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Award-Winning Builders Create Stunning Homes at Saluda River Club's Parade of Homes

Six award-winning builders make up the distinguished builder team constructing homes within The River District at Saluda River Club that will be showcased at the Columbia Homebuilders annual Parade of Homes, slated for Oct. 18-Nov. 2. With a diverse assortment of home styles and floor plans, the executive new homes in Lexington, SC community is being built on 235 rolling acres adjacent to the Saluda River.

"We have an excellent and experienced builder team," said Andy White, partner with Lifestone Homes, developers of waterfront homes in Columbia, SC at Saluda River Club. "The River District of Saluda River Club is part of the most innovative new community in the state, and each of these builders has created a distinctly styled home to reflect their talents and have broad appeal to the people of the area."

The builders, all natives of the South, are:

Baudo & Associates Home Builders Inc.: After nearly 20 years experience with regional and national homebuilders, Steve Baudo founded his company in 2003 on the principles of customer satisfaction and long-range value. "My philosophy is pretty simple - I build each home as if I'm going to live in it," he said. "I do it right the first time and I don't cut corners."

Baudo ensures this commitment to quality by appearing on the job site every day. He also hires an independent inspector to audit the company's new homes in Lexington, SC. Any items identified are taken care of before the new owner takes possession.

"I've repeatedly been told that my standard specifications far exceed the upgrades offered by other builders," Steve said. For example, he insists on rounded drywall corners, central vacuum, irrigated landscaping and quiet-zone sound insulation. Homeowners love his standard refrigerator - an LG titanium with built-in TV and USB port. The combination of outstanding features and top craftsmanship means that the homes typically sell before they're completed.

His waterfront homes in Columbia, SC can be found in the region's finest new-home communities. Baudo is the founder of the Best Home Program, an innovative plan that earns donations for local charities through corporate sponsorships matched by the Baudo organization.

Vesta Builders Inc.: Tammy and Joe Jur, the principles of Vesta Builders, have earned an excellent reputation for building fine new homes in Lexington, SC. They are equally proud to be known for quality and honesty. Raised in the area, the Jurs have a strong sense of loyalty when it comes to greater Columbia and the people who live there.
Tammy is a second-generation builder; her father, Gene Ford, is a well-known local builder. Joe is a licensed mechanical engineer with a master's degree from the University of Illinois. The couple's diverse background and skills add value to every project.

The company's trademark is quality from the ground up.

"Every step in the process is expertly executed," Joe said. "When you purchase one of our homes, you get two for the price of one - Tammy's eye for detail and my ability to make sure everything is right from an engineering standpoint," says Joe. "When it comes to the level of detail we pay to trim, sheetrock and paint, I don't think it gets any better." Most trim work is completed on-site and a custom cabinetmaker is retained for kitchens and bathrooms.
Vesta homes can be found in many well-known communities, many offering waterfront homes in Columbia, SC. In addition to having been featured in the Greater Columbia Parade of Homes, their work has won numerous awards.

Capital Construction LLC: Building executive new homes in Lexington, SC, Lake Murray and the surrounding areas, Capital Construction is lead by Roy Hurley, a 20-year veteran of the construction and remodeling industries.

"More than anything else, what characterizes my work is hands-on construction. I'm involved in every aspect - from layout to finishing." Capital Construction is known for signature features including standard use of granite, hardwoods and heavy molding.

Among Capital Construction's contributions at Saluda River Club is an emphasis on green construction. A number of special processes ensure that walls and windows are especially air-tight, which in turns reduces the energy costs over the lifetime of the home. Hurley emphasizes reusing quality building materials, such as recovered heart-pine flooring.

"The biggest draw is the location, which until recently has been an untold secret of the area. Lexington School District 1 is one of the finest in the state,� he says." He also praises the easy access to downtown Columbia and highways. "The proximity to the river is most exciting. Lake Murray property has gone beyond the reach of most people. The Saluda River Club gives them the opportunity to enjoy living near the water for a fraction of the price."
Although skilled managers oversee projects, Hurley's imprint on each project is significant. The attention to detail and passion for customer service are apparent in the fact that referrals are the primary source of new business.

Carolina Custom Homes: Ever since they met, Carolina Custom Home principles Nancy and Charlie Mauney have loved looking at houses.

"After church on Sunday, we'd drive the children around various neighborhoods, years before we became builders," said Nancy. "We were always looking for the new, innovative and well-designed home, and for the past 14 years as Carolina Custom Homes, we've been able to bring our creativity and innovation to this area."

Attention to detail in exclusive communities has made the company much sought-after by home owners. There's an equal emphasis on value - finding the best products and services at the best prices.

The Mauneys build primarily traditional new homes in Columbia, SC and nearby areas, but aren't afraid to add neo-traditional or other specialized touches that reflect buyer taste and preferences. For their first Saluda River Club project, Nancy and Charlie chose a brick elevation to reflect Columbia's tradition of brick-making. The home features a metal roof over the gabled areas and front porch, shakes, as well as stone-jack arches in the brick.

The exceptional finish work for which they're known gives every Carolina Custom address a sense of timeless beauty. Homes at every price point are built with the same commitment to quality and workmanship.

Over the years their construction credits have included seven Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia Parade of Home entries; several have won top awards.

Dunbar Builders: The father-and-son team of Pat and Patrick Dunbar build custom new homes in Columbia, SC throughout the Columbia area. Pat launched Dunbar Builders after a 25-year career in mortgage banking. His son Patrick joined the firm in the late 1990s.

Dunbar Builders has made its name in the area by building beautiful, upper-end residences and new homes in Columbia, SC and other areas in close proximity. Their homes typically feature traditional brick exteriors with luxurious appointments and quality work throughout the interiors.

The emphasis on top quality goes hand-in-hand with attention to value.
"We're efficient builders who care about delivering the finest homes, but we never hesitate to present ideas that will help our customers save money," says Patrick. An important part of that efficiency is the use of a trusted group of trades people, most of whom have been with Dunbar Builders since the company's earliest days.

For the Dunbars, Saluda River Club presents an opportunity to do what they do best - create distinctive, one-of-a kind homes in a beautiful setting. "It's basically the perfect spot to live, on a mile of protected riverfront with good schools, and proximity to the river and the lake," says Patrick. "We feel really good about it, and 're glad to be in on the front end of this exciting community."

Zeigler Home Builders: Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction are top priorities, not only customizing the home but being involved in every step of the home buying experience. President John Zeigler has nearly 30 years of experience in the residential construction industry, including two decades as a custom-home builder. With a degree in carpentry technology and experience in custom cabinetry, Zeigler has a master's eye for detail and appreciates fine craftsmanship.

Zeigler Home Builders has created beautiful residences around Columbia and Lexington. In recent years, the business has specialized in "right-sized" construction for discriminating empty-nesters.

"Saluda River Club has so much going for it. It's really a perfect location and its developers have a great reputation in the region," Zeigler says. Here, too, accommodation will be the name of the game. From granite countertops to high-end appliances, use of natural stone and home theater systems, the goal is to delight the customer with the best in convenience and aesthetics.

"Many people have fairly vague ideas about what they want in a custom home and how they'd like it to differ from past homes," he says. "Our skill is the ability to take the ideas inside people's heads, get them onto paper then produce a custom home that meets those individual needs."

Lifestone Communities is a residential real estate development firm headquartered in Columbia, SC that builds new homes in Columbia, SC and new homes in Lexington, SC. Partners are Walter Taylor, Bill Theus and Andy White, all of whom who have extensive experience in home building and development, building successful neighborhoods across the Carolinas. They previously developed numerous lake and riverfront communities, as well as 50 new-home neighborhoods across the state.