The Mosby Building Arts construction team is currently working on a great project in Chesterfield, MO, and our client has been documenting the process on her blog, Scraps from Sheryl.

The family is creating a suite for a mother-in-law who will move in once the project is complete.  We’re turning an existing laundry room into a mud room, and adding a new laundry room and master suite addition, which leads out to a deck.   Sheryl just shared her joy about using her new laundry room, and is full of praise (and photos) about her Mosby construction crew.
Read her update and see the photos here.

Once the Mosby Planning & Design department completed the scope of work, selections and drawings, our carpenters began construction in early December 2009, and Sheryl began documenting the process at that time.  Here is her first post about the remodeling project.

And here are the rest of her blog entries about the mother-in-law suite, in chronological order:
We Are Under Roof
Interior Views of Construction
Don’t You Wish Your Dining Room Was Hot Like Mine?
It Looks Like A House Now

Our deepest thanks to Sheryl for her enthusiasm and generosity of spirit during this room addition remodeling project!

The arrival of spring and its promise of renewal is a great time to assess home exteriors with a fresh eye.  Did the roof emerge from the snow and ice season without damage?  Does the siding remain in good condition?  How did the concrete driveway and walks hold up to the Midwest freeze/thaw cycles?  And does the home look crisp and pleasing to your eye?

Now is the time to asses a home’s exterior health and attractiveness and begin the improvements that will increase the value, soundness and curb appeal of an important home investment.  Consider the importance of investing in exterior design that also reduces your future maintenance.

Water is the constant enemy of a house, and most exterior components of our homes are designed to keep water out.  Gutters, downspouts, flashing, roofs and attics require regular attention because they work together as a water management system.

There are ways to significantly reduce water management damage and maintenance.  Installing seamless, clog-free gutters removes cleaning gutters from the list of chores, and properly placing downspouts to move water away from the house helps avoid interior leaks and damage.  Flashing works in tandem with a roof to direct water into the gutters, so correctly installed flashing is as equally important as a sound roof that withstands rain and wind storms. Read here for the ill effects of bad flashing.

Roofing options are endless, and some good examples can be found here.  Issues such as heat gain, mold resistance and attic ventilation can be addressed in the type of roof chosen, but please pay attention to aesthetics as well as function.

A roof represents roughly one quarter of the look of a home.  Ever notice how an old, worn out roof with dirt streaks can cast communicate neglect on an otherwise tidy house?  Coordinating the look of the roof with the rest of the home is essential.

Think of coordinating roofing, siding and shutters in the same way we dress ourselves each day.  We mix and match our clothes to express different moods or reflect the occasion, and select accessories that enhance our desired colors.  Applying these same principals to a home is the basis of exterior design, and it contributes to curb appeal.

As with roofs, siding choices are endless and is best selected according to the amount of acceptable maintenance and the style desired.  Let’s review exterior siding choices.  Remember that choosing quality materials reaps the long-term benefit of durability which equals spending once to last a lifetime.

Pay particular attention to the colors of concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios because they contribute to first impressions.  They also affect the safety of those using them.  Cracked or spalling concrete is caused by water problems, and should be repaired or replaced.  Dirty concrete detracts from the appearance of the home and its landscaping beauty.  It is wise to protect your concrete investment with the durability that comes from cleaning and long-term sealing.

There is much to be gained from coordinating the exterior design of a home, and choosing the products that will bring the most value and durability.  Mosby Building Arts has a deep bench of roofing, siding, roof cleaning and sealing professionals experienced in enhancing and protecting your home’s exterior.  View an example of an award-winning Mosby project that completely transformed a house built in the 1980s, and when your home is ready for an upgrade, call the Mosby Team at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

Home enhancement hope springs eternal when you visit us at the 33^rd Annual Home & Garden Show in downtown St. Louis at the Edward Jones Dome, February 25 - 28^th, 2010.

The Mosby Solution Center

The Mosby Solution Center is your one-stop source for all home improvement needs. Come to aisle 3600 - 3800 with your To-Do checklist and team up with experts in home remodeling specializing in kitchen and bath remodeling, architecture, home theaters, skylights, windows and flooring, and more.

Do you have questions about the energy efficiency of your home? The Solution Center is where you will find home energy auditors, plumbers, electricians and heating and cooling pros, and answers for all your questions and problem.

Exterior beauty is on our minds come spring, and the Solution Center is your place for beginning spring projects such as landscaping, siding, windows, sealing and more.

For every need there is a solution, so visit the Mosby Solution Center for all your home enhancement needs in one convenient location, aisles 3600-3800 in the Dome.

The Monster Truck Is Coming

Here’s a peek of our new Monster Truck, days away from rolling out to the Home Show.  Bring your grandchildren and children to the unveiling of our patriotic theme inside the heart of the Mosby Solution Center.

KMOX Live Broadcast with Scott Mosby

Be a part of the KMOX Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby, as he does the show live under the Mosby Solution Center banner on Saturday, February 27, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Credits Count: Smart Design Is Your Smart Buy

Scott Mosby shares how to design your home to gain the most comfort, energy efficiency, and tax credits. Scott’s show times at the Better Living Theater in the Dome are:

• Thursday & Friday: 1:30, 3:30, 7:30
• Saturday: 2:30, 4:30, 7:30
• Sunday: 1:30, 3:30

The Home Show hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. everyday, except for Sunday, when it closes early at 5 p.m.  More details about the event are here at the Home Builders Association website.  And we look forward to serving your home enhancement needs inside the Mosby Solution Center.

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.

Open floor plans are highly-desired in today’s homes because they can increase opportunities for connection and interaction between people.  One way to achieve and increase these together times for friends and family is by removing obstacles that limit visual connection and impair access.

For instance, a popular remodeling project to achieve a bigger kitchen is to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room which visually connects the spaces and effectively increase the feel of both rooms. Another is to remove the wall between the family room and an under-used living room.  This has the benefit of making more space without adding on.

But can that wall be removed without causing major damage to the structure of the home?  Does the wall hold anything up, which is to say is the wall load-bearing?  What is inside that wall and can it be moved to allow wall removal?  How can I find out?

Load-bearing walls must be positively identified before starting any home improvement that includes removing or altering a wall, door or window opening.  Identifying load points and structural walls in a house requires an accurate assessment of the structure, building materials, and an awareness of the local building practices.  This structural assessment is best done by a licensed Architecture firm, or Professional Engineer. Do not attempt this yourself. This information is intended to help you stay safe while dreaming about changing your house and moving walls.  Please contact Mosby Building Arts, Ltd. for consulting assistance with load-bearing walls.

A load-bearing wall is one that bears the weight and force of a structure, and transfers that weight to the ground.  Grounding points - like foundations, footings, columns and piers - are what bear the weight of the home.  Some structures that span between these grounding points are known as load-bearing walls, beams, headers, trusses or lintels.

Probable Load-Bearing Walls

An example of load-bearing walls found in this particular home.

The roof structure and second floor structure defines largely where load-bearing points are located.  Most exterior walls bear some load of a house, while interior load-bearing walls can typically be parallel to the roof ridge of the home, and tend to run perpendicular to the floor joists.

Structural walls on two story homes with gable roofs are commonly the center wall running parallel with the length of the house and the front and rear walls on the exterior.  However a house with a hip roof structure suggests that all the exterior walls are bearing walls.  Any wall, on all floors, directly above or parallel to a basement beam, typically wood, steel I-beam or a basement wall must be considered by a layman as directly load bearing.  Stair well openings are also typically load-bearing points.

These are very general rules of thumb, and one must understand how the house was originally constructed to prioritize structure points in a home.  Local building practices are also considered to identify load bearing points such as the use of floor or roof trusses, conventional framing lumber, manufactured members, or a combination of these.  There may be other load-bearing walls that are not so obvious to the layman, which is why an on-site assessment by a building professional is crucial before beginning this type of remodeling project.

When In Doubt, Don’t Cut It Out

It is best to be safe and stay on the side of caution and consider every wall as load-bearing until it has been confirmed by a professional.

A load bearing wall can be removed, but a new system for transferring the weight has to be built.  The most common way to solve this is by building a new header and post structure to go in place of the wall.  Here is an example of this procedure from a Mosby Building Arts kitchen project:

In this before picture, the wall between the dining room and kitchen was load-bearing, but to achieve a more spacious kitchen, plans called for the removal of this barrier.

Mosby carpenters were able to remove the wall by installing a new load-bearing point, artfully disguised as a column, and transfer the load of the weight-bearing header, artfully disguised as a soffit with crown-molding, to a new grounding point.  This column location was chosen by home owners so that a column in the basement was not required to be added.  Moving or removing this column also affected the budget, so remain apprised of potential costs in these decisions.  See more photos from this project.

So, a load-bearing wall can be reconfigured to accommodate a new interior design, as long as the identification and construction is done by building professionals with a deep understanding and the experience to change important structural elements.

Mosby Building Arts provides a consultation service to accurately identify load-bearing walls in a home and help map out the best way to proceed on a remodeling project that may require their alteration or removal.  Be cautious and be safe by calling the office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

From Washington D.C. to the local coffee shop, energy efficiency has become a popular topic of conversation.  This is good because discussing how to make millions of existing homes more comfortable while spending less on energy is how knowledge spreads.  Considering that the average age of an American home is over 30 years old, knowing how to make these homes comfortable and energy efficient is a crucial component of sustainability.

There are currently state and federal tax incentives for efficiency upgrades on existing homes.  These tax credits mainly cover a small percentage of upgrade costs while encouraging investment in long-term energy savings and increased comfort and health.  Even with the possibility of tax credits defraying some retrofit costs, it is important to avoid wasting money by knowing which solutions will bring the best results.

Begin with an Energy Audit

It requires specialized knowledge to make the right improvements to a home, and this is why energy projects must start with an energy audit from trained professionals.  A certified energy auditor will find what can’t be seen by the naked eye, and one of the tools used to do this is an infrared thermal camera which reveals and measures temperature differences inside the home.

Here is an example from a Mosby Energy Audit of how air leaks in.  The dark blue in the infrared image shows cold air coming into the bedroom from below the window and where the wall meets the floor.  Once the intrusion had been found, the Mosby crew removed only the necessary areas of drywall, added insulation where it was missing, sealed joints below the window and base trim, and did new drywall and paint so it looked exactly as they found it.

Experienced energy auditors know the common weak spots in construction, and where to look for areas that are leaking the most air.  Above is an exhaust fan in the bathroom ceiling as seen through the thermal camera, revealing that cold air from the attic is spilling into the bathroom.

After conducting multiple energy tests and analyzing the results, the Mosby energy auditor creates a priority list that begins with health and safety first, and then considers which solutions will bring the greatest return on investment (ROI).

ROI is categorized in an energy audit report as short-term, D.I.Y. solutions (switch to CFLs, install programmable thermostat), mid-term solutions that may require professional help (caulking or insulation, for example) and long-term solutions (like water heaters, windows or furnaces) that are a sizeable expenditure that pays for itself over a longer period of time.

Making energy improvements without an energy audit is like walking through a dark room with a flashlight; we only see what the light shines on while missing the bigger picture.  An energy audit shines a bright light and shows the ways we lose energy in our homes and how to correct the issues.  For proper guidance, be sure to use only certified auditors who are educated and trained in testing, analyzing and solving energy problems.  Mosby Building Arts is your best choice for professional and beneficial energy improvements. Learn more about Mosby energy audit services by calling 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

With a little creative direction, there are many ways to increase storage space. Adding shelving systems, installing more cabinets and buying armoires or antique chifferobes are typical options. Along with these common solutions, let’s consider what other options might maximize storage potential.

Storage Under the Stairs

Put all that square footage under a set of stairs to use as a closet.  Just as important as the space to store belonging is ease of access. In the example above, Mosby designers created a unique set of folding doors that expose the entire contents under the basement stairs.

Wall of Bookcases

Floor-to-ceiling bookcases across an entire wall is the dream of many book lovers, as well as a smart way to get maximum storage while using up minimal living space.  In the example shown above, the desire for more book space was answered by Mosby designers with built-in bookcases lining three walls of a home office, customized shelving heights and cabinet doors to match the homeowners needs.

Customized Closet

A Christmas tree collection brings about very special storage needs for such large objects.  As part of a basement remodel, Mosby Building Arts planners configured space within an exercise room purposely designed to house trees.  Behind a pair of sliding doors is a spacious Tree Closet!
See more of the home with these 3 clever storage ideas.

Add Space in the Walls

Take advantage of the space between wall studs by adding recessed cabinets or niches.  For the master bathroom shown above, Mosby inserted a lighted niche with glass shelves into the marble wall, creating a stylish and useful space that keeps the clean lines intact.
See more photos of this master bathroom project.

Built-In Bench Seating

Built-in seating provides a place to sit without taking up valuable floor space, and it doubles as a wonderful place to store things out of sight.  With the family room addition shown above, there’s bench seating with storage on both sides of the fireplace. To the right are pull-out drawers, and to the left is a clever way to disguise a pop-up TV screen (as seen in the photo inset).
See more photos of this family room addition.

There are so many clever and useful ways to create more storage in every home, and we invite you to work with the space planning designers at Mosby Building Arts to explore the best organization solutions. Call the office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

Part 2:  And see the rest of the decorated cubes here.

And the winners are…….

3rd Place: Happy Holly Days

2nd Place: Old Mosby Logo

1st Place: Candy Cane Condo

And here’s video of the winners:

Thank you to everyone who participated because you made a positive difference in our office for the holiday season!

See photos and video 3 of the entries here.

And here are the final 4 entries:

Cindy Lou Who Cube

The level of detail in the painted cardboard is awe-inspiring.  You can almost ehar the sound of a glass ball ornament rolling across the floor, which awakens…

…Cindy Lou Who, who is no more than 2!

Gingerbread Cube

The level of detail on this cube is overwhelming.  The two ladies responsible for this candy land cut out every single piece by hand and pasted it together and up onto the house.  The icing is via caulk gun.

Quite the arts & crafts accomplishment!

Old Mosby Logo Cube

Our old company logo featured a house, and one of our carpenters recreated that logo as only a builder can.

The Christmas trees are decorated with our old business cards.

And even his fish Elmo gets a hat (on the tank) and a stocking, which holds his fish food!

NASCAR Christmas

These 2 ladies sit in an extra-wide cubicle which they refer to as “the double-wide trailer.” Thus was born NASCAR Christmas. They have an actual NASCAR tire that was donated by one of our fellow employees.

Their level of cultural detail was accurate and loving.  We’ve all fallen in love with Killer, the stuffed pit bull!

Here’s quick video of all the entrants:

When it comes to the best way to heat your home, there is one option that towers above the others: split geothermal systems.

It is a superior choice because it uses no fossil fuels, is 300 - 400% more efficient than the highest-rated gas furnace, and costs less to operate over time which creates substantial savings on energy bills all year round.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency calls geothermal systems “the most energy efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today.”  To back up that endorsement, the government is offering a federal tax credit of 30% of the installation costs for homeowners who install a geothermal system in 2009 or 2010.

How Does It Work?

Geothermal essentially means the heat from inside the earth.  Unlike traditional heating systems that burn a fuel to create heat, a geothermal system collects and distributes heat that already exists naturally, with 2/3 of it being free energy from the earth right beneath your feet.

The earth absorbs and stores nearly half of the sun’s energy that hits the earth.  A geothermal system taps into that free, renewable energy at a constant temperature and puts it to work in the home.  The earth’s natural heat is collected in the winter by a series of pipes called a loop system.  The loop carries heat to the home where it’s compressed and released to raise the inside temperature (this process is reversed in the summer).

The loop system is what powers geothermal energy, and there are 4 loop configurations available to match the needs of any new or exiting home.  For instance, to retrofit an older home in an exiting neighborhood, the vertical loop is often used because it fits in where land area is limited.  Certified and experienced installers can find a way to make geothermal work in most every residential situation.

How Much Do Geothermal Heating Systems Cost?

Geothermal heating systems are more expensive than traditional heating systems, but it is a one-time cost to purchase and install it with no monthly bills to the utility company to heat and cool your home.  Compare that to traditional systems that require you to continually pay for fuel and maintenance after the initial purchase and install, and the long-term cost savings of geothermal becomes apparent.

With the rising price of oil, gas, and electricity, a properly installed geothermal heat pump system can literally pay for itself in only few years.  Plus, the environmental benefits are tremendous: installing geothermal in a home is equivalent to removing two cars from the road or equal to planting a full acre of new trees.

When building a new home, geothermal is absolutely the way to go.  When it’s time to upgrade the system of an existing home, explore all the options available for geothermal retrofit.  It is important to work only with proven geothermal professionals to get the system and installation that makes it such a worthwhile investment in comfort and efficiency.

We invite you to call the Mosby office for a recommendation of the company we trust to deliver the knowledge and service needed for geothermal heating and cooling.  Call us at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

Learn about other home heating options at this link.