Emerald Homes at Jacob’s Reserve
Builder Finds a Gem in Belgard® Pavers for Driveways and Walkways
Every Project Starts with a Purpose
New-home builder, Emerald Homes designs designs houses with an attention to luxury and detail that is the hallmark of its promise to homeowners. In Oak Estates at Jacobs Reserve, an exclusive gated subdivision in Conroe, Texas, that same attention to detail extends outdoors, with paver walkways and driveways made standard in new home plans.
“Paver driveways and walkways give the homes in Oak Estates at Jacobs Reserve a classy look,” said Sam Sanders, purchase manager for Emerald Homes, the luxury home division of nationally recognized builder DR Horton and the only homes offered in the exclusive Oak Estates at Jacobs Reserve. Not only does each home have improved curb appeal, but the entire subdivision takes on a new look,” Sanders said. “You really get the feel of a custom home in a luxury community.”
This custom look helps Emerald Homes draw the attention of new home buyers in a competitive Texas housing market. Jacobs Reserve is located about 40 miles northeast of Houston and just minutes from I-45, in a region experiencing rapid growth.
Houston, named one of Forbes magazine’s Fastest Growing Cities, is expected to grow by 1.2 million people over the next 10 years. Exxon is also building a nearby campus for 10,000 employees, making Jacobs Reserve an attractive option for executives seeking a short commute.
“Paver driveways and walkways have really been successful with prospective homeowners,” Sanders said. “It’s a real differentiator for Emerald Homes, and it’s a difference that visitors to Oak Estates can see immediately.”
The Solution
Solving for Style, Function, and Durability
Emerald Homes selected Belgard® Hardscapes Cambridge Cobble for the aesthetic appeal of the pavers’ color, style and patterns, while also benefiting from their long-term performance. Using pavers on walkways and driveways has proven advantageous during the construction phase, as paver installations require no dry time compared to concrete or asphalt.
According to installer Justin Gage of GageCo., the strength of concrete pavers also provides confidence if subcontractors need to return to the home after installation.
“Concrete pavers are really durable,” Gage said. “You can park heavy trucks and equipment on the driveway, and it doesn’t hurt it. If something were to happen—such as a paver being damaged or paint spilled on a walkway or driveway—you only have to replace the affected pavers. It’s a fast and easy fix for the builder, whereas repairing concrete or stamped concrete is time intensive and expensive.”
Pavers from Belgard Hardscapes, available nationally through Oldcastle’s network of dealers, offer an additional benefit. Gage notes that the lifetime warranty provides long-term peace of mind for both the builder and the homeowner.
“Paver driveways and walkways have really been successful with prospective homeowners,” Sanders said. “It’s a real differentiator for Emerald Homes, and it’s a difference that visitors to Oak Estates can see immediately.”
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The Result
A Lasting Impression:
The Final Transformation
In addition to durability, concrete pavers are low maintenance. Ants and weeds in joints can be prevented with sealers or herbicides, and the small, high-density units resist cracking from everyday use. Concrete pavers are also resistant to damage from deicing salt that may be used during Houston’s unpredictable freezing rain.
“When Emerald Homes turns the house over to the homeowner, the new owner knows that with the Belgard warranty they will never have to worry about repairs to their walkway or driveway,” said Justin Gage of GageCo. “Belgard’s transferable lifetime warranty is the best in the market. Buying a new home or investing in an outdoor space can be stressful, and it’s great to be able to tell my customers that they’re covered for life.”
Houston’s mild climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor spaces year-round, and Emerald Homes has used this as a way to further differentiate its homes. Each residence in Oak Estates at Jacobs Reserve includes a patio with a standard outdoor kitchen, creating a natural gathering space for family and friends. Homeowners can also add Bristol fire and water features from the Belgard Elements collection to enhance ambiance.
“We’re seeing a lot of families designing their patios to be complete outdoor rooms,” Gage said. “Fireplaces, fire pits and waterfalls are popular accessories that turn a patio into a gathering space. DR Horton’s Emerald Homes is setting itself apart by including this level of detail in the outdoor spaces on their floor plans.”
In addition to durability, concrete pavers offer design flexibility across outdoor applications—from pools and patios to walls and waterfalls—helping create a cohesive exterior look. For Emerald Homes, Belgard Cambridge Cobble provided a tailored, architectural aesthetic with gently rounded corners, domed pillow-top surfaces, and subtle Fossil Beige color blends, reinforcing the builder’s attention to detail in every home.
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