Occasionally, because Bedico Creek Preserve is such a popular neighborhood on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Louisiana, we will have newspaper, magazine, and online articles and blogs written about our master-planned community. We feature these articles in our Press Room area. Also, we sometimes create press releases for special news and events that are happening at Bedico Creek Preserve. You can find all of this information, plus make media inquiries all right here in our Press Room.
A Christmas event in Covington.
NPAS A Northshore Christmas
Covington High School Theater
73030 Lion Drive
Covington, LA
December 22, 2024
3pm
$15 admission, kids 12 and under free
Click Here for More Information.
A Christmas event in Covington.
NPAS A Northshore Christmas
Covington High School Theater
73030 Lion Drive
Covington, LA
December 20, 2024
7:30pm
$15 admission, kids 12 and under free
Click Here for More Information.
Deciding whether to purchase a spec home or invest in a custom build is a critical choice that depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Each option offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing.
Spec homes, designed and constructed by builders without a specific buyer in mind, present a convenient and cost-effective choice. These homes often come with pre-designed floor plans and standardized fixtures, enabling quicker move-ins and lower prices due to bulk material purchasing. They allow buyers to tour the finished product, providing a clear understanding of the layout and quality before making a decision. However, spec homes often lack customization options, which might not appeal to those looking for a unique design. Additionally, as spec homes are typically built in large developments, the uniformity in design and location may not suit buyers seeking individuality.
Custom-built homes, on the other hand, provide complete control over the design and layout, allowing homeowners to create a space that reflects their preferences and lifestyle. This option also offers the chance to incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable materials, reducing long-term utility costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, building a custom home ensures that only high-quality materials are used, as homeowners can closely monitor the construction process. However, the journey to a custom-built home can be challenging, requiring significant time, effort, and patience. Finding suitable land, dealing with unexpected expenses, and navigating a lengthier construction timeline are some of the hurdles prospective homeowners may face.
Both options come with financial considerations that play a vital role in the decision-making process. Spec homes may be more affordable upfront and require less time and effort, making them ideal for those who need to move quickly or have a tighter budget. Custom builds, while potentially more expensive and time-intensive, offer unparalleled personalization and the ability to create a home tailored to specific needs.
Location and timing are also critical factors. Spec homes are often located in planned communities near amenities, while custom builds allow for greater flexibility in choosing a site. However, the timeline for moving into a spec home is much shorter compared to the extended process of designing and constructing a custom property.
Ultimately, the decision between a spec home and a custom build depends on your priorities. If convenience, cost savings, and speed are essential, a spec home might be the right choice. If personalization, quality, and long-term satisfaction are more important, a custom build could better meet your needs. By thoroughly evaluating your preferences, financial situation, and long-term goals, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision of an ideal home.
In the second quarter of 2024, the sawmill and wood preservation industry experienced a slight recovery, with the production index rising by 0.2%. This marked the first uptick in real output since the third quarter of 2023, following two consecutive quarters of decline. However, the index remains 2.2% lower than it was a year ago, reflecting the largest year-over-year drop since the fourth quarter of 2021. Despite the marginal improvement, the industry faces ongoing challenges that limit significant growth.
The Census Bureau’s Quarterly Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization sheds light on the operational trends within the sector. Utilization rates, which measure actual production against full production capacity, jumped from 61.9% in the first quarter to 70.7% in the second quarter. This increase indicates a more efficient use of available resources, though it did not result in a substantial rise in production. Average plant operating hours rose from 47.9 hours per week in the first quarter to 57.7 hours in the second quarter, signaling heightened activity across the industry.
Employment within the sawmill and wood preservation sector also saw its first increase in six quarters, with the workforce growing to approximately 89,400 employees. The industry suffered significant losses during the Great Recession, when employment plummeted from 105,630 in early 2008 to a low of 80,470 by late 2009. While employment recovered to around 91,000 in 2014 and has since remained stable, the sector continues to navigate economic fluctuations and demand shifts.
Combining the production index with utilization rates reveals a nuanced picture of the industry’s production capacity. While production capacity has grown since 2015, it remains below the peak levels reached in 2011. Higher utilization rates have supported elevated production levels despite constrained capacity. This trend highlights the resilience of U.S. sawmills, which continue to operate above historical efficiency levels to meet market demand.
Nonetheless, the industry struggles to fulfill domestic softwood lumber demand. Census data underscores the importance of imports in bridging this gap. In September alone, softwood lumber imports totaled 1.1 billion board feet, with Canada supplying 987 million board feet. Canadian imports face an average Antidumping/Countervailing duty rate of 14.5%, reflecting ongoing tensions over alleged subsidies provided by Canadian provincial governments. These tariffs, in place since the 2015 expiration of the softwood lumber agreement, have benefited U.S. producers by supporting expanded production capacity.
Despite these measures, the industry’s output still lags behind demand, underscoring the complexities of maintaining a balance between domestic production and reliance on imports. As the sawmill and wood preservation industry navigates these challenges, its recovery and growth will depend on strategic investment in capacity expansion and continued efficiency improvements.
Come see artists and celebrate the holidays in Folsom.
Folsom Animals in Art Festival
Giddy Up Folsom
82292 Hwy 25
Folsom, LA 70437
December 6, 2024
6pm – 9pm
Enjoy shopping, food, and face painting in Mandeville.
Christmas Arts and Craft Show
Castine Center in Pelican Park
63350 Pelican Drive
Mandeville, LA 70448
December 7 & 8, 2024
Free event!
Click Here for More Information
