The value of a bathroom remodeling project is often measured by resale value, and if you are planning to sell your home shortly afterwards, that is a fair assessment. And bathroom remodels always have a high recoup because they are the most-used spaces in a home.

But if you plan on staying in your home, the true value of a bathroom remodel is measured by how it pleases you and enhances your daily life. For anyone who has experienced a newly updated bathroom, that sense of cleanliness, beauty and newness is a heady rush, and has a value that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

One of the greatest opportunities for remodeling your master bathroom comes from personalizing it to fit your unique needs and desires. Personalized design goes beyond selecting faucets and fixtures and flooring off the showroom shelf; this kind of design is about what features can be tailored to your unique way of doing things.

Let’s take a look at some examples of Metro St. Louis master bath remodels with one-of-a-kind features that were specifically designed and built to accommodate and improve the homeowners way of life.

The lady of this house is a great lover of cosmetics and toiletries, and she desired lots of small drawers and trays to organize different types of cosmetics for quick access. The design solution was to build a tiny set of drawers to sit atop the vanity, and this miniature chest of drawers matches the wood and finish of the main vanity. Inside a cabinet are roll out trays at appropriate depths for bottles and brushes to stand upright.

In the same bathroom, she was also looking for a solution on how to store and access hair care items like blow dryers and curling irons without having to go through the hassle of constantly untangling cords. A pull-out drawer was tailored to hold stainless steel warming trays (the kind used by catering companies) deep enough for hair appliances to sit upright. An electrical outlet is also built into the drawer. So, for instance, a curling iron can be turned on and warm up in the tray, used and replaced without worrying about the heat causing damage, and the cords stay organized because they always remain plugged in.

For this master bath remodel, the couple needed a full-length mirror but they didn’t want to give up any wall space for it, especially since it’s something they use only a couple of times a day. The design solution was to put a mirror on a rolling track that slides in and out of the tower next to the vanity. A simple pull of a handle produces the mirror, they check their look and it slides back in, out of sight until needed again.

Bathroom sundries like toilet tissue and soap are typically stored in a linen closet, but for a luxurious marble-clad bathroom, the homeowners didn’t want to sacrifice wall space for a full closet. Some creative thinking resulted in a half-height wall cabinet in the water closet that is exactly deep enough to hold rolls of toilet paper and other small items. It is an efficient use of space cleverly disguised to the unsuspecting.

These are just a few examples of out-of-the-box design solutions that can create your perfect bathroom, custom-tailored to your space and your needs. And this type of design happens when you collaborate with a designer who can translate your thoughts and wishes into a tangible and beautiful result.

All of the above bathrooms were a design-build collaboration between the homeowners and the designers and carpenters at Mosby Building Arts. View their portfolio of master bathroom remodels here. And to begin crafting your ultimate bathroom remodel with them, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Your bathrooms are easily the most-used rooms in the house. This heavy use is one of the reasons bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular and necessary home improvement projects.

Homeowners looking into bathroom remodeling consistently indicate that their most important concern is time. Even more than the cost, they don’t wish to face having a bathroom torn up and out of commission for weeks on end.

The tangible need for a fast bathroom remodel has given rise to companies that specialize in fast bath remodeling, commonly referred to as the one-day, three-day or quick bath.

The allure of a new bathroom in a short period of time for a reasonable price is enticing, but the devil is in the details. Quite often, this type of project is about covering the existing bathroom with a clean, new surface. While that will look good, it’s what goes under the surfaces that create the kind of consumer complaints seen on the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List websites.

To illustrate why this form of cover up bath remodeling can create lingering problems for you, let’s use the bath tub as an example. Rather than remove the existing tub, a standard option is to install an acrylic liner over it. While this is a fast and simple option, whatever problems were on and/or under the original tub still remain, but are just out of site.

If any mold or water damage problems with the existing tub are not addressed, placing a new surface over it does not equate out of sight out of mind. Instead, it can create a whole new set of problems. A liner is essentially sealing in any existing moisture problems, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can result in unhealthy indoor air quality, or escalate the water damage to the structure under the tub or behind the walls.

Other consumer complaints about tub liners include water seeping through the seals, or the new drains needed for the liner being improperly connected to the existing plumbing line. Both of these items can create new water management headaches that are often not covered in the warranties provided by these companies, as their warranties are worded to cover only the liner itself, rather than the installation.

It’s these kinds of overlooked details that can create a lingering problem for homeowners who expect an efficient resolution for any problems. Many customers report having to call in another specialist or company to resolve a problem created by a quick bath remodeler, which adds to the time and cost of what was hoped to be a fast and affordable bathroom update.

For a quality bathroom remodel that will perform efficiently and safely for dozens of years, there are key items that cannot be overlooked. This includes:

• Applying for and obtaining all required permits and licenses
• Work done up to – and beyond – code
• Inspecting and correcting all water, moisture and structural problems
• Installing quality fixtures and materials that have lasting value and performance
• A strong warranty that covers materials and workmanship

To spare yourself from difficulties, always ensure that the company you choose for a bathroom remodel delivers the basics listed above. Shortcutting any of these essentials can set you up for a project that does not deliver the value and performance you expect.

And you can have a No Cover Ups bath remodel done in a swift and efficient manner with The Right Bath by Mosby. You will work with designers who bring fixtures (like Kohler) and accessories selections to your home, and a standard Right Bath can be completed in 5 working days.

Learn more about affordability and peace of mind of The Right Bath.

If you’re handy with basic construction, a bathroom remodel seems like a project you can handle. It can be simple to replace a vanity, install a new medicine cabinet or – for the more adventurous – re-grout the shower wall tile.

But it is quite common for a seemingly simple project to snowball into a situation beyond your knowledge level. Remodeling companies commonly agree that the most urgent calls received are from homeowners needing professional help while in the middle of a Do-It-Yourself bathroom remodel.

Bathrooms are typically one of the smaller spaces in a home, but they are packed with so many different functions that are interconnected. From plumbing, to electricity to venting to sub-structure, it’s a highly-charged room with little room for error.

Down the Drain
Installing a new shower can be a straight-forward construction job, but what happens when the old wall covering has been removed and you find water damage behind it? That needs to be properly dealt with before installing any new material.

Multiple shower heads are becoming more common because it’s a great idea, and if you have basic plumbing skills, can be done in a weekend. But you also have to know when to increase the number of water lines and enlarge the drain to accommodate the extra water load. Overlooking this crucial plumbing step will lead to water damage behind the scenes.

A Lightbulb Moment

Do you want to install additional lighting in your bathroom? And a heated towel rack is a welcome feature, as are fully automatic toilets you command from a control panel. But as you increase the number of electrical features, you must have enough juice to safely power the bathroom. A room with so much water is not the place for an electrical short accident.

A Firm Foundation

If you’re tackling a major overhaul to the configuration of the bathroom requiring new walls and adding new features, much knowledge is required. Are you using the proper drywall for moist areas, and is there enough support in the floor to handle increased weight?

Even when adding new surfaces, will the existing floors and walls be able to support a heavier surface? And it’s important to have the right materials to install new surfaces; if you use the wrong mastic or grout, that new tile will eventually fail, creating a mess.

There are so many details to bathroom remodeling that lie below the surface, and it’s these less glamorous details that can lead to unintended problems. Simply covering up existing conditions with new features can be a waste of time and money, so it’s important to make sure it’s done right the first time. Also keep in mind that professionals can complete a bathroom remodel much quicker than you can carve out spare time to do it, and who wants a bathroom out of service for any longer than it needs to?

The bathroom experts at Mosby Building Arts have remodeled thousands of Metro St. Louis bathrooms, so they know about the surprises that pop up during construction, and how to ensure that all functions are coordinated to work properly. Mosby bathroom designers understand the installation requirements of the selections you’ve made to create the perfect bathroom and work with their carpenters to ensure a successful outcome.

If you’re caught in the middle of a D.I.Y. bathroom remodel and need professional help, or would prefer to work with experts from the start, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Answers from Mosby Designers

Would you like to talk about bathroom remodeling with a design expert? E-mail your questions about bathroom remodeling to designers@callmosby.com.

As schedules permit, the Mosby Planning & Design team will provide the answers you need to remodel with confidence. Should your question be of interest to other homeowners, Mosby will share the question and answer on their Home Improvement Library, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Bathrooms are the most used room in a house, and because so much time is spent in them it’s understandable that you dream about the perfect bathroom.

There are some wonderful new products that can turn your bathroom into the ultimate retreat. As shown above, the Moen io digital shower puts the perfect shower at your finger tips. Via remote control, you program the exact temperature, water pressure and what time it begins.

2-seater tubs (above) are fast becoming a popular feature, and are available as corner, wall or stand alone models. And the therapeutic and health benefits of a steam shower are making this a must-have item in masterbathrooms.

But as you contemplate adding these relaxing innovations to your bathroom, please keep in mind the less glamorous details around them.

With a 2-person tub, can your existing bathroom floor support the weight of the bath filled with water and two bodies? For an upgrade to a remote-controlled shower, is there enough electric to run it and is there proper drainage to handle the increased amounts of water?

Designers and carpenters are experienced at handling the details of a bathroom remodel that allow all the new features to function properly. For instance, a bathroom designer knows that a steam shower needs a slanted ceiling so that hot water drips away from you, whereas the place selling and installing the product are concentrating on models and price points. But if you can’t use the steam shower because it causes harm, then it’s a waste of money, time and expectations.

It is a wise and safe move to consult with experts before you invest in new bathroom fixtures. The consultants and bathroom designers at Mosby Building Arts listen to your desires and analyze the space to insure you will have the bathroom of your dreams, perfect in form and function. To do bathroom trends right, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Answers from Mosby Designers

Would you like to talk about the latest bathroom features with a design expert? E-mail your questions about bathroom remodeling to designers@callmosby.com.

As schedules permit, the Mosby Planning & Design team will provide the answers you need to remodel with confidence. Should your question be of interest to other homeowners, Mosby will share the question and answer in their Home Improvement Library, Twitter and Facebook pages.

Even the most modest of homes have a master bedroom, which is a large bedroom with its own full bathroom. Though it is essentially a private space, it is an important place for escape, sanctuary and preparing yourself for each day.

When you add walk-in closets, a seating area and access to an outdoor deck or patio to a master bedroom it becomes master suite. Think of it as creating a private apartment within your home, and there are a few good ways to create this kind of luxury for yourself.

Remodel Existing Space

New flooring, windows and paint colors will automatically brighten an existing space. Consider rearranging furniture to create a seating area, and work with designers to bring more organization and space to the closest.

A master bathroom can transform into a spacious luxury spa within the same footprint by introducing new cabinetry, flooring and lighting. Upgrade to a whirlpool tub and a new shower with bench seating for ultimate relaxation.

Click to see a good example of updating a master bathroom.

Borrow More Space

If you have an extra, unused bedroom next to your master bedroom, consider co-opting that space to create a larger master suite. Walls can be removed and the spaces reconfigured to give you the walk-in closet or dressing room you’ve always longed for. It’s also a good opportunity to create His & Hers bathrooms or closets. Professional designers and architects can analyze your space to help you realize what is possible.

Add More Space

Master Suite additions are a popular remodeling project that adds proven value to home. Here is a floorplan example of building a new addition and reconfiguring the existing master bedroom to create a luxury suite:

For this project, the existing master bathroom was doubled in size and the existing master bedroom was converted into His & Hers walk-in closets flanking a hallway into the new master bedroom addition. The addition gave the couple more breathing room and more windows so natural light could pour in. They also added a deck with a hot tub off the back, which extends their luxury space to the outdoors.

Click to see more photos of this addition remodeling project.

If you have been contemplating an updated or expanded master suite, talk with a Mosby Home Consultant to explore your options. You will benefit from their decades of design and building experience, and work with certified designers and architects to create the sanctuary you’ve always longed for. To begin your master suite journey, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Updating your bathroom not only adds recoupable value to your home but it also improves your quality of life.  A bathroom remodel is an opportunity to have a safe and healthy space that lends pleasure to your daily routines.

The latest trends in Metro St. Louis bathroom remodeling reveal desires for accessible design that creates ease of use and a spa-like serenity that soothes the soul.

A Walk-In Shower with Bench Seating

There are so many wonderful benefits of a walk-in shower that it’s no secret why they’ve become a must-have in master bathrooms. A low-clearance entry makes it accessible to everyone of all ages, and who wouldn’t love the luxury of sitting down while showering with a hand-held shower head? These features create a relaxing experience, add sophisticated beauty to the bathroom and will accommodate walkers or wheelchairs if your abilities change in the future. Click to see how a walk-in shower looks in a master bathroom.

A Touchless Faucet and Soap Dispenser

They have become standard features in public restrooms, and now the designs have been refined for hands-free use in the home. Automatic fixtures are great for both small children and those with decreased hand mobility, and other benefits include less mess to clean up, and (with the faucets) less water used since it only runs when your hands activate it.

A Customized Showering Experience

Imagine waking up in the morning and walking into a shower already running at your perfect temperature. Your shower can become as dependable as an alarm clock with a digital control panel. They are easily programmable so that each user has push button access to their preferred temperature and water pressure. The Kohler model even coordinates music, lighting and steam for the ultimate showering experience.

A Curved Bath Tub

Would you like a bigger tub to fit in an existing space in your bathroom? That option is yours with a curved apron bathtub, which gives you 6” more width at the widest point while fitting into the same footprint. And it’s the perfect match for the curved shower rods which are now so popular.

A Trench Shower Drain

For showers with no entry curb, a trench drain is a must. They serve as the barrier between the wet and dry parts of a walk-in shower without doors, and are ADA-compliant for wheelchairs and walkers. They are also sleek, discreet and blend in with the tile, opening up new design options. Click to see a trench drain in an accessible shower within an apartment room addition.

If you’d like to add any of these exciting new features to your bathroom, work with the bathroom designers and Certified Aging In-Place Specialists at Mosby Building Arts. From floorplans to selections shopping to construction, the deep bench of Mosby experts will help you create the safe and beautiful bathroom you deserve. You can have a satisfying bathroom remodeling experience when you call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

MP3: Scott Mosby Tip of the Week – 15

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.

No matter how much you scrub and disinfectant, that creeping ring of grime at the base of your bathroom faucet just keeps growing. You look around your bathroom and realize, “Yes, it could all use a makeover!” Mosby Building Arts is excited to bring you The Right Bath, a bathroom remodeling process that gives you affordable design for peace of mind.

When introduced to The Right Bath, a common response is, “Well, aren’t they all the right bath?” To which Mosby responds, “You would think they are, but mostly they cover up real problems for short-term benefits. We do a bathroom remodel the right way at the right price with quality that lasts a lifetime.”

“My Bath Is Too Big a Project”

We live with our bathrooms every day, so we’re well aware of the annoyances of unsightly grime, decay, mold, rust and outdated fixtures and accessories. When we’re embarrassed for guests to see the hall bathroom or powder room, it’s time for an update.

But the very thought of a bath remodel can cause anxieties including fears of it being too expensive, too lengthy, and too inconvenient. These valid concerns are what bring some homeowners to bath-in-a-box companies who advertise fast and cheap bathroom cover-ups. Those seemingly easy solutions leave many dissatisfied clients, who become dismayed at the actual costs, the cheapness of the materials, and shoddy workmanship that soon reveals major problems that were not corrected.

Bath Remodeling Done the Right Way

The Right Bath by Mosby answers the need for an affordable, hassle-free bath remodel with long-lasting quality and beauty. Mosby’s 63 years of experience in designing and building bathrooms to be proud of is distilled into a convenient process that addresses these concerns:

Quality A bathroom is a high traffic area so fixtures must be durable as well as beautiful. Mosby provides classic Kohler fixtures and accessories at a reasonable price.  These are installed by seasoned carpenters and specialists who build sustainable and healthy bathrooms. Mosby does not cut corners by covering up problems, they solve the problems once and for all.

Convenience Do you really have the time to comparison shop for contractors, fixtures and accessories? Mosby relieves the stress of decisions by being your one-stop resource. Shop at home, choosing options from design packages created by Mosby designers. Gain confidence with upfront work scopes and budgets that eliminate surprises.  Get peace of mind from Mosby carpenters that obtain permits, build to code, and work in an efficient and respectful manner.

Collaboration Mosby works with you as a consultative team member, providing answers and education that guide you through the process. When completed, you will be proud of what was accomplished together as team and have a beautiful, clean bathroom from a reliable partner you can trust.

Affordability The value of doing it right the first time is far greater than the cost of a cheap, fast bath. There is no comparison between the value of The Right Bath by Mosby and a “bath-in-a-box” cover up. Consider the long-term sustainable solutions, quality and expert workmanship that Mosby brings to this comprehensive remodel, and know that you can have the bathroom you deserve at the right price.

Based on square footage, a bathroom is the most expensive room in the home to remodel. You can retain and improve the value of your home by improving it the right way.  A beauty treatment is only skin deep while a solution goes to the core. You can trust Mosby Building Arts for long-term, sustainable bath solutions which are affordable, safe, healthy and beautiful.

Mosby understands Metro St. Louis homeowners’ apprehensions about investing in a bathroom remodeling project, and so removes the stress and anxiety to bring you a bathroom you can be proud of and that will bring peace of mind for years to come.

To have The Right Bath at the right price, call Mosby Building Arts at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

For those in their Golden Years, a common concern is the seemingly inevitable life transition of leaving your longtime home for a retirement community. Add to this major dilemma an unsure housing economy, and the concern becomes all the more perplexing.

What if you could turn your existing home into the ultimate version of the retirement villa you would envision? Would you stay in your home if it met all the wants and needs of your life?

A recent AARP survey found that over 80% of people over 60-years old desire to stay in their own homes for the rest of their lives, meaning they prefer to age in place. Typically, the aging process is blamed for many problems we encounter with daily activities, when, often, it is the home that creates the difficulties.

Homes geared to younger adults do not properly support the physical and sensory changes we experience as we age. With even minor aging changes, an insignificant home feature can have significant effects. For instance, a change in lighting can change how well you see in your own home.

50+ living is all about independent, barrier-free comfort and function.  Accessible design benefits all the generations of family and friends who come into your home, and it will be as beautiful and stylish as you desire.

Interior Accessible Design Success Story

A St. Louis County couple had been in the same home for decades.  They had raised a family there, and their children and grandchildren all lived nearby.  Nearing retirement, they realized that they wanted to stay in their own home within their community, and worked with Mosby Building Arts on planning their home for life.

Working with a Mosby Certified Aging In-Place (CAPS) designer, they reviewed current needs and future concerns and decided to make the master bathroom their first accessible design project because this where we tend to first notice changing capabilities.

To look at this bathroom, you would not immediately know that it’s accessible, but it certainly is.  The His & Hers bathroom vanities have single-lever faucet handles for ease of use, and are separated by a chair-height counter top with open space below.  This can accommodate a chair now or a wheelchair if needed in the future.

The toilet is of taller height than average which makes sitting down and getting up much easier, and a stylish grab bar to the right adds to the ease of use. The push-button control pad mounted to the vanity controls flushing, heating and lid functions.

The walk-in shower has a low-clearance threshold, multiple brushed, coordinated stainless grab bars, a handheld shower wand and a retractable teak wood bench mounted to the wall.

See more photos of this accessible bathroom project.

Exterior Accessible Design Success Story

A long-time Mosby Building Arts client is currently vibrant and active, but is thinking ahead by teaming with Mosby to create a long-term plan for her home. Mosby moved her laundry room from the basement to a new ground floor addition off the garage, and even built new, shallow steps for easier access from the garage to the house (above).

She is also a veteran gardener with a gorgeous backyard, so Mosby came up with designs to make her outdoor living just as accessible as indoors.  The Mosby CAPS team designed and built a new patio with a lightly textured concrete surface for better traction, and a screen porch with a zero-clearance entry from the patio so that a walker or wheelchair can pass with no difficulty.

Her favorite feature is the concrete ramp that leads from the patio down into the garden.  She already enjoys how convenient the lack of steps is, which highlights how so many accessible design features just make good sense for everyone who uses them.

See more photos of this accessible outdoor living project.

Other features that add mobility and beauty to outdoor living include increased lighting, raised flower planters and beds, raised height water spigots and wide sliding or French doors leading out to the area. When done properly, nothing looks out of the ordinary because it looks extraordinary.

Mosby Building Arts has three CAPS team members – including Scott Mosby who was the first national CAPS ambassador – who are certified and experienced at helping you live more comfortably in your home for life. To explore your accessible design options, call 314.909.1800 or contact Mosby here.

Remodeling a bathroom is an enticing idea because it’s a well-defined space where small changes have a huge impact.  Updating a bathroom remains, by far, the most popular remodeling project, even during these economical times.

There are several surefire ways to bring new life to a bathroom, ranging from stylish items that add instant glamor, to fine-tuning ease of use and comfort.  Here are the most popular items that update a bathroom with style.

New Light & Plumbing Fixtures

Faucets are like jewelry in the bathroom, changing the look and feel of a space with the right accessories, and there truly are just as many choices for plumbing fixtures as there are earrings! Include new light fixtures that coordinate with the faucets for a high-impact makeover.

Medicine Cabinets

Medicine cabinets have moved beyond a simple place to keep toothpaste and prescriptions out of sight. The Robern medicine cabinet shown above has a built-in mirror defogger that opens to reveal an attached, swing-out magnifying mirror and interior electric outlets.  Move up to a medicine cabinet that organizes the ritual of getting ready, and leaves the bathroom looking sleek once you’re out the door.

Vessel Sinks

A free-standing sink that sits directly on a countertop is knows as a vessel sink. This  centuries-old concept based on washbasins used before the advent of running water.  Vessel sinks are like adding a fine piece of art, and because they are so beautiful they quickly become the focal point of a bathroom.

Vanity with Double Sinks

A sink for everyone using the master bathroom is a wonderful idea because it personalizes the space and creates harmony.  Dual sinks and a new countertop can often be added to an existing vanity, or select a new one to completely change the look of the bathroom.

Comfort Height Toilets

An idea with well-being in mind is the comfort height toilet.  Standard toilet height is 14.” Add another inch or two to that and sitting down and standing up becomes so much easier.  Selecting an elongated bowl also adds to the comfort.

Automated Toilets

An accessible master bathroom project by Mosby Building Arts features a toilet with many useful and comfortable automated features. The model shown above has a heated seat, an automatic-close lid, and all these functions – including flushing – are controlled remotely on the keypad attached to the bathroom vanity.

Handheld Shower Heads

Handheld shower heads add versatility and convenience to the showering experience.  They function as both a fixed-mount spigot or easily slide out to be held in the hand, which allows the option of showering while seated, targeting sore muscles or bathing pets.  Combine a handheld faucet withy matching grab bars for stability as well as beauty.

Shower Seating

Having the option to sit down comes in handy for everyone of all capabilities. A flip-down shower bench, like the one shown above, folds up when done which conserves space.

Or there is option of a built-in corner bench, which functions as both seating and (so we hear) a great aid for leg shaving!  Shower seating has quickly become a standard option in showers, and so comes in a wide variety of shapes and styles.

Grab Bars

Stability and security while showering is crucial to everyone of every age and ability, so grab bars are a universal design feature that just makes good sense. Grab bars can be gorgeous, and are available in any length, finish and color to either coordinate with towel racks and other fixtures, or become an eye-popping feature all its own.

Stylish Storage

Look to the right in the photo above to see a clever idea: a full-length mirror that slides in and out of the bathroom cabinet with the light pull of a handle.  Creating new ways to store essentials that are both functional and attractive is the fun part of updating the look of a bathroom. From custom cabinetry to unique wall niches, there are limitless options for bathroom storage.

Towel Warmers

The ultimate luxury is a warm.  Bring that spa feature into your bathroom with either a warming drawer (left) or a space-saving warming rack (right).

The professional bathroom designers at Mosby Building Arts are a valuable resource for updating the look and function of any bathroom in your home.  You will work with them as team, selecting the new pieces that enhance one of the most important spaces in the home.  Browse the Mosby bathroom remodel portfolio to inspire new ideas, and then begin updating your bathroom by calling the office at 314.909.1800, or contact them here.