For the current issue of Ladue News, our very own Robert Lutz was asked for his thoughts on design influencing architecture. His thoughts on problem solving and architectural integrity are spot on!

We also made their list of design highlights, excerpted below. The photo shown is a detail of this gorgeous project, which is a fine example of form following function.

If you get this sight gag, then you or someone you know entered a remodeling project at one price, but ended up with a much higher price tag upon completion.

Providing a low quote to get a client to sign onto a project is an all too common occurrence, and an easy one to execute when consumers have been educated to price shop. While price shopping is good for groceries or clothing, when it comes to your most valuable asset, quality, accuracy and service are just as important as price.

At Mosby Building Arts, we practice fixed-price budgeting. Our design and construction process researches and plans all aspects of a remodeling project so that all details are known in advance. This scope and cost of work is presented to you for approval before the first hammer is lifted because we need you to know the cost and exactly why it is that price.

It is rare for a project to go from start to finish without some changes being made or requested, which is why amendments to the original contract are required. The change order is a responsible and positive procedure that protects both the company and the client. The change order’s negative reputation comes from those who abuse it.

Some companies lower their offering price to win a bid and count on change orders to make up the loss once work has begun. A reputable remodeler will never play this way, which is why it’s crucial to chose affiliated and certified companies such as Mosby.

Some of our best customers are those who did not choose us for their project. We have heard back from people who went with another company because they felt our price was too high, and once their project was done, it was the same price (or more) for lesser quality. These people learned from experience that honesty, accountability and quality are invaluable, and they have become some of our strongest supporters.

So, we will always give you the complete, accurate picture upfront, and on the weekends, we lay back in our bass boat with a clear conscious!

There are persistent remodeling myths that create unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations create ill-fitting homes. With 60 years of architecture and remodeling experience to learn from, we share with you remodeling wisdom that, when properly realized, creates a satisfying project from start to finish.

TIME ON SITE + TIME IN OFFICE = LENGTH OF PROJECT

Design takes as long as construction. If it’s estimated to be a 3 month build, then 3 months of design work and coordination is needed before a single hammer is lifted.

If you are told that a bathroom can be done in a day, or an addition will “take 3 months tops,” that means you get their cookie cutter project rather than a project unique to you.

PLAN THE WORK, WORK THE PLAN

Pre-planning your remodeling project is where ideas are developed and changes are made. It is cheaper to make changes on paper than on the job site. The design phase is how to assure that what gets built is what you want.

Planning can start on your own time by paying attention to your surroundings. For example, if an expanded kitchen and hearth room would improve your Thanksgiving celebration, then pay attention to this year’s meal. Make mental note of what frustrates you (we keep crashing into one another), what would enhance your preparation (more counter space) and enjoyment (a dining space where we can linger comfortably).

Grab a notepad and jot down these observations. Those notes from November will be a crucial key to proper planning when talking with a designer the following February.

The design phase includes thousands of decisions made in your best interest. This stage includes working up and presenting ideas, making all selections, ordering these items and coordinating construction schedules.

When pre-planning is thorough, it keeps the project on budget and on schedule.

PLAN FIRST THEN FINANCE

Financial pre-approval for a remodeling project is a common practice that often creates a compromised project.

A pre-approved budget creates a project that fits the dollar amount rather than a project that fits you. It would be silly to let your mailman plan your master suite, so don’t let a banker plan your lower level remodel.

It is wiser to plan the project first, learn its estimated price, determine your financing limits and then re-work the master plan to fit the actual budget. A modified version of the ultimate project is superior to a generic project that satisfied your pre-approved budget but didn’t satisfy your true needs and desires.

START IN THE OPPOSITE SEASON

If the project is seasonal in nature, then planning begins in the opposite season.

An outdoor kitchen by Summer = planning in early Winter.
A hearth room by Fall = planning in early Spring

If a roof must be removed, plan for that to happen during July and August when there’s far less rain.

Construct a pool area or ground level addition in Winter so it will be done in time for Spring planting and landscaping.

IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING

Minimize upheaval to the family. Major indoor renovations should start construction once the kids are back in school, or when it’s possible for a vacation that takes you away from the house for a bit.

Minimize the stress of deadlines. For work needing to be done by a very specific time (weddings, holidays), plan for completion one month before the actual event.

Mosby Building Arts is welcomed into the homes of so many families because they know that we’re committed to improving their lives rather than just completing a project. From experience, we know which myths and misconceptions to avoid. From experience, we know that thorough planning is an assurance of success. Our simple wisdom for a satisfying remodeling project is this: Observe, listen, design, plan and build to a realistic timeline.