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Countertops are one of the anchoring decisions of your kitchen’s design. Your choice can determine the entire aesthetic of the room, not to mention its function. So, as you’re building or remodeling your home, what should you be considering when it comes to countertops? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of marble vs quartz countertops.  

Materials

Your countertops will get a lot of traffic. Withstanding food prep, spills, heat, and more. The material you choose will make a big difference. There are countless options you could choose from, but quartz and marble are two of the most popular materials that homeowners choose for their kitchen countertops. Today we’ll dig into how to pick between the two. 

What’s to love about Marble

Marble is nature’s gift to home design. This naturally occurring material is elegant with unique vein patterns and distinct appearance. It certainly adds an element of luxury to any space. The timeless nature of marble makes it versatile to complement a variety of styles, tastes, and design palettes. It really just takes your vision up a notch. Because it is a natural material, it is also more variable. Every slab will be unique and have different vein patterns among sections. There will be variations throughout each slab as well as between different slabs. This means that no other kitchen in the world will have marble like yours, which is an added perk in our opinion.

Additionally, marble can require more maintenance and caution in the kitchen. While marble can withstand higher temps, it is more porous which makes it susceptible to stains and scratches. Many love this characteristic of the marble countertops because it adds character and shows “love”. If you enjoy a lived-in aesthetic, then marble just might be the material for you!

What’s to love about Quartz

Quartz is a manmade stone, which means that it’s intentionally created with an added layer of functionality. It is durable, safe for food preparation, and less porous which reduces sensitivity to stains as well as needs for ongoing maintenance. However, unlike marble it cannot withstand extreme temperatures and cannot be exposed to direct sunlight – so it can’t be used in outdoor spaces. 

Because quartz is manmade as we discussed, there’s a lot more control over the materials. You are able to choose your color and pattern with some consistency and typically at a lower price point. The predictability of the fabrication of quartz can make it easier to make selections that work for your unique space. 

Marble vs Quartz Countertops – Making a Selection

Countertop decisions are a matter of your preferences on maintenance, care, and design. Your desired lifestyle can help determine which material makes the cut. The good news is you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our Design Coordinators are standing by to help you find the materials that best fit your needs with expertise and experience. Together, we can choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen. Get in touch at 225-924-4058.

Homeowner’s Associations (HOA’s) can get a bad rap, but there are many reasons why you want and need an HOA in your community. Let’s make a case for the many benefits of an HOA that make your life better as a resident. 

What Exactly Is A Homeowner’s Association?

A Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is a governing body over a community of residents that regulates the agreed upon do’s and don’ts. Initially, the HOA is typically run by the builder or developer. However, once the subdivision has been sold to residents, ownership is taken over by members of the community. The previous owners (the developer or builder) elect a board (homeowners from the community) to become the new HOA managers. 

The main purpose of the HOA is to provide a community environment for residents to enjoy. This plays out a variety of ways, but the goal is for homeowners to experience a well-maintained and consistent community. 

Throughout Baton Rouge, HOA’s have grown to become a standard practice for maintaining and creating higher quality of life for residents. Many of the communities you know and love such as University Club, Santa Maria, Rouzan, and all of our Bardwell communities are managed by HOAs. These communities have seen the value and ease that HOAs have to offer and are taking advantage of the many benefits. 

So, What Are The Benefits Of An HOA?

On a base level, the HOA will manage all community amenities such as ponds, sidewalks, street signage or entrances, community spaces such as pools, parks, and gardens. This produces a well-maintained, beautiful and luxurious community environment. But there are many pros expanding far beyond community management. 

Enjoy Your Neighbors

An HOA may facilitate community engagement by planning events or activities like family fun days, mixers, or farmers markets which provide built-in opportunities to get to know your neighbors and build friendships. However, the HOA also serves the role of handling disputes or regulations so that you don’t have to. “HOA’s help bring homeowners together when they don’t have to police each other”, says Scott Bardwell. If you have a neighbor that gets a wild hair to build something outside of regulation, you don’t have to confront your neighbor or spend your days wincing at a distasteful structure for years to come. You can report any behavior or activity that is outside of community standards and let your HOA handle the rest. Avoid awkward social encounters and enjoy your neighbors instead. 

Know What To Expect

An HOA takes the guess work out of what will happen with neighbors or community amenities. You can expect that all homes built or remodeled will live up to the same standard, trust that shared spaces will be maintained, and rest easy knowing that the community is considering shared responsibilities such as safety, behavior management, and other decisions that affect you and those around you. Without an HOA, there is inconsistency in the condition of the homes and surrounding area in the community. Different standards and opinions can come into play. However, with an HOA you can have confidence. Consistent rules, regulation and maintenance helps promote stability. Life is simpler because the HOA handles things so you don’t have to. 

Reap Long Term Benefits

Consistency produces value over time. The market price of your home will be secure in a well-maintained community. Not only can you know what to expect, but others can be confident in the community as well. A track record of healthy HOA involvement produces higher long term resale value. Additionally, regular upkeep helps with longevity. Think of your home like you think of your car. The better you take care of it over time, the longer it will run. Regular upkeep of the home and community means less risk and built-up maintenance later. 

What to Look for in an HOA

HOA’s can be different based on the community. But there are some things you should be able to evaluate prior to buying in a community. 

A healthy HOA is balanced! As a buyer, look at the track record of the HOA by looking into the developer of the community (a good developer usually means a good HOA is in place), as well as an HOA president that demonstrates both servant leadership as well as business experience. Good HOA leadership is democratic and community-minded. 

Additionally, look to the community itself. Does it appear well-maintained? The community regulations and final plat are public documents that you can request. Ask to see the rules to see if the HOA values align with your own. Your realtor should be able to provide you with a list of the amenities and services for that specific community, so you know what your HOA dues go toward.

Finally, evaluate the financial health of the HOA. Ask if they have money saved and a good budget. This is to protect you from future costs as a resident in the community and build trust in the self-governance of the HOA and community. Healthy HOA’s are transparent about where money is going and use dues wisely. 

We hope this has helped demonstrate the benefits and value that an HOA can add to you as a homeowner. Bardwell works diligently to find the right balance for healthy and productive homeowners associations in our communities. For questions about community regulations or HOA structures, feel free to contact us. We hope your Homeowner’s Associations make life more enriched and enjoyable in your community!

Bardwell Homes announces a 25 lot purchase in Clark’s Ferry subdivision located at Hoo Shoo Too and Vignes Road. The closing was recorded on Friday November 13, 2020 for a purchase price of $2,150,000, or $86,000 per lot. Clark’s Ferry is a 30 lot community and Bardwell is buying the remaining lots after a few local builders started the project. “We are very excited about buying out Clark’s Ferry because there is a high demand for homes in the $400k pricepoint this close to Highland Road and I-10” stated Scott Bardwell, owner of Bardwell Homes. The Seller was High Key Properties, a joint venture between LA Custom Homes and a private investor.

Homes in Clark’s Ferry will range in price from $430,000 to over $500,000 on lots with rear yards. Home designs reflect a modern vibe with updated facades of painted brick, siding, large windows and fresh and stylish interiors that support the low clutter lifestyles so many people crave in today’s work at home environment. The target market is empty nesters and young families that want enough room to spread out but not so much that crimps a lifestyle “on the go”.

Bardwell is the exclusive builder on all 25 lots and is offering floorplans and elevations to choose from, as well as a cadre of upgrades in each home to personalize based on buyer’s preferences. Jon Demma, director of Operations at Bardwell Homes commented that “We are very excited to introduce this style at this pricepoint because we believe many folks are craving a fresh look while maintaining traditional roots”.

Bardwell Homes is a Baton Rouge residential construction company with the proven ability to build homes where classic luxury features meet the needs of today’s homeowner. Known for construction in communities such as Rouzan, Artisan Hill and Audubon Square, Bardwell Homes is currently building in several locations across the Greater Baton Rouge area, including Veranda at University Club, Magnolia Square in Central and Vintage Place.

Learn more about the community and location at https://www.bardwellhomes.com/community/clarks-ferry/. Available homes and floorplans are coming soon!

Bardwell Homes has broken ground on a 50-lot filing in Central, LA called the Highland District in the Village at Magnolia Square. The new filing will offer buyers a choice of traditionally styled one- and two-story homes starting in the low $300s. Lots range in size but are generally 65’x140’ and are designed for homes with private rear yards backing up to green spaces consisting of preserved hardwood stands and a lake.

“As exclusive builder in The Highland District, we will offer buyers a quality and affordable home in one of the most desirable communities in Central”, commented Scott Bardwell, President of Bardwell Homes.  The Village at Magnolia Square continues to broaden housing options to attract buyers with townhomes, custom homes, and now Highland District which opens up more home buying options for the value conscience buyer.  “With recent closings of townhomes in the $300s and a custom home resale over $1MM, sales activity points to Magnolia Square as the leading TND in our market” noted Heather Kirkpatrick, head of sales for Bardwell Homes.  The Village at Magnolia Square rounds out the TND experience by offering residents a variety of amenities including Stab’s Steak & Seafood, Avant Tous Spa, a community pool, pavilion, playground and common green spaces.

Home construction has begun in Highland District, and the first residents will be able to move in Spring 2020.  House pre-sales are under way and buyers can select a lot and choose from Bardwell’s professionally designed plans and customize their home with select features and upgrades.

Highland District lots were developed by Bienvenue Development, an affiliate company of Bardwell.  “Keeping development and construction under the same umbrella allows the construction process to remain integrated from concept to completion with one complete vision”, noted President Scott Bardwell.  Other notable developments by Bienvenue include Audubon Square, Stanford Oaks and Vintage Place.  Bardwell Homes is a trusted builder in some of the most prestigious communities in Baton Rouge area including Rouzan, Veranda at University Club, Audubon Square, Artisan Hill and Vintage Place.

Interested in learning more? For sales related inquiries, contact Heather Kirkpatrick at (225) 331-6955.

At Bardwell Homes, we look for ways to be intentional and creative. Whether it is creating architecture, selecting finishes, running our business we want to be thoughtful about how we serve.

Viewing a home is a big component when you’re looking to buy. It can be difficult to schedule an in-person visit for every home you find online. Many homes look promising, but how do you know which ones will fit your needs for space, aesthetic, layout, location, etc.

We wanted to find a solution for our clients. We invested in research and production to create a tool that we believe can alleviate the stress of scheduling, in-person timing, and the unknowns of home characteristics.

Introducing Bardwell’s Unique Virtual Tours

Our new virtual tours are unique from other home videos you may have seen before.

Floor Plan

This new tool starts with a clear drawing of the home’s floor plan, providing you with an overview of the layout and visual for the flow of the home.

“Hot spots” on the floor plan drawing at the start of the tour allow you to select which area of the home you’d like to view first. Simply click the burnt orange dot in the room you’d like to explore!

Once you’re in a room, if you’d like to see the overview of the floor plan again for navigation you can simply click the icon in the right sidebar.

720 Degree View

Experience the home more accurately on a virtual setting than you ever have before with a 720 degree view. With our virtual tours, you use your cursor to view every detail of the home! Look at the ceiling, floors, forward and backward with incredible accuracy.

This is the most comprehensive viewing we have ever seen in a virtual tour, and we are excited to provide such an in-depth look for our clients.

Client Control

Oftentimes you see virtual tour videos that walk you through a home at a pre-determined pace. The amazing thing about Bardwell’s new virtual tours are that you are fully in control!

Choose the areas of the home that you want to see and spend as much time in that room as you want. Leave and go back to different areas, see how they all connect, and really get to know the space at your own pace.

You won’t have to pause, rewind or fast forward to get to what you care about. Everyone’s looking for something unique. View the home the way you want.

Surrounding Area Visuals

Another distinctive component of our virtual tours are the exterior tour of the complete lot! When you’re buying a home the surrounding homes, views and other objects matter.

Our tour allows you to see the community a home is present in. See the yard, street surroundings, next door neighbors, community amenities and more.

Other helpful tips

• The bottom left corner provides a navigation to show you which part of the house you are in. Click the different areas to jump from floor to floor or interior to exterior.
• Hover over the icons in the right side bar to see what other options are available to you. These navigations can make your life easier as you try to get the most full picture possible.
• If you start to get overwhelmed, professional photography and floor plan drawings are also available on the homes’ profile! You can always go back to what you know when you need to.

All in all, our new virtual tour system gives you the whole picture. We’re putting it all out there. See what matters to you, at your own pace, on your own time.

Want to see what we’re talking about?

Welcome home.

http://fotoport.fotosold.com/PPL/6417VintageRoseCtBatonRouge70817/index.html

Take your time exploring this recently completed home in Vintage Place! Play with each feature and get to know the space. We can’t wait to show you around!

Veranda is located inside of the larger community of University Club, just minutes away from LSU and downtown Baton Rouge. This traditionally planned community is comprised of 68 lots waiting for homes to be built.

As Veranda’s exclusive homebuilder, Bardwell Homes has a close relationship with the principal architect (Mike Sullivan of Looney Ricks Kiss) and interior designer (HGTV’s Kenneth Brown) of these homes.

Homes in Veranda are designed to match your personal style, and are built with Bardwell’s thoughtful attention to detail.

So how do you go about building a home in Veranda? We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and show you how simple it is to make yourself at home.

Step 1: Meet with our Realtor

Bardwell’s expert realtor, Heather Kirkpatrick, is the first face you’ll meet. She’s on the team to discuss the community, show you available lots, and explore floor plans. Homes in Veranda range from 2,000 to3,000+ square feet with single and two-story options available.

Step 2: Meet with Bardwell

Now it’s our turn! We’ll work together to personalize your plans. Bardwell offers a selection of amenities and add-ons when building your home. You can share your vision with us and we can show you your options. We’ll approve your final floor plan and sign contracts to get things moving!

Step 3: Plumbing and Appliances

We’ll refer you to two approved Bardwell vendors who will make sure you’re taken care of. Working with our vendors maximizes efficiency and ensures quality. At this step, you’ll make appointments to select plumbing at Coburn’s and appliances at Stanton’s. Be sure to save photos of your selections for later meetings.

Step 4: Design Meeting 1

At this meeting we’ll provide options for you to choose your exterior color palette, garage door, mantel design, interior trim, sink selections and review cabinet design.

How to prepare?

Bring photos and magazine ideas, drive around different neighborhoods, bring paint chips, and pictures of bar area/butler’s pantry (if applicable), kitchen, desk, broom closet and utility room cabinet inspirations you would like to incorporate into your home.

Step 5: Countertops, Electrical Fixtures and Hardware

Time to visit a few more of our wonderful vendors. VisitMichael Paul’s Natural Stone (Stone Fabricator) first to look at inventory including remnants for guest baths and to select stone edging and sinks. Once you’ve made these selections you can make appointments to select countertops, electrical fixtures and hardware.

Step 6: Design Meeting 2

Now it’s time to finalize cabinet plans, interior paint colors and flooring. We’ll also tie together selections made from vendor appointments.

How to prepare?

Bring photos from your vendor appointments, interior paint inspirations and fabric swatches of furniture or drapery.

Step 7: Walk Thru’s

Walk thru #1: Bring electrical selections and think through outlet/charging locations, lamp and furniture placement, locations of TV’s, can placement and speakers.Finalize cabinet dresser placement if applicable.

Walk thru #2: Finalize closet layouts and fencing plans on-site.

Walk thru #3: At the Homeowner Orientation Walk, we will prepare punch list items to be handled before closing.

Walk thru #4: For the final walk, the Superintendent will review details and go over completed punch list.

Step 8: Closing

Time to make it officially YOUR home! After construction is complete, we’ll walk through the closing process and you’ll be off to start life in your new Bardwell home!

If you’re interested in learning about building in Veranda reach out to us! Take the first step. Call Bardwell at (225) 331-6955 – we’d love to get to know you!