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Building a new home is one of the most meaningful investments a family can make. But even with the excitement, it’s completely normal to wonder what the process actually involves. How long does it take? When do you make design decisions? How much personalization is possible? 

And what separates one builder from another, especially when evaluating Louisiana home builders with very different approaches?

At Alvarez Construction, the answer is simple: clarity, communication, and craftsmanship. For more than 30 years, Alvarez has helped families build a home in Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana communities through a streamlined, transparent process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or building your third home, the Alvarez Construction process is built around guidance, organization, and confidence.

Below is an expanded, step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect from the moment you choose your floorplan to the day you move in, plus why so many homeowners trust Alvarez with one of life’s biggest milestones.

Every successful build starts with the right foundation: a floorplan that fits your lifestyle, family size, routines, and future plans.

Alvarez Construction offers a wide portfolio of floorplans, from well-designed 3-bedroom homes around 1,500 sq. ft. to spacious 4- and 5-bedroom layouts nearing 3,000 sq. ft. These plans are available throughout Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Denham Springs, Livingston Parish, Ascension Parish, Zachary, and St. Tammany Parish.

What happens during floorplan selection?

• You visit model homes (in person or virtually) to explore layouts, flow, and finishes.
• A knowledgeable New Home Specialist explains features, room dimensions, and upgrade options.
• You choose a lot within a community, corner lots, cul-de-sac options, or interior lots depending on availability.
• Financing pre-approval secures your build and timeline.
• Your home officially enters the Alvarez Construction build queue.

Unlike many Louisiana home builders who limit customization, Alvarez designs communities with multiple elevations and floorplans, helping buyers avoid the “cookie-cutter” look and find something that feels uniquely theirs.

This is often the most exciting part of the Alvarez Construction process: the moment your home starts reflecting your style.

Shortly after signing your purchase agreement, you’ll meet with an Alvarez New Home Design Specialist, in person or virtually via FaceTime if you’re relocating or building sight unseen.

A guided experience, not an overwhelming one

Many buyers feel stressed about making design choices, but Alvarez simplifies the experience with curated packages and semi-custom options. This ensures:

• A cohesive aesthetic
• Quality materials
• Clear pricing
• A streamlined building experience

Popular personalization options include:

Kitchen Upgrades

• Standard granite with optional premium quartz
• Extended upper cabinets
• Painted islands or two-tone cabinetry
• Designer backsplash selections
• Upgraded pendant and recessed lighting

Interior Enhancements

• Premium tile or wood flooring
• Custom interior door styles
• Modern lighting packages
• Fireplace upgrades depending on the plan

Layout Flexibility Many communities offer choices between:

• One-story, one-and-a-half-story, or two-story layouts
• Larger porches or extended patios
• Expanded laundry rooms
• Craft rooms or flex spaces

Exterior Elements

• Paint schemes
• Brick/stone blends
• Garage door styles
• Outdoor living options

This semi-custom approach gives buyers the freedom to personalize without the delays, cost, or overwhelm associated with a fully custom build.

While some Louisiana home builders treat smart-home technology as an upgrade, every Alvarez home includes Build Smart standard features designed for long-term comfort, savings, and safety.

Built-in energy-efficient construction features include:

• Tight Building Envelope to minimize air leakage and control humidity
• Radiant Barrier Roof Decking reducing attic temperatures by up to 30°F
• High-Density R-15 BIBS Wall Insulation for consistent coverage
• R-38 Attic Insulation meeting and exceeding modern energy codes
• Tankless Water Heater for on-demand hot water and reduced waste

These features contribute to significantly lower utility bills and a more comfortable home, critical for Louisiana’s hot, humid climate.

Smart-home standard features include:

• Clare home automation hub
• Smart thermostat
• Smart garage door opener
• Smart smoke/heat detector
• Full wireless security system
• Smart-ready appliances

This integration means your home is future-ready from day one, without needing to retrofit expensive technology later.

One reason buyers love the Alvarez Construction process is its clarity. Rather than a vague timeline, Alvarez follows a structured, eight-stage construction plan with multiple inspections and verification checkpoints.

Stage 1: Pre-Construction & Permitting

The lot is prepared, permits are submitted, utilities are assessed, and the build schedule is finalized.

Stage 2: Foundation (Weeks 1–3)

• Lot is graded
• Rebar and framing installed
• Rough plumbing installed and inspected
• Concrete foundation poured with city oversight

Stage 3: Framing (Weeks 4–6)

The home takes shape as walls, roof decking, windows, and exterior doors are installed.

Stage 4: Rough Systems (Weeks 7–8)

HVAC, plumbing, electrical wiring, and low-voltage systems are professionally installed and inspected.

Stage 5: Interior & Exterior Finish (Weeks 9–13)

• Insulation and air sealing
• Drywall, texture, and paint
• Cabinets, flooring, and trim work
• Exterior finishes including brick or stucco
• Driveway and walkway installation

Stage 6: Final Finishes (Week 14)

Lighting, appliances, hardware, mirrors, and final flooring are installed.

Stage 7: Quality Control Inspection

The Alvarez team completes a detailed walkthrough to check craftsmanship, functionality, and finish quality.

Timeline expectation

Most homes are completed in 6–9 months, significantly faster and more predictable than custom builds, which often take 9–13 months or longer.

Before closing, you’ll participate in your Homeowner Orientation Walkthrough. This step ensures complete confidence in your new home.

During this walkthrough, Alvarez will:

• Demonstrate how all systems and appliances operate
• Review thermostat settings, security features, and shut-off valves
• Provide warranty documentation and all manuals
• Identify and resolve any punch-list items

Alvarez’s 5-2-1 Warranty

As required by the Louisiana New Home Warranty Act, Alvarez provides:

• 5-year structural defect coverage
• 2-year mechanical system coverage (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
• 1-year material/workmanship coverage

A dedicated warranty department is available after move-in, giving homeowners continued support, something many buyers praise as a key reason they recommend Alvarez to friends and family.

1. Transparency at Every Stage

Buyers know exactly what’s happening on site and when each milestone will occur.

2. Expert, Friendly Design Guidance

The Design Center team makes the personalization process understandable, even fun.

3. High Construction Standards

Energy-efficient systems, engineered HVAC design, and rigorous inspections ensure long-term performance.

4. Personalization Without the Stress of Custom Building

Semi-custom flexibility allows individuality, without the uncertainty of a fully custom home.

5. Lower Utility Bills & Better Indoor Comfort

The Build Smart approach gives families predictable monthly costs and healthier indoor air.

6. Communities Designed for Quality

Alvarez builds in thoughtfully planned communities with access to schools, amenities, and major work hubs.

Together, these strengths make Alvarez stand out among Louisiana home builders, offering a level of clarity and homeowner care that competitors simply don’t match.

Whether you're ready to build a home in Baton Rouge, settle in Prairieville, or explore communities in Denham Springs, St. Tammany Parish, or Zachary, Alvarez Construction is ready to help you take the next step.

Call (225) 240-4662 or schedule a model-home tour to begin exploring floorplans, communities, and personalization options.

Your new home, and a remarkably smooth building experience, awaits.

Discover the Alvarez Construction process today, and start building a home you’ll love for decades.