Bardwell Homes

Q&A on Curation and Design in Bardwell Homes with Interior Designer Laura Cedor

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Baton Rouge native Laura Cedor has always unequivocally loved design, architecture, and construction. And, Laura’s dedication to her clients and driven nature is what sets her apart as a designer. She is passionate about giving her clients a home that they love and making sure they feel comfortable and heard along the way. We sat down with Laura to discuss her design philosophy and how it impacts the custom and semi-custom home-building experience at Bardwell Homes. 

“My passion is to create timeless spaces that will shape the way families experience life, happiness, and love within their most sacred place, home.”

Tell us about your overall approach to design.  

Because I am a mom of five, I have a firsthand appreciation of the importance of a durable product. So, I strive to select finishes that will withstand real life, whatever that may look like for each individual client and family. Timeless design never compromises overall quality and functionality.

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics? 

This balance depends on each room of the house. For instance, the dining room in the front of the house where events like Christmas dinner, Sunday family get-togethers, and special moments will receive a different treatment in terms of fabric and finishes. 

How does good interior design impact the home experience?

Good design is very much individualized – it is all about emotion, comfort, and feel. Interior design textures and colors impact your emotions, so you have to consider how each person will use and appreciate the spaces. Ultimately, people want to feel comfortable and love the spaces within their home.  

How did your relationship with Bardwell Homes begin?

Our relationship began when one of my custom clients selected Bardwell Homes to build their forever home. I was extremely impressed with Bardwell and was excited to work on future projects with them!

Walk us through the interior design process for a semi-custom home vs. a custom home. 

The semi-custom home process offers a curated selection from a design team in which a homeowner comes in and designs based on these selections. This protects the homeowner and keeps them within budget while still giving a custom-feeling experience with the benefit of selecting from options for wood flooring, millwork, countertops, mirrors, and hardware.

On the other hand, the custom home process is a start to finish; the sky is the limit, and the selection of all fabrics, finishes, and materials for each space within the home.  This allows the homeowner to add a personal touch within all the elements of their home – with a larger point of emphasis on budget management, as a result.

What’s the collaboration process like with the client and Bardwell? 

When a client comes to Bardwell Homes, we host a creative meeting about their ideas, pictures, favorite paint colors, etc. In this first meeting we learn a lot about the homeowners’ goals. We hear how they intend to use the space, whether it’s their first home and they are about to get married or they are looking to downsize.

Once we have a full understanding of their vision, we start with big picture items, such as exterior paint, front doors, roof, brick, windows, interior doors, interior cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and cabinets. After that initial meeting we have one or two additional meetings to select the more detailed design elements.

How do you manage budget constraints with the design goals, even if the client’s needs or vision evolves over time?

Budget constraints happen in every single job. I educate my clients that we do not need to include every trendy detail and that there is a way to prioritize what is the most important to them. For instance, my client wanted a beautiful white marble kitchen countertop. To stay within budget, we changed materials in spaces that were not as visible. Still a beautiful product, but we do not need to use the most expensive finish in every room. As a designer, my goal is to guide my clients to the best returns with the biggest personal impact.

What is the client communication process like? 

I am extremely hands on with my clients… We call, text, DM, email, see each other at sporting events, and go out to lunch. When LCI is involved we are ALL IN. Communication is everything.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a custom build? 

Decide on your designer and architect at the same time! Architects have the big vision, and they work with you on creating the sizes of spaces. Designers work with you on how you live in and experience the space. It makes the process flow much better when they can collaborate from the start.  

What inspires you? 

My family is my inspiration, and they inspire me to be better every single day. My children are my personal inspiration, and my husband is my biggest supporter of my personal and professional aspirations.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite projects?

Oh, that’s easy! I just recently finished one of my all-time favorite projects this spring. Not only was the house design elegantly jaw-dropping, but most importantly, these clients fully trusted my vision from day one, and for that, I will forever be grateful. I really define my success based on the level of the relationship I have with the client.

It’s what matters most for a successful project. The design and everything that goes into the decision-making process leading up to the final product comes naturally when the relationship is strong. This translates into a happy homeowner!

Do you see any trends that you believe are here to stay? 

Warm color is definitely coming back! Warmth, cozy, and color is coming back!  

Work with Laura Cedor 

Laura has worked on designs in the TerraBella community,  but she is available to design in any Bardwell community. If you’d like to learn more about working with Laura Cedor on a Bardwell Home, contact us.

Why Now is the Best Time to Build Your New Home

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Are you considering building a new home?

Whether you’re planning to buy new construction or looking for a move-in ready home, moving is always a big decision, and it’s often a question of timing.

  • Is now the right time for my family?
  • Will we find a home that meets our needs in the long run?
  • Are we ready to make this large investment of money, energy, and resources?

Real estate market conditions also play a substantial role in making an informed decision that you can feel good about.

Right now, we’re experiencing a unique combination of limited housing inventory, stabilized  mortgage rates, and attractive financial incentives. So, if you’re looking to invest in new construction, this is a great time to explore the benefits of building a new home.

Navigating the Current Housing Market

The current housing market does not have enough supply to meet the demand, with a national shortfall of approximately 2 million homes. Since the pandemic, this imbalance has intensified competition and inflated prices for existing properties. And it’s increasingly difficult to find and secure a home that works for your family.

Given the environment, building a new home is a smart move.

Opting for new construction allows you to create a home that aligns precisely with your vision and needs while also avoiding the limitations of existing inventory. Partnering with a reputable and experienced home builder enables you to ensure the highest standards of quality. With access to premium materials and a proven process, Bardwell Homes will tailor your new home to your lifestyle.

Financial Incentives and Falling Mortgage Rates

Recent trends in mortgage rates highlight another compelling reason to consider new construction. After hitting a 20-year high, mortgage rates have recently declined, creating better opportunities for prospective homeowners. Lower interest rates, combined with rising home prices, create a better financial landscape for building a new home.

In addition to lower interest rates, potential buyers can take advantage of various financial incentives, such as tax benefits and lower closing costs. These factors make new construction a more affordable, accessible option, enhancing its value as an investment compared to purchasing an existing property.

Building Equity and Ensuring Long-Term Value

Your home is likely to be the most significant purchase you make in life, and making an informed choice is important for securing long-term value. If you build a new home at this time, then you benefit from favorable financing conditions and lock in a price that reflects current market trends.

As property values continue to rise, your investment is well-positioned for appreciation. 

Custom homes and semi-custom homes offer distinct advantages in this context. A custom home allows for a meticulous alignment with your lifestyle requirements, ensuring that your residence balances your functional and aesthetic preferences. Alternatively, a semi-custom home strikes a balance between personalization and convenience, providing pre-designed options that still cater to your individual tastes. 

The Advantages of New Construction

New construction offers a range of benefits that will significantly enhance your living experience. One of the key advantages is the reduced need for maintenance. When every element of the home, from the roof to the appliances, is brand new, the likelihood of unexpected repairs and maintenance issues is greatly diminished. This not only offers peace of mind but also contributes to a more predictable and manageable living environment.

In addition, new construction gives you the opportunity to design a home that precisely suits your family’s needs and desires. Whether through custom design or semi-custom modifications, you can ensure that every detail aligns with your vision, resulting in a new home that truly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

The Distinction of the Custom and Semi-Custom Home Experience

Choosing the right home builder is fundamental to your experience, and Bardwell Homes stands as the choice for excellence in Baton Rouge and beyond. With our proven process and meticulous attention to detail, we cultivate custom home-building experiences that marry luxury and practicality. Our approach ensures that each home is a testament to superior craftsmanship and personalized service.

For those seeking a fully customized experience, you can build a custom home with Bardwell and design a home that is uniquely yours, tailored to every specification and preference. Alternatively, our semi-custom homes offer a curated selection of designs with room for personalization, combining elegance with efficiency.

Discover The Bardwell Difference

So, if you’re considering new home construction, the current market does present you with a good opportunity. With the ongoing shortage of existing homes, favorable mortgage rates, and attractive financial incentives, now is an opportune time to invest in a new, custom-built residence. In partnership with a trusted home builder, like the team at Bardwell Homes, you ensure that your new home will not only meet but exceed your expectations in terms of quality, design, and long-term value.

Whether you opt for a custom home or a semi-custom home, the benefits of new construction are definitively substantial. Enjoy reduced maintenance, the potential for equity growth, and the ability to create a residence that aligns with your lifestyle. It’s a good time to buy new construction and build the home you’ve always envisioned. So, embrace this opportunity to secure a home in one of Bardwell’s communities and experience the beauty and intentionality of traditional neighborhood living.

If you’re looking for a new home in Baton Rouge, peruse our selection in Clark’s Ferry, Willow Grove, Harveston, or Inniswylde for beautiful communities conveniently located to city life amenities. For those interested in a move to Covington, learn more about our recent acquisition of new lots in TerraBella.

Bardwell Homes Expands Presence in Covington, LA with New Commercial Building in The Terrabella Village

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Bardwell Homes is thrilled to announce the opening of our new commercial building in TerraBella Village, Covington, LA. This second location enhances our commitment to providing outstanding service and exceptional homebuilding experiences in one of the Northshore’s most vibrant communities and beyond.

Bardwell Homes has now expanded operations to Covington, LA.

Investing in the Northshore Region

As proud members of the Northshore Home Builders Association, Bardwell Homes has welcomed the opportunity to build 20 homes in TerraBella and has secured additional lots in its latest development phase. These new achievements demonstrate Bardwell Homes’ commitment to continuing to grow and giving families thoughtfully designed homes.

Known for our construction in communities throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area, we are thrilled to bring Bardwell’s distinctive design to TerraBella and the Northshore region.

Homes in Terrabella Village built by Bardwell Homes.

Custom and Semi-Custom Homes with Southern Luxury 

At Bardwell Homes, we build homes that blend classic luxury with Southern charm. Our new office in TerraBella Village will act as a central hub where clients can explore their homebuilding options. Not only that, clients will have direct access to expert guidance and professional care, which makes Bardwell a trusted name in residential construction across South Louisiana. 

Recently, our team visited the TerraBella site to see the construction start of our new office and spend the day viewing our latest projects together while taking in the unique character of TerraBella and its influence on our home designs. Walking the grounds in person is an integral part of how we design homes that complement the natural landscape and charm of each community.

The Bardwell team.

TerraBella Village: A Return to Intimate, Communal Living   

TerraBella Village brings back the charm of traditional neighborhoods within the thriving city of Covington. This community focuses on creating a close-knit living experience with walkable streets, a village square, and year-round events that foster connection among residents. It’s the perfect setting for Bardwell Homes’ latest project.

Danny Bracey, Sales and Marketing Executive for Bardwell Homes, shares, “The community of TerraBella Village checks a lot of boxes for us as a community builder with walkable streets, strict architectural guidelines, green spaces, and a live-work-play atmosphere. We are grateful to be one of a select few approved builders and look forward to having a greater presence in one of the fastest-growing parts of Louisiana.” 

The Terrabella Community opens its arms to Bardwell Homes, who recently broke ground for their second base of operations.

Discover the Charm of Covington, LA 

Covington, LA offers a unique blend of Southern style and modern convenience, making it a prime location for families and professionals in the Northshore region. Known for its scenic beauty, vibrant community spirit, and historic allure, Covington is rapidly evolving into one of the most desirable destinations for families and professionals alike. 

As the area continues to grow, the expansion of residential communities like TerraBella promises thoughtfully designed homes that offer contemporary amenities while preserving a sense of tradition. Building a new home in Covington means access to top-notch schools, recreational activities, and a thriving local culture. With the city’s ongoing growth, it’s an ideal place for those looking to invest in a new home. 

Community amenities in Terrabella Village.

Experience the Bardwell Difference 

At Bardwell Homes, a commitment to quality and personalized service is at the heart of everything we do. Renowned for our construction in the Greater Baton Rouge area, we are dedicated to creating exceptional communities, homes, and commercial properties.

Clients looking to custom-build a new home or semi-customize one of Bardwell’s existing floor plans can expect a seamless and rewarding experience. With meticulous attention to detail, our team works closely with clients to develop a deep understanding of their needs in order to bring their vision to life. By combining thoughtful design with Southern elegance, we craft homes that are both beautiful and functional. From selecting finishes to finalizing design elements, we handle every step with care and expertise, treating each project as if it were our own home.

Bardwell Homes provides homeowners with custom and semi-custom options for their home.

Available TerraBella Homes: Embrace Style, Space, and Quality 

At Bardwell Homes, we’re excited to showcase our latest offerings in the beautiful TerraBella Village, where exceptional design meets unparalleled craftsmanship. Starting from the $500,000s, our homes range from 2,139 to 2,726 square feet, providing ample space for families to thrive.

With a variety of floorplans featuring 3 to 4 bedrooms and optional home offices, there’s a perfect fit for every lifestyle. Embrace the opportunity to create a stylish and comfortable living environment in this vibrant community. Your future home in TerraBella Village is just around the corner!

Homes in the Terrabella community.

Available in October 2024!

Discover Lot 912 in TerraBella: 138 Sage Alley, Covington, LA 70433 – $619,900

Introducing the Naples house plan, a delightful 3 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom layout. Two elegant French doors at the front of the home open to the living room, dining room, and kitchen, providing plenty of natural light. This home also boasts an office, a mud, and a utility room. At the other end of the main living area is the side porch, which is ideal for outdoor entertainment or for enjoying a morning cup of coffee. As you make your way down the corridor, you’ll find the bedrooms and a spacious home office. The primary suite and bathroom are beautifully designed, with a grand walk-in closet. At 2,335 SF, this design ensures privacy and tranquility, keeping the bedrooms separate from the livelier areas of the home. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this beautiful floor plan your new home.

For more information about Bardwell Homes, our new office in TerraBella Village, or to explore available homes and custom home options, visit our website or contact us directly.

Lot 912 in Terrabella Village is currently under construction.
The house plan for Lot 912 in the Terrabella Village.

Top 5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Custom Home Builder

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Building a custom home is a major investment – both financially and emotionally. It should involve meticulous planning, expert craftsmanship, and a transparent, collaborative relationship between you and your home builder. You want a custom home builder with a trusted reputation and proven processes who integrates your creative input while maintaining exemplary design standards. While it can be a daunting choice, here are five things to look for when choosing a custom home builder and why Bardwell Homes could be the right fit for you. 

Reputation and Expertise

When selecting a custom home builder, the first thing to note is their reputation and expertise in the industry. Look for builders with a track record of successful projects and satisfied clients. Since 1946, Bardwell Homes has built a reputation for experience and consistent quality. For three generations, we’ve proudly served the Baton Rouge community. 

Our legacy of craftsmanship and innovation defines every project we undertake. Our expertise is evident in every floor plan, each design concept, and each professionally selected detail that goes into your home. With a long heritage of visionary entrepreneurs, our team at Bardwell Homes continues the tradition of constructing and selling a variety of homes, including custom builds, pre-solds, and spec homes throughout South Louisiana.


Craftsmanship and Quality

When building your new home, high-quality craftsmanship and materials are essential. Every home built should stand the test of time. At Bardwell Homes, we source only the finest materials. From the structural integrity to the finishing touches, we execute every detail with precision to create homes that are not only beautiful and artful but also functional and durable. 

What sets us apart as a custom home builder in Baton Rouge is our approach to working with professional trade partners. We prioritize relationships with expert tradesmen over seeking out the lowest bidder. This commitment guarantees consistent quality in every home we build, streamlining the entire process and making each custom home-building experience enjoyable. We build with integrity so that your Bardwell Home might serve your family now and for generations to come. 


Design and Development 

The design and development phase is crucial for ensuring your new home meets your vision and needs. At Bardwell Homes, we’ve developed a signature style and design process marked by luxury, innovation, and attention to detail. 

We design homes that simplify and enhance your daily life. Each finish is hand-selected by design professionals to meet the real needs of your family while maximizing space and style for all occasions. This design approach drives every Bardwell home build, reflecting our dedication to both the process and the final product. Before construction begins, we review every detail with you to create a comprehensive and interactive design process to ensure your vision and needs are integrated into your home with expert guidance and care. 


Communication and Process

At Bardwell Homes, we believe effective communication begins with transparency. Setting clear expectations and maintaining an open dialogue is crucial to your custom home build process and final product. Our disciplined approach to project management ensures that our projects are completed on time and within budget. So, our team will guide you through every step, making complex decisions like lot selection and plan design straightforward and effortless. 

You want a builder that offers you accessibility, clarity, and progress reports and updates throughout the experience of building your custom home, along with on-site meetings with you.  The journey on your future home begins with a contract agreement followed by design meetings with our professional team and your interior designer. No worries if you don’t have an interior designer.  We have you covered there, too, and can connect you with multiple options.  During the design phase, you’ll make the bulk of your design decisions. Once the design is complete, the construction team dedicated to your home will guide you through a detailed pre-construction meeting at our office, where we will review the site plan, the floor plan, and the electrical plan in detail for final review.  This structured approach guarantees that every detail aligns with your vision, setting the stage for a successful construction experience. 


Client Experience 

The best indicator of a superior builder is the client experience. It reflects the builder’s commitment to quality, service, and expertise. When a builder prioritizes the client, the results will be evident in every project. 

We build with intention and patience because it is our goal to create homes that are built for living. Ultimately, the client experience is at the heart of our business – it’s why we do what we do. Our approach is about more than beautiful aesthetics; it’s about creating intuitive, thoughtful designs that meet your needs now and in the future. At Bardwell Homes, we incorporate unexpected details that make each home truly inspiring and representative of the families they hold. 

Begin Your Custom Home Build with Bardwell Homes

Choosing the right custom home builder is pivotal to ensuring a successful and satisfying home-building journey. Bardwell Homes is a featured builder in numerous developments in the Baton Rouge area and beyond. In each of these developments, we are proud to showcase our legacy of craftsmanship, impeccable design, and proven processes that make each client experience exceptional. 

With Bardwell Homes, you’re not just building a house – you’re investing in an elevated vision for your daily life. 

Are you considering a custom home build? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how Bardwell Homes can build a home that’s uniquely yours. We look forward to meeting you.  Let’s get started on the journey that takes you home!

Summer Home Maintenance Tips from Bardwell Homes Superintendent Daniel

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As summer settles in, keeping your home well-maintained is critical. While temperatures continue to rise and humidity levels fluctuate, it’s essential to focus on key areas of your home to mitigate any ill effects of the intense summer season in Louisiana. From the exterior surfaces to the roof and landscaping, just a few, simple DIY maintenance practices can make a significant difference in the comfort, efficiency, and longevity of your home. When you stay proactive with regular maintenance, you can protect your home’s value and ensure a comfortable living environment throughout the summer months.

To guide us through some essential summer home maintenance tips and practices, we turn to Daniel Greer, Superintendent at Bardwell Homes, whose expertise will ensure that our homes remain in optimal condition year-round. Check out these 5 simple summer maintenance tips that you can do yourself.

1. Clean Your Exterior Surfaces

During the summer, the excess heat and humidity create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth on your home’s exterior surfaces. Louisiana residents know that while these can detract from your home’s appearance, they can also lead to structural issues over time. Regularly cleaning your walls and siding with a pressure washer can prevent bacterial buildup. Spend an early morning outside or a late evening outside and tackle this project with your pressure washer. Make sure to pay special attention to shaded areas and spots where moisture tends to accumulate. It’s always satisfying to see what an incredible visual refresh this gives to your home’s exterior appearance. 

2. Inspect Your Roof 

As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to inspect your roof for any signs of wear or damage. From the ground level, you can perform a visual inspection to look for missing, ripped, or torn shingles, as well as any debris that may have accumulated. If you’ve got an errant branch or a wet pile of leaves, it’s important to go ahead and remove them now as debris can compromise the roof’s ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. But, if you notice anything questionable or if your roof is difficult to access safely, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a professional roofer for a thorough inspection and repairs.

3. Water Your Landscaping Properly

Sometimes we put watering the lawn and landscaping on the backburner since Louisiana summers are often full of afternoon rain showers. But, that’s not always the case. And, proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy landscaping, especially during the summer months. Aim to water your yard and landscaping deeply to ensure they receive a minimum of 1-1.5 inches of water each week. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening minimizes evaporation, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively. But, be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to waterlogging and promote fungal growth, particularly in humid climates like ours.  

4. Reseal Windows and Doors

The summer heat can cause materials around windows and doors to expand and contract, potentially creating small gaps or cracks over time. Not only do these gaps provide easy entry ways for bugs and other pests, but they can also compromise energy efficiency by allowing cool air to escape and hot air to enter your home. To maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and lower energy bills, inspect and reseal windows and doors annually using 100% silicone sealant. This is another easy task that you can DIY on a Saturday afternoon. We recommend that you reseal every year, especially before hurricane season begins.  

5. Clear Gutters and Weep Holes

Gutters and weep holes in brickwork are crucial in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation and exterior walls. During the summer, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in gutters and block these drainage systems. If you regularly clear out your gutters and weep holes, you can ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of water backup, moisture infiltration, and potential damage to your home’s structural integrity and your landscaping. This simple maintenance task can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior.

Experience the Bardwell Difference

At Bardwell Homes, we are proud of our expert craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. However, a home is a living thing that requires care and maintenance long after we walk you through the front door on final inspection day. 

With Bardwell Homes, you’re not just buying a house; you’re investing in peace of mind and the assurance that your home is built and maintained to the highest standards. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional, we are committed to helping you keep a high standard of living by sharing and promoting proactive maintenance practices for every season of life. 

Discover the Bardwell difference and experience what it means to invest in your ideal home.