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Q&A: What’s the Difference Between Design-Build and Remodeling?

Design & Remodeling, Q & A, Remodeling

  We recently sat down with the leader of the Mosby Building Arts Planning and Design team, Jack Culian. He detailed the difference of design-build vs. remodeling projects, and revealed a new design innovation coming to Mosby in 2017. Here are Jack’s answers to 4...

Q&A: What Differentiates the Mosby Production Team?

Design & Remodeling, Q & A, Remodeling

We recently sat down with the guiding lights of the Mosby Building Arts production team to learn what motivates their commitment to excellence. Tyler Cluff, the Vice President of Production, has been with Mosby since 2003. Tina Reese, Production Department Manager,...

Q&A: Blocking Nicotine Stained Walls

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We just purchased a home from a smoker and have been cleaning it up. We have scrubbed it down, replaced the carpets, cleaned the ductwork and repainted every square inch of the home and, thankfully, the odor is gone. Unfortunately, we are now getting some...

Q&A: What Type of Light Bulbs Should I Use?

Q & A

Question When it comes to replacing lightbulbs, there’s so many changes and so many choices. How do you compare watts to lumens? And what type of bulbs are the best to replace the traditional incandescent? Any advice to simplify shopping for light bulbs would be most...

Q&A: The Difference Between Retail and Contractor-Grade Faucets

Bathrooms, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We’re getting ready to remodel our bathroom and picking out fixtures. There’s a great price difference between faucets on the shelf at Home Depot or Lowe’s and those available through our contractor’s plumbing suppliers. Even when it’s the same make and...

Q&A: How to Properly Remove Snow From a Deck

Decks, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question We have a new wood deck, and with snow in the forecast, we need to know the best way to remove snow without causing damage. Also, what type of ice melt should we use for it? Answer Great questions! We will break this down into two separate categories, and the...

Q&A: What Causes a Wet Garage Floor?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Water Management

Question With the fall and winter weather, the floor of the garage tends to be damp on a number of days, as if it were condensation. Do you have any suggestions as to how we can cure this problem? Answer Condensation, or moisture out of the air, causes the wet...

Q&A: When to Use a Nail or Screw?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question How do you know when it’s better to use a nail or screw? Answer Ah, the eternal question! Unlike the Coke or Pepsi debate, nail or screw does have a correct answer – many correct answers because it depends on the context. In general, nails handle shear weight...

Q&A: What is the Cost of a Whole House Remodel in St. Louis?

Design & Remodeling, Home Makeovers, Q & A, Remodeling, Repairs & Advice

Question I am considering buying a house similar to the “Updated Ranch Home” shown on your website. I am curious to know the ballpark figure for the total cost of that project. Would you be able to share that info to help us figure out if we should buy? Answer The...

Q&A: Moldy Paint & Respiratory Ailments

Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question Three weeks ago I repainted our bedroom walls using paint that was about 7 years old. It mixed well so I assumed it was fine to use. After applying the paint I noticed an odor unlike any smell I had ever experienced before. It was so strong that we...

Q&A: Silence Banging Water Pipes

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Water Management

QUESTION Recently, the pipes in our house bang when we turn on the water. It feels like hammering. What causes this? And to get rid of the noise, do we need to call a plumber or is there something we can do to fix it? ANSWER Your banging pipes – also known as...

Q&A: The Best Way to Clean Vinyl Siding

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Siding

Question I have vinyl siding with black mold on it. Should I power wash it, or is there a simpler solution? Answer Without seeing your home, we suspect the moldy sections of your vinyl siding are on a part of the house that gets little or no direct sunlight, and the...

Q&A: How Do I Stop Roof Shingles From Blowing Off?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Roofing

Question We live in rural Illinois in a north-facing home. I’m having a hard time keeping ridge cap 3-tab shingles on the roof because of high winds. The wind pulls them off 6 to 8 at a time while leaving the nails intact. I have layered the tabs in a north-south...

Q&A: What is the Best Ice Melt for Concrete

Garages & Driveways, Q & A, Repairs & Advice

Question I have a 15 year old concrete driveway that is beginning to show little divots that look like pock marks. What sort of ice melting product is least damaging to my concrete? Answer The pock marks are likely from rock salt deterioration on your concrete drive....

Q&A: Who Should Do Window Replacement – An Installer or General Contractor?

Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Windows & Doors

Question I am thinking about replacing the aluminum framed windows in our 45 year old brick veneer house. Should I look at window companies and have them do the job, or is it better to have a contractor replace the windows? I’m concerned about compromising the...