The remodeling of a 108-year old Central West End home is under way, and it continues to be an adventure in discovering some beautiful historic architectural details.

In December, we found the original pocket doors hidden in the walls.

And this week, as we were removing the drywall ceiling to repair some damage from the second floor bathroom leak, we uncovered the original coffered ceiling. We’re just as thrilled as the clients are!

Learn more about coffered ceilings.

We’re creating a master bedroom suite in the 2nd floor space above the ground floor living room, so it is important that we make the joists structurally sound. We can really dress up this room by bringing back the coffered ceiling and enhancing the look with a fresh coat of paint.

Original pieces that can be salvaged and restored will be used again. Our skilled carpenters will replicate the original beams that have been damaged over the years from a 2nd floor bathroom water leak.

This historical surprise adds an exciting and fun twist to the remodeling project, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this client’s good fortune as they enhance their home with their personal flair and style.

St. Charles Home Show
April 3 - 5, 2009
at the St. Charles Convention Center

The Mosby Solution Center will be in St. Charles the first weekend of April, so bring your home improvement questions and needs to the St. Charles Convention Center, and we’ll take care of you.

The KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby will broadcast live from booth #300.

Learn Scott Mosby’s Top 10 Home Secrets at the Better Living Theater. Showtimes are:

Friday, April 3 at 2:30 pm.
Saturday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m.

Parking and tickets are free at the St. Charles Home Show. For detailed information, click here.

Here’s a map to show you the location of the St. Charles Convention Center. You can get detailed driving instruction by clicking here. We look forward to visiting with you!

Creating an in-ground pool

Our homeowners’ wanted to “vacation at home,” so we’re making them a backyard oasis.

We are in the middle of an in-ground pool project that is moving along at a fast and efficient pace. We have designed and are now constructing a new deck, in-ground pool and patio. A project of this scope can typically take up to 3 months to complete, which is why we are pleased with the substantial progress achieved in less than a month.

The homeowners backyard before the project began.

Our homeowners’ wanted to “vacation at home,” so we designed a new deck, in-ground pool and patio to give them a backyard oasis. A project of this size requires many important decisions and plans before the first hammer swings. Our client and staff teamed up to enable an efficient design process. With the aid of designers, clients, advanced planning programs and large 3D screens, the team came to an agreement and pre-built the project right before their eyes.

Together, we could see every crucial detail and literally be on the same page. Our homeowners asked important questions as they virtually built their project, which gave them confidence to make quick decisions.

We're working on the deck and pool concurrently, and making excellent progress.

This smooth efficiency carries over to the backyard. With a precise plan in place, we have coordinated tree cutters, pool installers and Mosby carpenters working at the same time. Each day brings tangible progress, and all of us are thrilled at how quickly this project is coming to life.

We look forward to sharing with you photos of the finished project, and our client looks forward to their first spring BBQ and pool party. We’re all on track to make that happen sooner than expected.

UPDATE

See photos of the completed project. It’s gorgeous!

We enjoy being a part of the HBA Home Shows because it’s a great way to connect with our current and former clients as well as meet new people. It is also an opportunity to listen to the dreams and concerns of Greater St. Louis homeowners and help them achieve long-lasting solutions.

Four days of conversation revealed that the economy is top of mind, and quality is essential. In the current economic climate, homeowners value the confidence they feel when going with a reputable, trusted company that really understands the root problem and knows how to fix it right the first time. We were happy to be there for them.

What were the Top 3 homeowner requests?

#1. Updating kitchens and bathrooms.

Remodeling these areas of the home continue to bring the greatest return on investment while enhancing quality of life. This reflects our current needs of smart projects that nurture the spirit and create great benefits.

Many Home Show attendees told us they are conserving by cooking more at home and they need their kitchens to be highly functional, aesthetically pleasing and a comfortable place to spend time.

#2. Energy Efficiency

Improving insulation, ventilation and windows can result in lower utility bills and increased comfort. More consumers are looking for ways to stop the waste in their homes. This reflects a return to the sensible way of living our grandparents practiced: living comfortably within our means and using only what we need.

#3. Protecting Investments

Concrete, masonry, mortar, tile and grout (as well as glass block mortar) can be sealed to prolong their performance. New siding and roofing can have a huge impact on curb appeal, which boosts the worth of a home. This reflects our desire to take care of what we already have in a manner responsible to us and our community.

Home Show guests came to us for help, and in the coming weeks, Mosby Consultants will visit with dozens of homeowners to take care of their most pressing wants and needs. We are honored to be a part of the solutions that improve their quality of life.