Home Building

Landscaping with Purpose: Creating Curb Appeal That Builds Community

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“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours.”

With an observation like that, Mark Twain sounds like he spent more time in South Louisiana than he did. Homeowners in Baton Rouge know that there is a sweet spot for enjoying the outdoors in relative comfort, and that time is now. Spring brings cool mornings, warm afternoons, and plenty of opportunity to tend to our gardens and spruce up our landscaping. 

Whether you’ve just moved into a new Bardwell home or you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, our landscaping approach will help you create something that adds value to your home and the entire neighborhood.

How Landscaping Brings Neighborhoods to Life

Landscaping is about creating a warm welcome, a tidy place to stroll full of cheerful blooms. Imagine the porches where you’ll chat over coffee or call out to friends walking their dogs. Beautiful landscaping brings life to our neighborhood streets, no matter the size of the yard. Every Bardwell home includes professionally designed landscaping that blends beauty and functionality, primed to thrive in the South Louisiana climate.

We start with a lush centipede for a soft underfoot that’s tough enough to handle the high summer heat and sporadic winter freezes. From there, our front yard beds are planted with intention, adding curb appeal, depth, and visual interest with room for long-term growth. Then, we make the most of your communal space in the front yard, with professionally arranged beds that provide visual interest and promote long-term growth.

Flowers and shrubs add pops of color, texture, and movement, from delicate ground covers to the striking spray of pink roses. Thoughtfully selected to complement the exterior palette of each home, flowers are a simple addition that you can build on each year. Where possible, homeowners love to incorporate functional plants, like rosemary and lavender. These herbs are natural bug-repellents, which helps to address pesky mosquitoes while adding charm and fragrance.

From the curve of a flower bed to a few well-placed potted plants by the door, every element is chosen to enhance both form and function. Whether it’s a brick front walk softened by greenery or a clean, minimalist porch, your home’s exterior becomes a reflection of the pride we take in our communities. 

Our hope is that when you start with a strong garden as your base, ongoing maintenance is easier to handle, even for those without a green thumb. Here’s a few tips to consider as we dive into spring.

6 Landscaping Tips for New Construction Homes You Should Consider

  1. Let Your Yard Breathe

New landscaping needs time to settle. If you’ve just moved into a new Bardwell home, give it at least one month to root before making any changes. Focus on watering, weeding, and letting the beauty develop naturally.

  1. Add Layers for Depth

Use varying plant heights and textures to create dimension. This adds instant visual interest and makes your yard feel more established. Think low ground covers in front, medium-height blooms in the middle, and taller greenery in the bac

  1. Curate an Atmosphere

Your yard should feel like an extension of your home. Add a bit of personality with lights, a small bench, or a water feature. Outdoor gas lanterns add a soft ambiance to evening walks. Even something as simple as a few decorative planters or hurricane candles can make the space feel more finished. 

  1. Plant Native 

If you want your plants to last, choose hardy varieties that thrive in intense heat, humidity, and the occasional freeze. Think beautiful, resilient plants.

  1. Use Herbs as Multipurpose Accents

Herbs like basil, thyme, or lemon balm are wonderful selections that offer function and beauty. In addition to their sweet aroma, they’re useful in the kitchen, plus they repel bugs. Rosemary, lavender, and mint are delicious and great complements for summer cocktails and homemade iced teas.

  1. Maintenance Does the Most 

Don’t underestimate the power of clean lines and a tidy space. A swept porch, freshly pressure-washed, contrasted against a fresh bed of mulch under trimmed plants creates a homey polish. A little effort goes a long way to keeping that fresh look and feel.

Beauty at Every Doorstep with Bardwell Homes

Bardwell Homes is first and foremost a community builder.We want our neighborhoods to be places of life and connection. And when every yard reflects care and beauty, the whole community feels it. It’s a shared pride in the land we own, the homes we’ve built, and the lifestyle we’re cultivating.

No matter the size, your front yard is often your first impression to the world. With a little intention and seasonal upkeep, these spaces become the first part of your story.

Looking for inspiration? 

Browse our gallery of Bardwell homes to see real yards that showcase what’s possible.


Building a Custom Home in the Village at Willow Grove: Part 2

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Welcome to our second installment following an in-depth, behind the scenes look at building a custom home with Bardwell Homes in Willow Grove. In Part 1, we explored the inspiration, excitement, and challenge of the initial planning phase as prospective homeowners collaborate with architects and builders to settle on a plan that captures the ideal vision within the desired budget. Now, we take a closer look at the design details and personal choices available when you build a custom home.

1. Can you describe the inspiration behind the home’s style and layout?

My husband and I have traveled all over Europe, and we’re very drawn to timeless, old-world design. As we were looking through exterior images, we kept coming back to this modern Tudor look, which blends the classical elements of a Tudor home with contemporary design features and materials, creating a look that feels both historic and modern. This defines what we were hoping to achieve, so we’re continuing the blend of historic and current through the new house and landscaping.

2. What elements of your custom home are you most excited about?

We chose to go the custom route because there are a few things in our current house that don’t work well with how we live. First, we have an open concept living area with no place other than a bedroom to visit or watch a movie. So, we are bringing back the family den, which is going to be a comfortable place the family can be in the evenings (or if my husband and I need to get away from a house full of kids).

building a custom home - family den

Second, we currently have our sink in our island. And, with a husband who is always cooking for people, it makes it difficult to host gatherings when there’s stacks of pots and pans on the island, where people naturally want to congregate. So, we have added a scullery to our new house, which has a second sink and dishwasher, double ovens, the pantry, and plenty of countertop space to prep food and/or stash dishes. There’s a door on it too, so it can all truly be out of sight, out of mind, until we’re ready to tackle it. Many people didn’t know what this was at first, but I’ve seen a few articles saying sculleries are making a comeback, so we may start to see more of these!

3. How has Bardwell guided you through the design and materials selection process?

It can be very tempting when looking online at pictures to want a specific look, but unless we can source it locally AND can find a trade to install it, it’s going to be tricky to achieve certain looks we see on the internet. So I looked through many of Bardwell’s pictures of past jobs to see what’s been done before.

building a custom home - scullery

Even though we are building a fully custom home, I’ve learned it’s best to stick with the builder’s trade and vendor base as much as possible, which helps alleviate hiccups and unknown costs that may arise by going too far out of the sandbox.

4. What personalized features or unique details did you prioritize in your home design?

We had limited space to work with for the master bath, so the architect presented an option for barrel arches above the vanity and tub to give some architectural interest to the room, which is one of my favorite details in the house. 

Sometimes limitations can produce beautiful results.

custom home building process in baton rouge - primary bathroom progress and design

5. Do you have any reflections you’d like to share about the journey of building a custom home?

Building a custom home is a big undertaking, whether you’re in the business or not. Even though I’ve been in the industry for over 12 years, when it’s your home, you want to make sure you’re making the right decision. So, I have spent many late nights researching, scanning Pinterest, and sketching out ideas. It’s a lot of work, but it is incredibly rewarding.

Build for the Long Run with Bardwell 

From notable architectural features to uncommon practical spaces like family dens and scullery kitchens, this custom build reflects the family’s vision for a timeless yet functional space that offers a sense of retreat, space to connect, and the freedom to entertain well. Thoughtful design and attention to detail are what transform a house into a home you could have only imagined.

Custom Home Building Process in baton rouge

Parade of Homes 2025 

Every year, Bardwell Homes is proud to participate in the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge for the Parade of Homes. Come and tour Emily’s completed custom home in Willow Grove and learn about the thoughtful design and innovative home building that makes Bardwell a Baton Rouge pillar.  Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, scoping out local vendors for your custom home, or just looking for inspiration, it’s an unique event that offers variety, style, and community.

April 26-27 and May 3-4 
1:00-5:00 pm

In the meantime, stay tuned for our final installment, where we’ll share insights from the construction phase and celebrate the most exciting milestone yet: moving into the new home. 

Coming Soon to Covington: Find Your Bardwell Home in TerraBella  

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As a family owned business in South Louisiana, building homes is as much about construction as it is building relationships. Life in Louisiana is rooted in people. Our distinct culture of celebration and southern hospitality naturally welcomes old friends and new. For us, a good time starts with gathering together in good company – and that always begins at home. 

At Bardwell Homes, we take the time to get to know the people we serve – their stories, connections, and hopes for the future. What do they want their home to provide?  Each answer matters and reveals valuable insights about their desired daily life and style of living. This process is deeply personal, and it requires meticulous planning, expert care, and ongoing conversation. As we prepare to open our new office in TerraBella Village in Covington, LA, we know this will enable our team to better serve our Northshore homeowners and extend the same personalized, high-quality homebuilding experience that has defined our work in Baton Rouge. 

Hosting Homebuilding Excellence

Our new commercial building in TerraBella will serve as a central hub for prospective homeowners to meet with the Bardwell team, explore their options, and seek advice. It will be our place to gather together for conversation and planning, so that the people we serve can embark on their homebuilding journeys with confidence. 

Bardwell isn’t just about building houses—it’s about creating places where neighbors connect and communities thrive. With years of experience, we design homes and gathering spaces that bring people together. TerraBella is no exception—it’s a place where multi-family and traditional neighborhood living come together in a truly inspired way.

Find Your New Home in Covington 

If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and community in Covington, then consider TerraBella for your new home. Covington’s natural beauty, historic charm, and rich culture provide the ideal setting for Bardwell Homes. We designed TerraBella as a complement to the stunning landscape and our southern heritage. TerraBella offers traditional neighborhood living with walkable streets, a vibrant village square, lush green spaces, and year-round events. 

Nestled just outside New Orleans, this charming city reflects the relaxed elegance and timeless style that Bardwell Homes strives to embody in every project. Imagine afternoons spent sipping cocktails on spacious porches, leisurely strolls through historic downtown, and returning to host friends for dinner. TerraBella can be your place to gather. 

Move-In Ready Homes in TerraBella

Bardwell understands that classic design balances character with modern amenities. And, we’re excited to offer a selection of in-progress and move-in-ready homes in TerraBella, each blending Southern luxury with thoughtful functionality, unexpected details, and quality built to last. 

Available in March, these homes are ready for those looking to settle in Covington soon.

142 Sage Alley | $599,900

2300 SF | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Office 

This warm and inviting home features a full front porch, large open living areas with cypress beams, and a spacious primary suite with striking touches and design features. Retreat to the side porch to unwind, relax, and enjoy with family and friends. 

134 Sage Alley | $669,900

2498 SF | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Office 

The Lisbon includes a side porch perfect for outdoor entertaining, French doors and large windows for natural light, and a spa-like primary bath with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a custom shower. You’ll find excellent use of style, space, and function in this Terrabella home. 

111 Sage Alley | $579,900

2099 SF | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | Office 

Full of natural light, this charming open floor plan stuns with a chef’s kitchen, luxurious primary suite, and high-end finishes throughout like custom cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy ample storage with intentional design and plenty of room to entertain in comfort and style. 

Built for the Long Run

Building a new home takes time, precision, and care. Bardwell embraces this process, delivering homes that honor Southern heritage while incorporating modern elements. Our personalized approach ensures that every detail is carefully considered, resulting in homes beautifully built for the long run.

Explore Your New Home in Covington’s TerraBella Community

With move-in-ready homes available this March and buyer incentives designed to meet your needs, now is a great time to explore Bardwell Homes in TerraBella.

For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact Heather Kirkpatrick at 225.438.8050. Explore the possibilities with Bardwell Homes – built for the long run.

Building a Custom Home in the Village at Willow Grove: Part 1 The Inspiration and Process

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What is it like to create a custom home?

It’s a culmination of countless decisions, intensive planning, and personal expression. While every custom home journey presents challenges, it’s an incredible process that yields exceptional results. And, it all begins with a spark of inspiration.

For Emily, building a custom home with Bardwell was no debate, as she and her family have loved living in their current Bardwell home for nearly a decade. Not to mention, she’s part of the family business. In this series, Emily will take us behind the scenes to share her insights, influences, and experiences, offering a rare look at what it takes to build a custom home in Baton Rouge from the ground up.

1. What inspired you to build a custom home?

We have lived in our current Bardwell home for almost 10 years and we absolutely love it. But we needed to be closer to my daughter’s school, we needed more space, and there were a few particular changes we wanted to make to our floorplan that may not be considered “standard,” so we knew the custom route was the right one for us.

2. How has the process been so far? Can you share a moment that felt particularly significant or rewarding?

This was a completely custom home, from choosing the lot, creating the house design, and picking every single finish.

It’s been a slow and steady marathon, but having professionals help us along the way has been invaluable.

Even though I used an outside architect, I was able to bounce ideas off of the Bardwell team to make sure I was on the right track with budget, buildability, and available materials. We are still early in construction, so I would say the most significant moment I’ve felt so far was when the architect presented “the” plan to us. As I walked through the house, room by room, in my mind, I knew this was it. And, it was such an exciting and rewarding feeling to have created our home.

3. What role did the Bardwell team play in balancing your vision with practicality?

By having Bardwell partner with me as we were developing the plans, I was able to review preliminary plans with them so they could provide insight on costs before we got to the final plan set. It’s a check and balance to have the builder involved, because vision and practicality (a.k.a. cost) often conflict when it comes to custom homes. People can get to the finish line with the architect and find out the plan they thought they could build is out of range. In our case, we used JDE Designs, which is one of the trusted architects Bardwell often works with, so it was an efficient feedback loop as we worked toward the final plan set.

4. How does this build reflect your long-term goals and vision?

We wanted to make sure we built a home with longevity in terms of style, materials, and overall value, so that has played a key role in many of our decisions. Being close to our daughter’s school, I also wanted this house to have an open-door policy to all her friends as they make their way through middle and high school. So we kept that in mind as we created different spaces to eat, visit or play.

5. This home will be in the Willow Grove neighborhood… What drew you to this location for your custom home?

First, its central location in Baton Rouge. I’ll be within 15 minutes of work, family, and school. And second, we love the amenities of the neighborhood – from the pool and nature preserve to the commercial district with pizza, coffee and cocktail places – we will have so many options at our fingertips.

6. How do you think this home will grow with you and your family over the years?

We thought about different spaces we could host people and that our daughter and her friends could enjoy as they got older. With the layout of the home, we will have opportunities to sit and visit in intimate settings, both inside and out, and also have opportunities to open everything up to host large parties. I’m so thankful to be building a home that can do this, and we’re all so excited to grow in this home together.

7. What are you most looking forward to about living in your new custom home?

Hosting friends and family!

Build for the Long Run with Bardwell

Building a custom home is a test of endurance, and it requires meticulous planning, creativity, and collaboration. For Emily, it’s been an opportunity to bring her family’s vision to life while leveraging her expertise in homebuilding and new construction with the guidance of the Bardwell team. As construction progresses on this beautiful home in the Village at Willow Grove, stay tuned for the next chapter, where we’ll explore more details of the build and discover how this vision transforms into a home built for the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of building a custom home instead of buying existing construction?

The endless benefits start with total control of your vision. Custom homes let you precisely tailor layouts, finishes, and features to your family’s lifestyle. You can optimize space for your needs and ensure the selection of premium materials, which can be more limited with move-in-ready homes.

2. How do I choose the right lot for my custom home?

Consider proximity to work, school, and amenities, as well as lot size, orientation for sunlight, and potential for outdoor living spaces. When you work with a homebuilder like Bardwell, we help evaluate all the factors at play like costs and zoning requirements. 

3. What is the process for designing a custom home?

Custom home design begins with inspiration and planning, followed by selecting an architect, finalizing floor plans, choosing finishes and materials, and coordinating with your builder. We recommend beginning with the end in mind –  thoughtful planning is the best way to maintain alignment between your expectations and your budget.

4. How can a builder help balance my dream design with construction costs?

Custom homes feel more expensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re unnecessarily costly. It’s about thoughtful, intentional selection. Experienced builders provide insight into cost-effective materials, efficient layouts, and buildable design options.

5. What factors should I consider when picking a neighborhood for a custom home?

Think about location, community amenities, walkability, schools, and future development plans. Neighborhood lifestyle, like access to parks, pools, and commercial districts, will influence daily living and long-term property value.

6. How do custom homes accommodate growing families over time?

It’s one of the greatest benefits of building a custom home – plan your future as you envision it. Custom designs can include flexible spaces, bonus rooms, and layouts that adapt for entertaining, hobbies, or changing needs. Whether you’re planning to have lots of children or take care of your aging parents, build exactly what works best for your family. 

7. How long does it take to build a custom home?
The timeline varies depending on the size, design complexity, and permit approvals. But, planning, design, and construction typically span 6 months to over a year. Early planning with your builder will help keep the project on schedule.

8. What should I know about working with architects and builders together?

Collaboration between your architect and builder isn’t required, but we strongly recommend it if you want a seamless experience. It ensures that the designs are buildable, within budget, and aligned with your vision. Builders can also advise on material availability, structural requirements, and cost-saving alternatives while preserving your design intent. They work together. 

9. How do I make sure my custom home retains value over time?

Build with intention. Invest in quality materials, timeless design elements, and energy-efficient systems. Location, functional layouts, and the builder’s reputation also contribute to long-term resale value and family satisfaction.

Built for the Long Run with Bardwell

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New Homes That Last

Send me the revised report?

Are you available for a 2pm meeting?

What did you need me to get at the store? 

Sound familiar? We live at a relentless pace, and finding time to quiet the endless demands often seems impossible.

Where do we go to escape the noise and find sanctuary? Where do we spend our days seeking to return and relax? 

It’s our home. Such an ordinary thing that holds great importance. 

Home isn’t just a physical place, it’s where our lives unfold, our families grow, and our stories take root. So, we want our homes to mimic that sense of stability and warmth. We want to build homes that will provide a strong foundation amid all the changes of life. We want a home that will last. 

The process of building a new home can be just as relentless as the pace of our lives. It’s an all encompassing project that’s exciting and overwhelming. But it’s not a process meant to be rushed. 

Most builders only emphasize being on time and on budget. And while that’s certainly crucial, at Bardwell, we believe it’s equally important to do a job right.  

At Bardwell, we create homes built for the long run. Over the years, we’ve honed three key areas of expertise required to do this: intentional design, precision to process, and community connectivity.  

Intentional, Thoughtful Design

First, we design homes and communities that ignite a spirit of intentional living. Trends come and go, but we pursue thoughtful designs that stand the test of time. 

Our aim is to create a beautiful space that works with your daily life. It’s not just a house that has a great layout but one that feels custom to work with you through life. 

There’s an art to building thoughtfully. It requires care, time, and meticulous attention to small details. Bardwell homes feature timeless finishes and quality materials, chosen to remain beautiful and functional for decades. 

But, intentionality isn’t just a buzzword – it’s about considering how you live each day and integrating those needs and desires into the design to make your life more functional and enjoyable. From optimized kitchen flow to cabinet placement, Bardwell homes balance performance with warmth.

Durability is more than a standard feature – it’s our promise of excellence. Our homes build timeless aesthetics with robust construction techniques to ensure they stand the test of time. Whether you’re building new construction with Bardwell in a community in Covington or Baton Rouge, you know your new home is built for longevity. 

Precision to Process 

With decades of experience and a proven process, Bardwell brings unparalleled expertise to every project. 

Every Bardwell home is proof of our unwavering dedication to quality. From initial design to the final walkthrough, our process is a methodical discipline that requires absolute precision. Our team’s commitment to high standards and transparency provides a smooth new construction experience, whether you’re in Baton Rouge or Covington.

Our process begins with you. We align design with your lifestyle, values, and future needs. Whether it’s a semi-custom home or a fully custom masterpiece, Bardwell homes have the capabilities to be as distinct as the families who live in them. 

Ultimately, building a new home is about so much more than blueprints and materials, it’s about carving out a space where life and connection thrive. 

Part of a Community 

Since 1946, the name Bardwell has been a cornerstone of the Baton Rouge community. Over 79 years, we’ve evolved as a family, creating memories, traditions, and legacies. Our story is woven from a rich Louisiana heritage, an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit, and a diligence to process, reflecting our commitment to families and their visions for the future. 

Life requires support. And, there is inherent value in the sense of belonging fostered among shared green spaces, neighborhood strolls, and holiday celebrations. 

At Bardwell, our work goes beyond individual homes. A home is a singular entity within the larger context of its community. From thoughtfully planned neighborhoods to shared spaces that encourage connection, we build to enrich the lives of entire communities in Baton Rouge.

This year, Bardwell celebrated an expansion into Covington. In addition to newly acquired lots in the TerraBella community on Lake Pontchartrain’s Northshore, Bardwell will open a new office building in TerraBella in early 2025. This investment into our Covington community will allow us to better support families on their homebuilding journey. 

New Homes Built for the Long Run 

Building a home is a transformative experience – a journey of reflection, intention, and commitment. At Bardwell, we celebrate this process, knowing that each step contributes to something extraordinary. 

As we look to the future, our focus remains on building homes and communities that will stand the test of time. It’s a testament to the dedication, precision, and consistency that define the Bardwell way. It’s an invitation to embrace the art and science of building, to trust in a process that upholds excellence and longevity.

Because in the long run, it’s not just about building a new house. It’s about creating a home, a legacy, and a place to return to.

Are you ready to invest in your legacy?

If you’re ready to build something that lasts, discover the Bardwell Difference today. Take the first step toward creating a new home built for the long run.

Start your journey with Bardwell and learn more about our custom and semi-custom offerings here.

Get Ready for Winter with Bardwell Homes: How to Prep Your Louisiana Home for Freezing Temperatures

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The Louisiana cold is often fashionably late to its own party. This year, we were well into November before the days brought consistently cool temperatures. But, when winter weather finally arrives, freezing temperatures and high humidity creates challenging, albeit unpredictable, cold snaps. And, this unique climate demands that we take special care to prepare our homes well to comfortably enjoy the winter and safeguard against damage.

Whether you reside in Baton Rouge or Covington, a little proactive protection goes a long way. Let’s review 4 key areas to address and ready your home for freezing temperatures.

1. Protect Your Pipes

Whether this is the first winter in your new home or you’re a seasoned homeowner, everyone knows that frozen pipes can quickly turn into The Nightmare Before Christmas. New homes may have modern plumbing, but freezing temperatures don’t discriminate when your house was built.

Here’s how to protect them:

Insulate Outdoor Pipes & Faucets

If you’re preparing in advance of a freeze, go with the reliable methods and secure foam pipe insulation and faucet covers. But, if you find yourself in a pinch for time or resources, DIY solutions work well for temporary protection. Consider cutting pool noodles to wrap your pipes and attach with duct tape. Or repurpose old clothes or blankets by sliding thick socks or sleeves from sweatshirts over outdoor faucets and pipes. If you’ve slacked on lawn care, just bag up dry leaves and tape them to vulnerable areas – it’s the best natural insulation (plus you’ve got a clear yard again.)

Pro Tip: For custom homes, consider installing smart sensors to monitor pipe temperatures and provide alerts before a freeze occurs.

Let Faucets Drip

Moving water is less likely to freeze, so keep a slow drip going during a freeze, especially in exposed pipes. Even a small amount of water relieves pressure and can prevent bursts caused by expanding ice. Prioritize faucets connected to pipes in unheated or exposed areas, like attics, garages, or crawl spaces since these are most vulnerable to freezing.

Pro Tip: If the facet is attached to an indoor sink with pipes running along an exterior wall, exercise extra caution and open the cabinet doors beneath the sink to let the warm air circulate within the cabinet.

2. Prepare Outdoor Spaces

In South Louisiana, having an outdoor kitchen or entertainment area is a must. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ at the pool or a Christmas Eve bonfire with gumbo, we use our outdoor spaces in every season – even though we’re always dealing with humidity. But, because our high humidity doesn’t disappear during freezes, it creates an ideal environment for frost and moisture damage.

Protect Your Plants

Move potted plants inside or into a garage or covered patio. Wrap delicate plants with blankets or tarp for extra protection. For outdoor furniture, clean and dry items before storing them indoors or covering them securely to prevent moisture from freezing and causing cracks or mildew.

Pro Tip: For custom homes with larger patios or outdoor living areas, consider investing in built-in, weather-resistant furniture and landscaping able to withstand Louisiana’s dynamic weather.

Winterize Sprinklers

Since we have relatively mild winters, our sprinkler systems aren’t typically equipped to handle prolonged freezes. So, be sure to shut off the water supply to your sprinkler system and drain all lines. Water left in sprinkler lines to expand, leading to cracks or burst pipes.

Pro Tip: When designing custom homes, consider investing in smart irrigation systems that can detect and automatically respond to freezing conditions by draining or shutting off water flow.

Clear Gutters

With the risk of hurricanes and flooding, we know to take special care to address any drainage issues – even if our homes are in Flood Zone X. But, clogged gutters don’t just cause drainage problems, they also pose a threat during freezes. Though rare, ice dams can form when water freezes, causing roof damage or even water damage to your home. If you haven’t done it yet this season, thoroughly clean out your gutters and downspouts to allow free water flow. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning them out, consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris buildup year-round.

Pro Tip: Custom homes with complex rooflines can benefit from heated gutter systems, which prevent ice from forming and ensure consistent drainage even during the coldest nights.

3. Maintain Home Systems

One of the perks of new construction is that critical home systems will be modern and up to code. But, in order to reap the benefits, you need to take the time to familiarize yourself with everything. While your new home is equipped with certain safety features, they will require upkeep for winter weather.

Locate Shut-Off Valves

Know where your main water shut-off is in advance of a freeze or in case of an emergency. There’s nothing more frustrating than climbing into bed on a cold night, and then remembering you need to go turn this off – only to realize you don’t know where it is.

Check the Water Heater

Freezing temperatures put extra demand on your water heater. First, flush the tank and remove any sediment buildup. Then, add an insulating blanket to help retain heat and save on energy. Keep it set at 120°F for optimal performance and safety.

Inspect the HVAC System

Your new home’s heating system is likely modern and efficient, but it still needs attention before the first freeze. Check the air filters and change them if needed to keep your system running smoothly. Double-check that your thermostat is functioning properly, and consider a programmable model for greater control and efficiency.

Clear the Fireplace

If your home includes a fireplace, check the damper and hire a chimney sweep before use – if needed. For those who enjoy the warmth of a gas fireplace, make sure to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries.

4. Stay Alert

Check on Your Neighbors

In Louisiana, we pride ourselves on our community culture. Whether you live in Inniswylde or Willow Grove, check in on your neighbors and see who may need help preparing their home or yard for a freeze. Perhaps your neighbor is expecting a baby soon or maybe an elder needs a bit of assistance with their yard – remember that small acts of kindness make a big difference.

Stay Up to Date on Weather Apps

Louisiana’s freezes can be sudden and severe. Sign up for weather alerts and stay informed about the latest guidance for your area to stay ahead of any inclement weather.

Why Bardwell Homes Are Built for Comfort and Durability

Prepping your new home for freezing temperatures is an essential part of protecting it and maintaining its beauty, comfort, and durability. At Bardwell Homes, we understand that your new home is an investment, and we create resilient, thoughtfully designed spaces built to handle Louisiana’s unique winter challenges. For homes designed with every season in mind, contact Bardwell today. Together, we’ll create a home built for the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need to winterize my home in South Louisiana?

Yes. Even though it feels like our winters are relatively short and mild, sudden freezes in Louisiana can still cause major damage, like burst pipes or HVAC failure. Some measure of prevention will go a long way toward protecting your investments. 

2. How do I protect my plumbing from freezing in Louisiana?

Add some foam covers to your next shopping order to easily insulate exposed outdoor pipes and faucets before a freeze. If you find yourself caught off guard, use towels or old clothing with duct tape as a quick DIY solution. During the homebuilding process, our team can incorporate proactive measures like smart sensors to monitor pipe temperatures and provide alerts before a freeze occurs.

3. How do I protect my outdoor kitchen and patio during a Louisiana freeze?

Clean and dry furniture, disconnect water lines to outdoor sinks or appliances, and cover grills or cabinetry. Bring any cushions or cold-sensitive plants inside for good measure. For long-term protection, ask your builder to incorporate weather-resistant materials, drainage systems, and outdoor finishes designed for wet, Southern winters.

4. How can I prepare my HVAC system for Louisiana’s cold weather?

Replace your filters regularly and schedule an inspection before the first big cold front hits. New Bardwell homes include modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, but routine maintenance is key to good long-term performance.

5. What maintenance should I do on my water heater before winter?

Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment and wrap it in an insulating blanket to retain heat. Check for any signs of leaks or dripping water. Then, check the temperature and pressure release valve. Setting the temperature to around 120-140° F helps balance comfort, energy efficiency, and safety during colder months.

6. What’s the safest way to use a fireplace in a new home?

Inspect your fireplace annually before lighting the first fire. Make sure the damper opens fully and the chimney is clean. For gas fireplaces, check all carbon monoxide detectors and pilot lights for safe operation throughout the winter months.