An attached garage tends to be one of the most-used spaces of your home, but it can also be one of the most uncomfortable places if it’s not fully insulated. There are a few key things you can do to make the garage more comfortable.

The goal of garage insulation is to make it a tempered space, which is an intermediate zone between conditioned and unconditioned space. Temperature changes inside an insulated space are not as drastic because it retains the atmosphere. For example, in the winter, when you pull your car into the garage, the engine heat will be held for several hours, making it warmer. Or, if you bring in a space heater, the heat will be retained so you can work comfortably.

Be it summer or winter, a tempered space is better for storage of paint and gardening chemicals. Also deep freezers or an extra refrigerator will run more efficiently because they are not battling against the extreme heat of the summer.

Existing Insulation in an Attached Garage

Frame homes built from roughly 1960 onward with an attached garage should have insulation in the shared wall between the garage and the home. This should be of the same R-value used in the rest of the home.  If there’s a room above the garage, they typically insulate the space between the garage ceiling and the interior room’s floor.

If your garage already has a drywall finish, chances are good that it’s already insulated. You can verify this by removing an electric outlet cover, which lets you see what’s behind the wall. If the walls are not insulated, you can inject a spray foam for a minimal layer of insulation. However, opening the walls to properly apply full insulation will deliver the best results.

If you have raw framing in your garage, simply add insulation between the studs and apply a drywall finish. And as with any insulation project, sealing gaps around windows and outlets is an important part of battling drafts and air leaks.

The Quickest Way to Insulate a Garage

An overhead garage door is basically a moving wall, and since they are usually made of metal, it is also a conductor of the heat and cold. Switching to an insulated overhead door with a Styrofoam core can deliver immediate results, even in an otherwise un-insulated garage.

There are Do-It-Yourself methods for insulating an existing overhead door, but it’s a lot of effort for little effectiveness. It is a better value in comfort and efficiency to invest in a new overhead garage door.

Depending on the type of home you have, an insulated garage may have very little impact on the comfort or energy efficiency inside your home. This is about controlling the temperature and comfort in the garage itself. Considering how often you use the space, your comfort alone is worth the effort.

The remodeling experts at Mosby Building Arts can help you with all your garage needs when you call the office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question.

Question

We have a vinyl-covered concrete floor with a large crack in it, which makes it uneven. The ground underneath is clay soil. A contractor recommends removing the tile and grinding down the concrete to make it even. Is this the solution or is there another way to even the surface?

Answer

When a crack shows as an uneven surface (one side higher than the other) it is important to identify and correct the cause or underlying problem.  The concrete is your indicator of the problem and not the problem itself. Grinding and correcting the concrete misalignment only addresses the symptom and not what caused the concrete to crack and move. Whatever is done to even up the concrete surface will probably be a temporary fix until it moves again.

We suspect the problem is the moisture content of the soil below the concrete floor or the erosion or settling of the soil or grade beneath the floor. Water is the problem, either too much or too little – or a dramatic swing from wet-to-dry-to-wet again. We suggest stabilizing the concrete floor first by mud-jacking, removal of the concrete floor and compaction of soil below.

Once everything is stabilized, combining some grinding with the application of a floor leveler compound to raise the lower section up to the level of the higher section is the preferred solution. However, the real long-term remedy is to remove and replace the concrete floor or this floor section. Also consider reinforcing the cracked area and floor leveler compound with a reinforcing membrane to bring strength to the leveler material. Keep the concrete grinding to a minimum.

Small cracks that are level and not misaligned are generally caused by normal concrete shrinkage, and can usually be isolated with a filler and sealer membrane, then apply flooring over the sealed patch.

Your uneven floor crack is a symptom of a deeper issue, so please look into correcting that deeper problem first. Learn more about Mosby Building Art’s repair service. And if you’d like help with this uneven concrete floor, please call the Mosby Building Arts office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

If you desire more space in your home, you may be thinking room addition. It’s a good thought because more square footage increases the value of your home, but only if the room addition is designed and built right. Here are important things to consider before undertaking a room addition project.

Room Addition Design

Plan the work and work the plan  It is more cost effective to plot out every detail of your room addition in advance. Make and finalize all your plans “on paper” so that construction is the follow-through of a good idea.

What is the purpose of the addition?  Are you needing a specific type of room or is it an expansion of an existing space? Form follows function, so knowing the answer to this question guides what features are required, and also helps with the following consideration.

Where will it go?  Is this a ground floor bump-out or is it a second-story addition? If it’s a ground-floor addition, on which elevation of the home will it be built? Zoning codes in your neighborhood as well as how much available land you have on your property will affect where it is placed.

What size will it be?    The purpose and location of your addition helps to determine the square footage. Bigger may not always be better, but too small can be a waste of time and money. A successful room addition depends on good design and space planning rather than square footage.

How will it integrate with the home? This is both an interior and exterior consideration. Inside, you must consider how it will be accessed and how that will affect foot traffic. Outside, you will determine if it should blend seamlessly with the look of the home or be a contrasting element to lend drama.

Room Addition Construction

What part of the home will be exposed during construction?     Building an addition usually means at least one wall of your home will be opened up. The remodeling contractor will need to seal this opening to keep dust and debris from the rest of your home, and make it water tight so you are not affected by outdoor weather conditions.

What rooms will be affected during construction?  The rooms directly adjacent to the room addition will be disturbed and possibly unusable during construction, so make plans to set up temporary facilities for the length of the project.

How will your yard be affected?  A room addition usually takes up space in your yard. Consider what areas will be affected during construction, and plan for new landscaping after the project is complete.

How long will it take? The length of construction is related to accurate advance-planning and the weather. The more detailed the design and construction drawings, the more efficient the build will be (plan the work – work the plan). Spring rains or winter snow can delay construction, and good remodeling companies schedule for weather delays during these times of year. The ideal scenario is to design the room addition during the winter months so construction can begin in the spring.

A room addition is considered a major remodeling project, though the time and expense is worth it when done right. The designers, architects and carpenters at Mosby Building Arts are well-versed in all phases of room additions, so if you work with them, you will feel confident that every detail is handled properly.

See a portfolio of Mosby room addition projects. To begin exploring your room addition options, call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

The February 2012 issue of Remodeling magazine has a face familiar to those in Metro St. Louis: Scott Mosby, the KMOX Home Answer Man and president of Mosby Building Arts.

He is one of several remodeling contractors interviewed for the feature Sales Alchemy: Finding New Points of Contact to Turn Prospects Into Clients.

Scott is an advocate of master planning a home to save on future design and estimating fees. “We advocate for the house, its lifecycle, the nuts and bolts as well as safety and security for the people. We factor in family goals.”

Read the entire Remodeling article.

When we’re in good shape, we seldom think about mobility. Contemplating how the aging process will transform our relationship to the physical world is not appealing, and we don’t usually think about how a future surgery or mishap would impact our daily habits.

But you can plan in advance to be ready for any future changes in your mobility.

Planning for the Future

Bathroom grab bars are a good idea for all ages because no one is immune to slippery surfaces. Though people still associate them with growing old, that’s often not the case. Grab bars come in hundreds of styles and finishes, making them a design feature that is both beautiful and functional.

If grabs bars are not part of your current bathroom remodel design scheme, your builder can set it up behind the scenes so they can be installed quickly and securely in the future.

While the walls are exposed during a bathroom remodel, carpenters can install wood blocks between the studs in the areas where grab bars would most logically be placed. This is referred to as “blocking,” and is shown in the photo above. Drywall and other finishes cover it up, but the extra bracing is already there should you ever need it. This type of advance planning saves you from the hassle and delay of having portions of a wall torn out to properly install grab bars during a time you may need them as quickly as possible.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Would you believe that the shower shown above is accessible? To the able-bodied, it’s a “wow” shower. To someone in a wheelchair or using a walker, it’s usable because of the zero-clearance walk-in access and hand-held shower head.

This is a good example of universal design, which is creating spaces that can be used by people of all ages and abilities. Bathroom designers who are Certified Aging In-Place Specialists (CAPS) can seamlessly incorporate accessibility features into the design plan so that your dream bathroom will be stunning and functional for every stage of life.

Other accessible bathroom designs that make good sense include built-in or retractable bench seating in the shower, adjustable-height shower heads, and comfort-height toilets. That so many of these features are now considered luxury upgrades in a bathroom remodel shows just how beautiful mobility can be.

When you work with the CAPS bathroom designers at Mosby Building Arts, you will have conversations about your current and future accessibility needs. These ideas will inform where to place extra blocking in the walls during construction and what type of fixtures and features you will select during the design phase of your project. And you will have the additional security of knowing your bathroom remodel will delight for a lifetime.

Learn more about accessible bathroom design, and let Mosby take care of all your remodeling details by calling 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

Some homeowners have experienced the surprise of a bathroom remodel requiring them to purchase and install upgraded smoke alarms throughout the entire home. How did a seemingly unrelated project require this additional expense? And why do you have to comply?

There are national building codes that everyone is required to meet before your municipality can issue a building permit. In the case of a bath remodel suddenly requiring new smoke alarms, this is your county taking the opportunity to bring you up to current fire safety codes.

Why Do We Have these Building Code Requirements?

A standard set of codes were developed to simplify a complicated process. Previously, there were 3 separate sets of building codes, but those were combined into the International Code Council in the year 2000. The International Residential Code (IRC) division researches and creates minimum building regulations for one- and two-family dwellings.

Most all of St. Louis City and County use the IRC minimum standards, though each municipality may still have additional codes that vary from town to town. This is a positive change because it requires all involved to adhere to a conventional and common construction skill level and responsibility, which keeps you safe and maintains the value of your home. And because these are nation-wide codes, it greatly reduces preferential or lax treatment at the local level.

Examples of IRC Codes That Affect St. Louis Remodeling Projects

• In general, new decks require a more thorough fasten to the exterior of your home. This greatly improves the long-term safety of the structure, minimizing deck collapses.

• New fire codes require upgraded smoke detectors with audible alarms that are interconnected to each other. When compared to battery-powered alarms that may be placed incorrectly or have expired batteries, this greatly increases your survival rate in the event of fire.

• Room additions require extra shear walls to withstand strong winds and severe weather. St. Louis is a tornado-prone town, so a code requiring safer window walls adds a layer of protection and peace of mind.

• Ceiling height must be a minimum of 7 feet in all habitable spaces including hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms and finished basements.

• Finished basements require an egress window. This improvement gives you a means of escape in an emergency, plus an opportunity to bring natural light into the basement.

There are many other new IRC construction standards that take place behind the scenes. For example, changes to wall bracings, foundation requirements, electric receptacles and ventilation are automatically handled by professional contractors and are specified in their construction drawings submitted for permits. If your project receives a permit, rest assured that everything has been planned to code.

When a project is planned properly, you will know upfront about code requirements that may add to the project budget, and compliant construction details will be part of the scope of work. The planners and architects at Mosby Building Arts maintain a current database of building code requirements for all St. Louis, Missouri municipalities, and automatically apply these to construction drawings that are submitted for permits. Learn more about why you need a building permit.

Mosby stays on top of all the details required to create an organized and efficient remodeling project, keeping you safe in your home because all work is performed to and beyond the building codes of the IRC and your local municipality. Let Mosby take care of all your remodeling details by calling 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

A popular option for homeowners needing a bathroom remodel is the quick and affordable “fast bath,” which is essentially covering an existing tub and shower with an acrylic liner, and changing out the toilet and vanity. But this format of bathroom updating can also create many problems.

Speed is of utmost importance to homeowners, because it is truly inconvenient to have a bathroom out of service during the remodeling process.  But an online search of consumer complaints reveals that the methods used in quick, acrylic cover-up bath remodels can lead to a large list of damages, hassles and extra expenses to correct problems not addressed by – or caused by – a quick bath remodel.

If a bathroom remodel is done incorrectly and causes you additional problems, it doesn’t matter how fast or how affordably it was done in the first place. Your best value is to have it done right the first time. Below are some reoccurring complaints about cover-up bathrooms, and ways to prevent them.

COMPLAINT : WATER LEAKS
Water leaks are detected in ceilings and floors because drains were not connected properly when the acrylic liner was placed over existing tub.

PREVENTION
For best results, existing tubs and showers should be completely removed and new ones installed, assuring proper connections to the plumbing lines.

COMPLAINT : WATER DAMAGE
The company did not fix existing water damage problems before placing the acrylic liners. Water problems worsen afterwards and the company does not claim responsibility for pre-existing issues.

PREVENTION
If you know or suspect there is existing water damage in the bathroom, address this during the initial sales meeting. If the company does not include this as part of the remodeling package, please look elsewhere for a company that includes water damage repair in their scope of work.

COMPLAINT : UNLICENSED PLUMBERS
The company does not use a licensed plumber for the bath remodel.

PREVENTION
To assure long-lasting and safe results, a licensed plumber who has pulled proper building permits should be used. This is critical in a professional bathroom remodel.

COMPLAINT : ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
The company does not disclose they don’t do electric work, leaving the homeowner to finish electrical jobs, such as reinstalling a light fixture that was removed.

PREVENTION
A company should supply a detailed scope of work so you know exactly what is expected of them, and what will be your responsibility. If electrical work is required for your project, confirm that they can and will handle this before signing a contract.

COMPLAINT : SUB-PAR INSTALLATION
The products are good, but the installation is done incorrectly, and they are lax in following up to correct these problems.

PREVENTION
A remodel is only as good as its installation, so investing in a company that you can trust to do the job correctly is important. Ethical companies want satisfied clients, so will do whatever it takes to deliver top-notch end results. Before choosing a company, check their client references and search online for their standing with Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau to see how they conduct their business during all stages of a project.

COMPLAINT : HARDWARE INCONSISTENCIES
The “high end” fixtures you thought you were getting are actually chrome-colored plastic.

PREVENTION
It is standard remodeling practice to educate the homeowner about fixtures and accessories in advance. Ask what brands the company uses so you can trust in the quality of what is to be installed.

COMPLAINT : POOR WARRANTY COVERAGE
When a problem arises, the warranty ends up covering only the acrylic product, not the plumbing, installation or hardware.

PREVENTION
Upfront, ask for a detailed explanation of what the warranty covers so you have a full understanding of what to expect in the event of problems afterwards. Verify that what is said is also reflected in the contract. If you are unsatisfied with a company’s warranty, look for a company that is a better match for your needs.

It is entirely possible to have a swift and affordable bathroom remodel done right the first time with The Right Bath by Mosby.  The process begins with a Mosby Consultant coming to your home with a portfolio of selections and product samples selected by Mosby bathroom designers.  They use only quality products proven to last, including Kohler fixtures, tubs and toilets.

The standard scope of work for the Right Bath includes removal of everything in the existing bathroom, correction of any existing water issues, and installation new drywall.  Installation of all new products is covered, including plumbing, electrical and an exhaust fan. All of this work is done with proper permits and built to meet or exceed code. Problems are never covered up.

The Right Bath by Mosby carries a 10-year workmanship warranty, which means if problems should arise, they will be taken care of in a professional manner.

Best of all, this process allows for a standard 5×8 foot bathroom to be installed in 5 business days. All the selections you make are ordered in advance, and work begins once all the pieces are ready. And the work – from design to installation – is performed by professional and highly qualified remodeling experts who treat you and your home with respect and courtesy.

Learn more about The Right Bath by Mosby here. To begin your bathroom remodeling, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.

February 23 – 26, 2012 at America’s Center
Downtown St. Louis

It’s time for another spring home show, and we’re especially excited to share with you all the expert home advice you’ve come to expect and rely upon.

What You Want To Know About Your Home

If you want to know what the home improvement pros know, come to the Home Advice Stage in aisle 1300.  There is a new topic every half hour (schedule above) followed by a question and answer session.  So grab a seat and learn tips, tricks and trends that will improve your life.

You Have Questions – We Have Answers in Aisle 1300

The Mosby Solution Center is your one-stop source for all home improvement answers and solutions, comprised of the trusted Trade Partners who work with KMOX Home Answer Man Scott Mosby.  These Trade Partners regularly work with each other to bring you consistent quality and value, and now is your chance to talk with the teams that know how to improve every part of your home.  Visit these services in aisle 1300:

• Plumbing – BK Plumbing
• Flooring – Classic Carpet & Flooring
• Appliances – Construction Appliance Supply
• Glass Block – Glass Blocks of St. Louis
• Foundations – Helitech
• Pest Control – Holper’s Pest & Animal Solutions
• Remodeling – Mosby Building Arts
• Home Insurance – Redel Insurance
• Glass – St. Charles Glass & Glazing
• Electric – Streib Electric Co.
• HVAC – West County Heating & Cooling

See KMOX Home Answer Man Scott Mosby

On Saturday, February 25^th, Scott Mosby will be broadcasting The KMOX Home Improvement Show from 11 am – 12:45 pm on the Home Advice Stage inside the Mosby Solution Center. After the radio broadcast ends, he will continue to answer your repair and remodeling questions until 1:45. It’s a great opportunity to talk to Scott in person!

He will also share with you The Best Place to Spend Your Home Improvement Dollars.  It’s an informative and entertaining way to learn which repairs and remodeling projects will improve your home’s value and make your life better at the same time. Show times at the Green Products Stage are:

Thursday – Saturday at 2 and 4 PM
Sunday at 4 PM

For more home show details, including hours, admission prices and driving directions, click here.

February 24 – 26, 2012
St. Charles Convention Center

Mosby Building Arts makes its Working Women’s Survival Show debut, and we’re looking forward to talking with the people who, statistically, make the majority of decisions about home improvement projects – women!

You will receive expert advice on all manner of home repairs and remodeling at booth #1019 on the main floor of the St. Charles Convention Center. Stop by for a free grocery tote bag, pen or Spring Design Tips guide.

Click here for more details about the event, including show times, admission prices and driving direction to the convention center.

We frequently hear from homeowners seeking answers to repair and maintenance problems. Many of these questions and answers are compiled in our Home Improvement Library. Here is a recent question.

Question

I’m having a roof replaced, and parts of the existing roof has mold. Does the old roof have to come off or can a new roof be applied over the existing roof?

Answer

Applying a new roof over an old roof is considered acceptable practice, but we are firm believers in removing the original layer, especially if the old roof has issues like you describe.  There are 4 reasons why we advocate always removing the original roof:

1. If you know you need a new roof that usually means it’s at the end of its usable life. Signs to look for are blistering, brittleness, breaking, cracking and curling of the shingles and, of course, leaks. There’s no benefit to covering up old problems, and they will most likely affect the durability of the new roof.

2. Adding multiple layers increase the amount of radiant heat of the roof which in turn reduces the effectiveness of your attic ventilation, which is often under vented in the first place.

3. Can your roof carry the extra weight? Since the 1970s the use of trusses are more common. Trusses are often spaced at 2 ft. intervals with a layer of 3/8” – 1/2” plywood or OSB. Ever wonder why you see dips in new roofs? Well now you know! Then add another layer of shingles to the weight and see what happens. Anytime trusses are used we advise clients to check with the manufacture to insure the truss is designed to carry the additional loads.

4. Warranties are only as good as the installation. Manufactures and claim adjusters like to point out such things when a homeowner decides to file a claim for a new roof due to hail and wind damage. They have learned from experience that multiple layers do not do as well during storms.

The biggest benefit of tearing off an old roof is that it is an opportunity to inspect and repair any water damage or rot with the roof decking, soffits and eaves, and flashing. It’s also the time to inspect attic ventilation (which has direct impact on the life of your roof shingles), and lay down a high-performance underlayment over the decking that acts as a secondary barrier against water leaks.

Bottom Line: Even though 2 roof layers are legal, we do not like covering over any old roofing materials with another layer because we don’t believe in covering up problems. We urge you to remove both layers of roofing so that the new roof investment will last as long as its intended to, and that you have peace of mind that your roof is sound from top to bottom, inside and out.

Learn more about Mosby Building Art’s residential roofing service.  And if you’d like to have your roof inspected and a new roof installed right the first time, please call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact us here.

The key to a successful home improvement project is planning all the details in advance, and timing it so the building process can be an efficient culmination of the goal.

A good example of a need for an efficient remodeling process is a deck or patio project.  Come that first beautiful day of spring, we can’t help but be inspired to dream about the outdoor living possibilities. But if you begin the process of planning and building a deck in May, there’s a chance you may miss some prime outdoor party season waiting for the project to be finished.

So, if you were to begin the planning and design phase of a new patio or deck during the idle winter months, construction can begin just as winter weather breaks with an eye toward christening the space with a Memorial Day BBQ.

Now is the time to begin planning your outdoor living space by addressing the following:

• Form Follows Function
• Where to Place It
• What Size Should It Be
• What Features are Desired
• What Should It Look Like
Learn more about the details of this planning phase here.

After deciding on all the above, you will need to choose materials and finishes. Then comes the construction drawing and permit process.  In many cases, all of these steps can take up to 2 months to complete.  With all this in mind, the ideal – and entirely possible – timeline for a backyard deck or patio project can be:

• Valentine’s Day – planning, design and selections phase
• April Fool’s Day – construction begins
• Mother’s Day – project is complete
• Memorial Day – summertime, and the living is easy

If you want the perfect backyard, work with the Mosby Building Arts design-build team. From shaping your ideas into working drawings, to building it to last, you’ll be ready in time for summer fun. Learn more about Mosby deck and patio services here, and then call the office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.