While recently photographing a master bathroom (see the project here), we were delighted by the company of TJ, a puppy Papillon. The Mosby crew who worked on the bathroom project had quite the adventure when TJ got out of the house and ran off down the street, and they took off after him, caught him and brought him safely back home.

And the crew got comfortable with TJ’s “sister” Gracie, who shared lunch with the guys, Monday through Friday (above photo). The homeowner told us that her dogs miss the guys because they got so much love and attention, and this is not the first time we’ve been told about the relationship between the Mosby production crews and Man’s Best Friend.

This got us to reminiscing about all the canine friends we’ve had the pleasure to meet while photographing finished remodeling projects and we’d like to share them with you.

Molly the basset (above) lives with our long-time Creve Coeur client. During this photo shoot of their outdoor living project (see the project here), Molly gave us a guided tour. Then her “brother” Jake went one better: he demonstrated exactly how to use the dog ramp we designed for all 3 of the basset hounds in the house.  Click to see Jake on their doggie ramp!

Sometimes the canine members of the family are camera shy, like on this project (above), while other times…

… a chocolate lab knows he coordinates so well with his new kitchen that he makes sure to saunter into the shot.

Sometimes, they are so unconcerned with all the activity that they simply fall asleep, like the King Charles spaniel in a family room addition (above)…

…while other times, we disrupt their beauty sleep! Though she wasn’t too awfully upset, because if you click through to all these home makeover photos, you’ll spot her resting comfortably in her bed as the camera snapped away.

Seal the German Shepard (above) served double duty as a Project Manager for her finished basement and her master bathroom and worked as a stylist on the photo shoot!

And every exterior renovation needs a dutiful border collie to keep the construction crew in line…or throw out the Frisbee for them!

Remodeling is really about building relationships, and we are proud to have so many wonderful canine members of the Mosby Building Arts family.

Windows show their age in many different ways, making it apparent that it’s time for replacement windows. But before investing in replacement windows, you need to determine exactly what caused the deterioration in the first place, because if the underlying problem goes uncorrected the replacement windows will also fail.

A visual inspection of ailing windows will reveal clues as to what’s causing the problem. These problems typically fall into three categories:

The Window Unit

If you have dark green or black patches on the inside of the glass, or if the glass remains cloudy even after cleaning it, this is because moisture and dirt are trapped between the two panes of insulated glass. This indicates a broken seal, and repair may not be as cost effective as a replacement window.

Structural Problems

Hairline cracks on interior window trim or glass, cracks in the drywall or plaster around the window, or difficulty in opening, closing or locking the window are all signs of the framing pressing on the window unit. These structural weaknesses need to be fixed before installing a replacement window, or the same problems will affect the new window.

Water Damage

Water is the number one enemy of windows, and rarely is it the window that’s allowing water in, but the system around it. Signs of water damage include:

● Stains or marks around interior frames or surrounding walls

● Soft spots in the drywall or plaster under the window

● Soft spots and/or splintering on wood window frames or sills

● Flaking paint at the bottom of the sash

● Ants in and around the window

Windows rot from the inside out, so window sills are the first to show symptoms. Water damage can be caused by improper installation, lack of maintenance or reverse flashing. The water problems must be corrected before new windows are installed.

Installing new windows without solving the cause of the problem is like treating the symptoms while ignoring the disease. The very best replacement window that money can buy cannot withstand untreated structural or water problems.

When the old windows come out, a thorough inspection of the framing is a must. This means that the entire window unit must be removed so that underlying problems can be identified. But the catch is that window installers are typically not trained or instructed to look for – or fix – problems around the window.

Learn the right way to install replacement windows.

To get the value and comfort you expect from replacement windows, work with the professionals at Mosby Building Arts from the very beginning. Their decades of experience in water management, structural problems and carpentry will insure that you benefit from inspection of the problems, choosing the proper windows and expert installation. For replacement windows done right the first time, call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 08

Each week on KMOX 1120 AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott Mosby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436.7900 or 1.800.925.1120.

There is much talk about recouping the cost of remodeling projects, and it is true that certain improvements contribute more to resale value when it’s time to sell your home. For instance, kitchen and bathroom remodels historically recoup a considerable percentage of the cost, as do exterior improvements such as new siding and roofing.

What is often overlooked when sharing this important information is the less glamorous improvements that benefit you right now and in the future whether you plan to stay or sell your house. It’s the simple things that mean a lot, and peace of mind is eternally valuable.

There are key home improvement projects that should be done because you are staying in your home for the long term, and if a day eventually comes that you sell it, then they will automatically add overall value to the selling price of the house.

Get the basics right the first time by investing in:

● A Solid Foundation – a weak or compromised foundation eventually affects the entire house, creating a whole host of structural problems. Attend to any foundation problems as soon as they become apparent.

● A Dry Basement – wet basements breed mold which breeds health problems. A water proof basement is healthy, safe for storage, and can be refinished.

● A Solid Structure – when the “bones” of your house are strong, windows and doors open easily and its easier to make modifications like removing walls or adding additional doors and windows.

● A Reliable Roof System with Proper Ventilation & Insulation – when a roof system is done correctly it extends the life of the roofing material, reduces maintenance, helps the HVAC system work efficiently and promotes healthy indoor air quality.

● Efficient Heating, Cooling and Water Heater – vast improvements to HVAC and water heaters makes investing in these new systems a way to lower utility bills, increase comfort and indoor air quality, and help reduce our dependence on natural resources.

● Water and Moisture Management – water is the constant enemy of every house, so make sure you have proper yard drainage and that your roof, flashing, gutters and downspouts are moving water away from the interior of your home.

● Accessibility Improvements – people of all ages and abilities benefit from accessible design ideas like 3 foot wide entries, zero-clearance thresholds, no-slip flooring and task lighting.

Whether it is next year or 20 years from now, these projects are timeless because they are immune to trends or personal taste – it’s all about soundness, efficiency and comfort. These improvements create a reliable and valuable house for you and future buyers, as long as they are done right the first time.

Mosby Building Arts is known for award-winning remodeling projects that enhance the lives of Metro St. Louis homeowners, but they also know from over 60 years of experience that form follows function. When the bones and muscles of your home perform at peak capacity, everything atop it has long-lasting value. Make wise home improvements that are done right the first time by calling Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Listen to Scott Mosby talk about this topic.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 07

Each week on KMOX 1120 AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott Mosby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436.7900 or 1.800.925.1120.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 06

Each week on KMOX 1120 AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott Mosby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436.7900 or 1.800.925.1120.

The promise and excitement of getting away for a week or two during the summer does come with one big responsibility: caring for your vacant home while you’re away. To be worry-free while on vacation, address these five elements:

Create the illusion of being home

Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on the house, because someone coming and going is the best way to disguise that you’re gone. Maybe even ask a neighbor if they can park their car in your driveway now and then. Have your “caretaker” remove mail and pick up newspapers off the lawn, and open and close different blinds or curtains in the house, and do confirm that all windows and doors are securely latched.

Random patterns of light and noise are typical when we’re home, so replicate that while you’re away. Along with motion detector lights on the exterior of the home, invest in timers that operate different exterior and interior lights at different times each day and night. Sound is as important as light, so set up a timer to operate a radio and television at random times each day.

Also, see that the lawn gets mowed regularly, as tall grass is a sure sign of no one home.

Outside Precautions

Before you leave for vacation, check gutters and downspouts for clear drainage so you don’t come home to a flooded basement, and check any trees close to your home for dead limbs that could damage your roof during a storm. During storm seasons, close up the patio umbrella and secure any patio furniture so it won’t blow away.

Thermostat Setting for an Empty House

Cooling an empty house is expensive, so finding the best thermostat setting is a valid concern. When the temperature is set too high, humidity build up can cause mold and mildew growth, or damage wood. Humidity damage usually occurs above 90 degrees. So, what setting will protect both your home and the utility bill?

If you don’t have a digital programmable thermostat, leave it set to 80 degrees, and turn the blower to “on” so that the air constantly circulates to avoid humidity build-up. When time permits, it’s best to switch to a programmable thermostat because they are simple to install and provide long-term positive results.

If you do have a programmable thermostat, a good solution for saving money while protecting against humidity is this pattern: 78-80 degrees during the day and 75 degrees from 3 – 5 a.m. The theory is that intense cooling in the early morning hours removes moisture from the inside air, thus keeping relative humidity low as the temperature changes to the higher setting for the rest of the day.

Water Management

If you have no concerns about watering lawns or gardens, then shut off the water to your house where it enters the home. Set your water heater to vacation mode or its lowest heat setting, depending on the model, to keep it running at a minimum level while saving money on the energy bill. Check your sump pump for proper operation and install a backup battery to assure it runs in case of a power outage.

Less Electricity

Unplug everything but the refrigerator, freezer (though empty and turn off the ice maker), answering machine and the lights and audio/visual items you have on timers. Remember to turn off all ceiling fans.

A special tip about the refrigerator is to remove all items with short shelf life (like produce or left-over meals), and bump up the temperature a couple degrees to cut down on the amount of energy used. Also, do not leave any perishable foods (fruits, vegetables, bread) lying on counters to avoid gnats, ants and other varmints.

Following these simple tips will keep yours a home ready to welcome you back with open arms after a wonderful vacation. If you’d like help with any of these tips – like installing a programmable thermostat to back-up battery for the sump pump – call the Mosby Building Arts team at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Have you ever noticed those pieces of paper posted at a remodeling or construction job site? Those notices mean the work is being done legally, safely and properly with building permits. If they’re absent, a crucial step in the construction process has been overlooked.

There is a common misperception that permits are just another way for cities to make money, and that’s truly not the motivation. The intent is to insure uniform, good quality building practices that keep citizens safe and maintain property values.

Building permits provide you with several professionals trained to protect you from shoddy and unsafe work. Many of the building codes exist, because at some point, someone was killed or injured due to faulty construction. Each community has put in place minimum requirements to keep a house, all of its systems, and its occupants safe and upright.

When a project is planned properly, the permit process happens before construction starts, and tends not to affect completion timelines. Building permits help you avoid complications and protect your future.

When You Need a Permit

If you’re wondering if you need a permit, you probably do. While each municipality has completely different rules, a general rule of thumb is that permits are required for:

● Changing the footprint of a house
● Moving load-bearing walls
● Altering a roofline
● Creating new door or window openings
● Moving existing or installing new or upgraded plumbing and electricity
● Finishing a basement or attic
● Adding or reconfiguring a deck
● Replacing an HVAC system
● Adding proper water drainage to property

You generally won’t need a permit for:

● Installing new flooring
● Replacing doors or windows that don’t alter structure
● Changing countertops
● Replacing faucets
● Painting the interior or exterior (if not in a historical district)

Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit

Eliminating the building permit process creates the high probability of problems in the future. Along with endangering your family with, for example, a poorly built deck or illegal electrical wiring, it can potentially effect your pocketbook long after the project has been completed.

Many insurance companies will not cover damage caused by, or involved with, work that was done without a permit, and when pertinent, insurance adjusters will check city records to verify that a permit is on record. Plus, your insurance company needs to know about major improvements to maintain a sufficient replacement value of your home.

Illegal work can cause problems when trying to sell a house because it may not pass inspection. Some states require documentation of all permit remodeling on sales disclosure forms, or require full disclosure of non-permit work. The responsibility and expense of bringing a house up to code usually falls upon the seller. Also keep in mind that the re-sale value of your home is determined, in part, by improvements made to it over the years. If the County does not have record of substantial improvements, this can affect return on your investment with a lower sales price when selling your home.

Each municipality has its own rules in place for discovering non-permit work after the fact. Repercussions range from applying for a retro active permit (subjecting your house to damage caused by creating access to work for proper inspections), a fine for illegal work, to requiring you to remove illegal work and start over with permits. Doing work without permits has the potential to be far more expensive and problematic than having obtained building permits in the first place.

The Permit Process

If you want a return on your investment for any major remodeling done in your home, make sure it’s done with required building permits. Technically, it is a homeowner’s responsibility to obtain a permit, but professional contractors typically take care of the process for you. For instance, replacing a water heater in most of St. Louis County requires a permit, and a licensed plumbing contractor obtains that for you as a normal part of their installation process.

The Creve Coeur, MO building permit instructions are a good example of how deeply involved the process is, even for professional remodelers and builders. And each municipality has a unique set of requirements, so whether you do the project yourself or hire a professional, visiting your town’s website for their building permit information needs to be a top priority at the beginning of a project.

Building permits are crucial to a successful project, and all the details can also be overwhelming. Add to that, requirements constantly change. This is why Mosby Building Arts has created and maintains a database of building code requirements of every municipality in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

During the design and drawing phase, Mosby planners and architects easily access current building requirements for your town so that the construction drawings are up to code at the time they apply for the permits. Mosby project managers use this database to create a schedule of which inspectors need to come out to the job site for each phase of construction.

To protect your family and your investment, always begin with the proper building permits, and if dealing with this detailed process is not for you, hire the organized and experienced professionals at Mosby Building Arts to take care of it for you. Call their office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 05

Each week on KMOX 1120 AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott MOsby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436.7900 or 1.800.925.1120.

MP3:  Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 04

Each week on KMOX 1120AM, The Home Improvement Answer Man Scott Mosby shares a timely tip that will improve your home and life.

Tune into the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby every Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  During that time, Scott answers your questions at 314.436-7900 or 1.800.925.1120.