issue is resale. I am sure there aren't many comps that this would generate. You have to get someone who is familiar with them and would want one.

Here is a pic of this style of construction. Bermed earth shelter home:

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Joel Oh so Ellensburg is in central WA state. It is quite rural and it is much easier to get a permit for these sorts of things if you even need one.

In rural Idaho, it is much the same way. the counties have minimum requirements and if you keep things on the up and up, it should be fine.

Now, in a historical district, that is a different animal all together. Unless you want to live in that district, I would avoid any and all purchases in an area like that.

Regarding the grain silos itself, those are not the full grain silos you think off like a tower silo. These are grain bins which are much wider and used for holding fully dried grain storage.

They are available as kits. You simply stack and bolt together the rings to the height you want. Pretty easy actually, especially with a tractor with forks bolted to the front end loader. It is hard work but a small team can build them pretty quick.

Joel Oh · Answer

yeah, those silo houses are cool. I wonder how they are pulling the permit for anything. I tried to convert a historical house and saw all the requirement the national historic house asked and gave up. I can’t imagine what kind of things the city ask for turning silo into a house haha

Chris Watson · Answer

I requested a few days ago on several properties and am waiting on their decision.

Mike Grudzien · Answer

Ditto: I want to see some answer traffic here!

Anyone owns OMG category?

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