At Bardwell, we combine intuitive touches and thoughtful design to build homes that express your personal style. We believe that unexpected details make homes inspiring. It’s why we let design drive the process behind every Bardwell home.
From the floors to the fixtures, personalize each element of your home’s interior with finishes hand-selected by design professionals. In each step of construction, every curve, line and material selection is planned and implemented with craftsman quality to reflect the real needs of each family and designed with space and style for all occasions.
While fancy finishes and high ceilings alone aren’t quite enough to make a house a home, the customized details in every Bardwell home are designed to simplify your life. Whether it is a trim detail or a perfectly placed nook, no detail is overlooked.
When looking for a home with unique design, look to Bardwell Homes for a blend of tailored Southern style and the luxury of modern living. Inside and out, a home by Bardwell is a build all your own. Some call it thoughtful, we call it The Bardwell Difference.
Why Build with Bardwell
Personalization meets Expertise
We begin by seeking a deep understanding of how you live and how you want your home to support you lifestyle. We combine your vision with our industry expertise to create a home that’s distinctly yours.
Thoughtful Design and Enduring Quality
From smart layouts to locally sourced materials, every detail matters. More than curated finishes, we build homes to stand the test of time, a careful balance of longevity, functionality, and timeless beauty.
A Proven, Trusted Partner
From the first meeting to move-in day, our team prioritizes clear, consistent communication. We value transparency and keep you informed every step of the way to facilitate a stress-free, rewarding experience.
Our Process
1. Secure Land
Build on your own land or choose a lot in one of the several different communities Bardwell has to offer.
2. Architectural Plans
We shape your vision with expert partners (or yours) to design plans that balance beauty, function, and future-ready living.
3. Pricing, Allowances, & Schedules
Get a full cost estimate, selection allowances, estimated build timeline, and draw schedule – all up front and easy to follow.
4. Approval & Construction
Once approved, we break ground. As we focus on the build, you’ll get regular updates, watching your new home come to life.
5. Final Walkthrough
Tour your completed home before closing to survey the final result. Then, get the keys to your new home designed just for you.
What Homeowners Are Saying
“The staff were incredibly friendly, professional, and always willing to answer my questions throughout the process. Everything was completed on time, as promised. I highly recommend Bardwell Homes to anyone looking for a new build.” – George Xue
“After 2 builds and lots of experiences, I can honestly say Scott Bardwell cares about his customers and is a man of great integrity!” – Kayla Silvio
“The attention to detail and the creative use of materials inside and outside of the home were unmatched.” – Scott Berry
“If you’re considering building a new home, I highly recommend taking a look at Bardwell Homes. Our home is everything we wanted it to be.” – Truax Family
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 2026 still a good time to build a new home?
Yes — despite shifts in mortgage rates and material costs, 2026 remains a favorable time to build due to stabilizing interest rates and limited housing inventory. Starting construction now lets you secure today’s pricing and avoid the steep competition for existing homes, which are still in short supply.
2. Will building a home now cost more than buying an existing one?
Not necessarily. While new construction can seem more expensive upfront, you often save long-term through energy-efficient features, new appliances, and lower maintenance costs. Plus, with current builder incentives and financing options, you have plenty of options to make an affordable, worthwhile investment.
3. How do mortgage rate changes affect new home construction?
Even small dips in mortgage rates can make a big difference in affordability. When rates stabilize or drop, you can qualify for a larger loan amount or secure better terms. Many homebuyers choose to lock in rates early during the building process to take advantage of market shifts.
4. What financial incentives are available for new home construction?
Depending on your lender and builder, incentives may include reduced closing costs, rate buydowns, or tax advantages tied to energy-efficient home features. Bardwell Homes can connect you with trusted mortgage partners who specialize in new construction financing.
5. Is it cheaper to buy land and build or buy in a Bardwell community?
Buying within a Bardwell community offers predictable resale value due to pre-developed lots, optimized home plans, and established neighborhood amenities. Purchasing your own land offers flexibility but can introduce higher upfront costs for site prep, permits, and utilities.
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!
