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.
Aging tends to happen to us gradually, a gentle changing of perspective and priorities, but there are key moments that make it apparent we’ve aged: that one day it became difficult to read the ingredients on the soup can label, and realizing those treks up and down the stairs while doing laundry are a bit trying.
Changing eye sight can be corrected by a good optometrist, while the laundry problem is solved by a professional remodeler certified in accessible design, because the key to the laundry room is not the chore itself, but where it’s located.
In the older homes in the St. Louis metropolitan area, laundry areas are historically in the basement, which means walking the stairs multiple times to attend to the loads, and as we age that becomes a load on our knees.
Every time we go up and down the stairs with a basket of laundry it compromises our safety and our joints. It also becomes harder to hear the buzzers sound, so often our clothes sit too long in the washer or dryer. You can eliminate all these hassles by relocating the laundry room from the basement to the ground level.
This logical solution is what accessible design is all about: eliminating potential obstacles in your home by focusing on functionality and comfort. Before you decide which location on the first floor would make the most sense for the new laundry room, contact a Certified Aging In-Place Specialist (CAPS) to assist in determining the best area for plumbing, efficiency and durability.
The goal of accessible design is to change standard features to make them more convenient for you to use. For instance, in the laundry room, the ultimate convenience is a front-loading washer and dryer mounted on a raised platform, which saves you from bending over. If space is limited, the dryer can be mounted atop the washer, and this vertical treatment frees up more floor space.
Cabinets with a countertop at hip height makes folding clothes so much easier, and a laundry sink and ironing station can also work much better at a taller height. All work stations in the room should be tailored to your present needs and future considerations.
A combination mud and laundry room (above) is a popular and convenient feature. By installing a ceramic tile floor to withstand moisture, and by increasing storage for jackets, shoes and personal affects, this area can quickly become the most used and highly functional place in your home.
The Mosby Building Arts accessible design project shown above brought the laundry room up from the basement into a new addition built on to the rear of the garage. One end is for laundry while the other end of the room serves as a mini-kitchen with a refrigerator, pantry, cabinets and countertop. The homeowner added a dining table, and it is now the place where she spends the most time because it connects to the garage and kitchen, has views to the backyard patio and gardens, and all the natural light makes it a pleasant place to take care of paperwork or read a book while doing her laundry.
Mosby’s Home Life Planning services will bring accessible living into the home you already love and keep it your home for a lifetime. And the Certified Aging In-Place Specialists at Mosby Building Arts elevate accessibility to the next level by emphasizing seamless style and design so that your home looks as great as it functions. To explore 50-Plus living options, call Mosby at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.
This is a unique era in the American housing market. After the price inflation bubble burst, houses now sell for record low prices. Combined with historically low interest rates, it is tempting to take advantage of this current situation and buy a new home.
And the economic factors that created this unique housing market have left behind many foreclosed homes that now sit vacant, and the prices on those are even more tempting. If you are contemplating buying a vacant home, you need an evaluation that goes much deeper than the regular home inspection.
Beyond the Home Inspection
Did you know that home inspections for houses are not required by state law? The St. Louis Association of Realtors’ “Residential Sales Contract” simply states that a seller must allow a buyer to conduct a home inspection. So, a home inspection typically concentrates on the issues that might affect financing and repairs, but will not look forward into the future to anticipate if this home is a good match or investment for you.
Many home purchases come with the promise of some form of repairs and remodeling to make it a home you will thrive in. There are so many financial, physical, and emotional considerations to buying a house that guidance and answers from expert home consultants are a wise investment before you sign on the dotted line.
The home buying process gets trickier when it’s a house that has sat vacant or ignored. Some issues are apparent, like an overgrown lawn or a musty smell from being closed up with no air circulation. But there are several major issues that need to be addressed with an evaluation.
Mold – no circulation plus unattended roof and window leaks allow moisture to penetrate the interior, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew behind the walls of the structure.
Plumbing – unused seals dry out, sewer gases back up, and if the house sat vacant through a winter, there could be cracked or burst pipes if the water was not shut off.
HVAC – the longer this sits unused the more mechanical problems pile up. Also check for vandalism from copper thieves.
Pest Infestation – From the attic to the basement, a vacant house with an overgrown yard is the perfect home for insects and varmints to live in places not immediately noticeable to the naked eye.
The rock-bottom price on a foreclosed house is only the entrance fee to further expenses. There are immediate and future repairs to make, as well as remodeling and enhancements to the interior and exterior. An ASHI home inspection is a must, as it will provide a knowledgeable overview of needed repairs.
But, would you like answers to all your repair and remodeling questions about the home? The Mosby Building Arts Home Evaluation is a unique service that considers all the crucial aspects of buying a home.
Mosby has over 60 years of experience with the repair, maintenance and remodeling of Greater St. Louis homes. Their trained eyes analyze all facets of the house and provide you the honest answers you need to assess the immediate and future costs of turning a foreclosed house into your home.
The Mosby Home Evaluation is a valuable service because paying a small fee upfront for the answers you need can save you from making a costly mistake. To evaluate a house you’re interested in buying, call the Mosby office at 314.909.1800 or contact them here.
Pictured L-R: Dennis Melton, SBA; Scott & Judy Mosby, Mosby Building Arts; Jennifer Williams, Saint Louis Closet Co. & Saint Louis Cellars Food & Wine; Nicole Reynolds, End of the Rainbow Child Development Center; Joy Ann Venverloh, Lexx Funding; Louise Widermann, Project Technology Consulting; Jerry Jost, Jost Chemical Co.; Don Barnes, PeaceFrog.
On May 13th, Scott and Judy Mosby, owners of the St. Louis architecture and remodeling firm Mosby Building Arts, accepted the Small Business Administration (SBA) award for Family-Owned Business of 2010.
Mosby is the Region VII winner of the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business award because three generations of Mosby’s have propelled the company into a multi-million dollar enterprise while cultivating productive relationships with employees, clients, and the community. As a nationally recognized Top 10 remodeler, Mosby strives to contribute to the knowledge and integrity of their industry and also give back to the community through organizations like ReBuilding Together St. Louis, which helps lower income homeowners stay in their homes.
“Our company is about helping our neighbors stay in their homes, whether career-based or volunteer-based,” says Scott Mosby. “We serve the same mission because we believe it in our bones. Our activity is congruent with our belief, consistent with our values and mission, which is ‘Make a positive difference in people’s lives everyday.’”
A video created and produced by the SBA nicely sums up the passion and commitment of Scott and Judy Mosby that results in receiving such an honor from the federal government:
At the SBA award ceremony, Scott and Judy received the official trophy (shown below) as well as a proclamation from Missouri Congressman Russ Carnahan, wherein he writes:
“I believe that the prosperity of our community thrives on the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of our dedicated local business owners. Mosby Building Arts, Ltd. remains one of the area’s top full service residential remodeling companies. With a visions statement of ‘Make a positive difference in people’s lives every day’ it is no wonder your company has continued to prosper; providing the highest quality products and outstanding customer service.”
Upon receiving the award, Scott Mosby embodied the collaborative spirit of his company when he said from the podium:
“On behalf of the people that I work with and represent, you have our deep gratitude. It’s an honor to represent the richness of so many relationships that have brought us here. And to the people I’ve met through the Small Business Week, this has been an affirming, exciting and touching experience, and we thank you.”
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.
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.
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.
Would you like more room for living and entertaining? Well, simply walk out your back door to see an untapped resource for extending your living space. Your back yard easily transforms into an outdoor living oasis with the addition of a deck or patio, so let the planning begin.
Decks and patios can easily incorporate gazebos, pergolas, pools, fountains and gardens…the options are limitless! Which is why collaborating with design professionals is the best way to get an “outdoor room” that truly enhances your lifestyle and the value of your home.
When you work with a Mosby Building Arts design planner, dreams become reality by exploring the details on paper before the first hammer swings. Areas of consideration include:
Size Matters Picture how you’d like to live with a deck or patio; will it be a private space for your family to relax, or a place for entertaining large groups? Or would you like a flexible plan that can accommodate a combination of the two? Answers to these questions will determine how much furniture and square footage is needed.
Follow the Sun South-facing backyards need shaded areas on the deck, while a northfacing backyard may not require the awnings, pergolas or overhangs that create cool respite. Observing the sun, shade and wind will inform the overall design and function of the area.
Water & Light If you long to spend evening outside, you’ll need good lighting for safety, security and ambiance. Plan ahead for fixtures and electrical outlet needs. And install the proper number of outdoor faucets for watering gardens or a sink in an outdoor kitchen.
Maintenance & Durability You deserve to enjoy your outdoor room, not maintain it. Work with a planner to choose the materials, finishes and sealers that protect your investment and leisure time.
Design Harmony An outdoor living space is an extension of your home, so it should enhance the exterior. Select materials, finishes and colors that coordinate with roofing, siding and windows. Consider the size, color and placement of landscaping around the patio. Mosby planners can keep an eye on the big picture so your new spaces harmoniously integrate with the whole.
Build It Right There are multiple structural and safety concerns when attaching a deck or patio to your home. Mosby carpenters apply for permits and build to the regulations of your municipality so you have a safe, watertight deck that serves your family for decades.
Imagine your family room expanding into the backyard and realize the boundless potential for outdoor living. To begin your backyard adventure and improve your warm-weather lifestyle, collaborate with the Mosby Building Arts planning and design team by calling 314.909.1800 or contact us here.
Brick and stone are the oldest and most durable building materials, but they also absorb water like sponges, which makes them vulnerable to cracking and crumbling. Sealing brick and stone is the best way to protect it from the wear and tear of water damage.
Sealing Brick
Brick is hard and dense, but quite porous and easily penetrated by water. For certain types of brick, it takes 20 seconds for the water to seep through to the back side, while other types pass water immediately. When it rains, or the garden hose hits it, a brick wall simply soaks up the water. That moisture transfers to everything surrounding the brick, including the tuckpointing mortar and the understructure of your home.
A by-product of brick’s absorption is efflorescence (shown above), the white film that appears on bricks with water management problems. Efflorescence happens when water that has seeped into the brick reappears upon evaporation as salt on the surface, which usually looks like a powdery, white deposit. Left uncorrected, this process will eventually break down the brick’s structural integrity. Sealing brick almost always solves the efflorescence problem.
A brick is only as good as the mortar around it, so tuckpointing needs protection, too. The bonus is that brick and tuckpointing is sealed at the same time, creating a continuous, protective shield that keeps water out. When you consider the expense of tuckpointing, removing that maintenance from your future is a cost-effective benefit.
Sealing Stone
From flagstone sidewalks, to fieldstone patios to stone foundation walls on older homes, natural stone is a classic and desirable material, but it is just as porous as brick. You need to seal stone and mortar to protect this sizeable investment.
When exterior stone wicks up more water than it can handle, the physical expansion of the stone is what causes it to crack. The frequent freeze/thaw cycles in Metro St. Louis are what cause our pothole problems on the streets; this same process also affects our stone wall and walks. Once those cracks happen, water will continually wear down the stone from the inside, leading to an eventual crumble.
The photo above is from a Mosby Building Arts water management project on a St. Louis County deck, and it shows the damage to the wood structure behind the cracked stone column pictured above of this photo. This is what happens when water gets the chance to penetrate a stone surface. Sealed stone has a protective barrier that repels and reduces this kind of harmful water absorption. This seal also has the added benefit of resisting mildew, algae and moss, which reduces clean up of these common stains.
Seal It Right the First Time
When installing new brick or stone, include sealing as part of the work scope. For existing stone and brick, have it sealed now to maintain and prolong the life of what is already in place.
Mosby Building Arts has a high-performance brick, masonry and stone sealing system that provides internal protection against water. Our ProTreat Sealer team has over 20 years of experience and diagnoses which sealer works best for your materials, and how to properly clean and prep the surface before applying that sealer. We also offer you the option of a sealer that will not alter surface colors, or go with a sealer that enhances and brightens the colors of natural stone.
Because you’ve made a sizable investment in brick, stone and mortar, you should protect it by sealing it right the first time with Mosby Building Arts. For deep protection from our deep bench of professionals, call 314.909.1800 or contact us here.
Scenes from a deck collapse in South St. Louis City, Spring 2010.
With the recent collapse of a 2nd story deck in South St. Louis City (injuring 7), that brings us to a total of two major deck collapses in St. Louis in less than a year. And the 2010 outdoor season has only just begun.
So, it is the season to get serious about deck safety. Did you know nearly 85% of homes in the United States have a deck, and the North American Deck and Railing Association estimates that 20 million of these decks are in need of repair or rebuilding?
In the past 10 years, there have been more than 800 reported injuries and at least 30 reported deaths as a result of deck collapses, and this number increases at an average rate of 21% per year. In many cases, the failing decks were built incorrectly, not properly maintained or were beyond their lifespan of approximately 10-15 years.
With every deck collapse that makes the news, Mosby Home Consultants are called out to evaluate deck conditions because they are experienced in evaluating both the deck and the contributing factors that may be overlooked by less experienced carpenters.
Mosby Home Consultants inspect several problem decks a month, and these are the 10 most common mistakes they see:
10. Unsealed wood
Unsealed wood decks can age and deteriorate faster than sealed decks. Proper sealing prolongs the appearance and life of a deck well beyond unsealed decks. Avoid the “worn out” look by sealing it.
9. Stairs with open risers or missing railings
Open space between steps invites accidents. Avoid injuries and create a tailored look by covering the risers. Hand railings are fundamental to the safety of a stairwell.
8. Improper railing height and baluster spacing
Building codes have very specific measurements for railings and balusters to avoid accidents and injuries.
7. Undersized structural members
An undersized structural member increases the risk of deck collapse and can create sagging and improper weight distribution. Avoid deck warping and collapsing by properly sizing all members and components of your deck.
6. Missing or improper joist hangers
Nails alone are not enough to counteract the shear forces on a structural member. Joist hangers are an essential element in creating reinforced connections and supported decking. Ensure the safety of your deck by using properly sized, engineered, and correctly installed joist hangers.
5. Improper Deck Materials
Weather resistant materials are necessary on exterior structures to prevent rot or deterioration. There are specific fasteners for exterior conditions and it is critical that the proper fasteners are used. Select materials that are expressly made to withstand all weather conditions.
4. Undersized footings
Footings create a solid base for the posts of your deck. Undersized footings can lead to sagging, warping or collapse.
3. Improper attachment to structure of house (incorrect fasteners)
How your deck attaches to your home determines its safety and durability. This is an area that you may want to overbuild beyond the minimum standards or requirements. Again material, size, and quality are critical.
1. Not obtaining a permit to build a deck
Obtaining a permit is the most overlooked step in deck building. Safety is the main focus of following the permitting process of your town.
The majority of deck building mistakes can be avoided by applying for a building permit through your City Hall. The permit process requires drawings and specifications of the proposed deck. Building Inspectors will verify that the deck plans meet the local building and safety codes. This crucial step will save you from making costly mistakes before the first hammer swings. The permit process requires on-site inspections during construction phases to insure the deck is being built according to code.
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.
Since 1947, Mosby Building Arts has been improving the lives of Metropolitan St. Louis families. From architecture & remodeling to maintenance and repairs, all the knowledge and performance you need is under the MBA roof.
