BAGI Celebrates 100 Years
Writer / Julie Yates
Photography Provided
The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) is celebrating 100 years of providing key networking and education opportunities to hundreds of its members and the citizens of Central Indiana. The organization was created in 1922 and serves Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Shelby County, respectively. Throughout the years, its
mission has been to promote the region’s new-home construction, and to communicate the homebuilding industry’s standards, practices and happenings.
“BAGI is believed to possibly be the oldest organized builder group in the United States,” says Steve Lains, Chief Executive Officer of BAGI. “It was called Indianapolis Home Builders until 1969 when the name was changed to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, or more commonly known as BAGI. The name change reflected the organization’s growing reach and today, we have more than 500 members that consist of the area’s leading industry experts.”
Members of BAGI include home builders and remodelers, as well as contractors in trades such as electrical, plumbing, cabinetry, concrete, architectural design and flooring, just to name a few, and industry-specific professionals in real estate, insurance and more. Members are able to include countless benefits that help them network with other industry professionals, increase their knowledge of important insight and promote their business.
One way the organization promotes its members is through the annual Home-A-Rama event, a highly anticipated, luxury home show in some of Central Indiana’s most prestigious, newly developed communities that brings in thousands of visitors each year.
This year’s show is making its third and final appearance in Westfield’s Chatham Hills neighborhood and will be held Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m. between September 22 and October 9.
“Home-A-Rama gives individuals the opportunity to experience six incredible custom-built, fully decorated and landscaped homes in some of the area’s most stunning neighborhoods,” Lains says. “Built by members of BAGI, these homes range in price from $2-$3M and showcase all the latest trends in technology, design, outdoor living, landscaping and more to provide attendees with ideas for their new or existing homes.
“This year’s site is in the last available section of the Chatham Hills neighborhood, and we have an exceptional line-up of builders for it. Home-A-Rama will not only feature Chatham Hills, but we are excited to be working with the City of Westfield to showcase the entire Westfield community and the amenities it offers. It’s going to be an exciting show and perfect way to celebrate BAGI’s 100th anniversary.”
The title sponsor of this year’s Home-A-Rama is First Internet Bank, and the outstanding custom homebuilders featured are AR Homes, BBG Construction, Carrington Homes, Scott Campbell Custom Homes, Sigma Builders and Wedgewood Building Company. During the show, the builders will be on hand to answer questions, provide advice or discuss their uniquely built showcase home. Many of the designers and suppliers will also be available at the homes to provide information on their products and services.
Along with events, BAGI imparts information to the public in several other ways. Its official publication is Haven Magazine. The organization’s website also serves as a valuable tool, providing member information, industry news, available lots and communities to build in, and other resources. Perhaps most importantly to consumers, BAGI provides peace of mind that when individuals work with a member, they are working with a trusted, reputable company.
“All BAGI members agree to adhere to the Quality Assurance Builder Standards,” Lains says. “The standards are a series of performance measurements both builders and customers can use to communicate and share expectations throughout a project
while providing a written set of guidelines for addressing any issues that may arise.”
For tickets to this year’s Home-A-Rama, or for more information on BAGI’s history, members and other resources, visit BAGI.com.
BAGI is located at 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 185, Indianapolis, IN. You can give them a call at 317-236-6330.
