How We Build

1

Siding Thickness

We upsize siding thickness to help reduce rippling effect in siding.

2

30-Year Roof

Our roof shingles carry a 30-year warranty as part of the architectural roof with synthetic underlayment versus roof felt paper for better performance. A 6” ridge opening allows proper airflow in the attic which provides an extended life of shingles.

3

Truss Uplift Nailers

Right at the lid there are truss uplift nailers as well as second floor truss screws in order to reduce ceiling cracking. On the second floor there are truss screws.

4

HVAC Location

Each home has a custom HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system designed to provide comfort to every room in the house during the hottest days of summer while lowering cooling costs. Better indoor air quality makes for a healthier home. The location of this system varies based on geographical build location.

5

Solid Wall Sheeting

Solid wood for a more durable frame as opposed to foam or compressed cardboard sheeting.

6

Insulated Water Lines

We insulate water lines and avoid putting water lines in exterior walls for safety and freeze prevention and frost protection when possible.

7

Kick Out Flashing

Kick Out Flashing - properly flashed windows and - roof termination at a wall to push water away to when roof terminates at a wall. Roof Crickets are 3x the size of competitors to prevent - divert water from siding. Flashing is layered from bottom to top so the rainwater is properly drained.

8

Window Size for Safety & Lighting

Windows are sized to the square footage of each room in order to meet lighting requirements. Egress windows are installed in all bedrooms to ensure fire safety.

9

Solid Cabinet Blocking

This is done to the upper and lower cabinets for extra strength, this ensures that they have something secure to screw to.

10

Engineered Floor System

For a stronger and more level floor than standard 2 x 10 construction.

11

Kitchen Triangle

We are cognizant of the triangle layout of the sink, stove, and refrigerator. always make sure there is a triangle for optimal kitchen flow.

12

Wind Uplift Anchors

These tie the wood frame to the concrete due to high wind (as engineered).

13

Reinforced Floor

Engineered floor joists are pre-cut to length, reducing waste that would end up in a landfill. These joists are also resistant to splitting and warping and reduce or eliminate squeaky floors.

14

Daylight Drainage System

When available depending on the homesite, this prevents basement flooding, improves soil quality in your lawn, and protects your home foundation.

15

Foundation Drainage System

Drain pipe/system installed to allow any water along the foundation to flow to the sump hole or a daylight drain. This reduces the possibility of water infiltration into your basement.

16

Monolithic Pour

Basements include a monolithic pour which is more structurally stable and less prone to water leaks since it is a continuous process and there are no mechanical joints.

17

Corner Framing

Stud blocks are placed in corners to provide more area for nailing and screwing wallboard which reduces cracks in finished walls and corner cracking of outside corners.

18

Solid Porch Construction

We require porches on foundation walls to prevent sinking porch towards the home at first floor level (non-walkout or full daylight basement). Poured porch to ensure sturdy porch construction.

19

Door Hinges

Properly shimmed doors and strikers are centered in order to reduce door adjustment call backs. 3 hinges are standard and 4 for doors 8’ and above.

20

Sloped Porch Slab

Porch slabs are sloped to avoid water damage. Porches are concrete versus framed for increased durability and to avoid maintenance issues.

21

Sidewalk Width

We offer upgraded sidewalk sizes. Choose between 4- or 5-foot-wide sidewalks.

22

Reinforced Garage Slabs

Garage slabs are always against concrete and not wood. They are sloped to the door for water to drain out. The highest our garage slab will go is against concrete foundation walls. Our Garage jambs are PVC versus aluminum to prevent rippling. Expansion and Contraction joints are used to prevent inevitable cracking in garage floor, basements, poured foundation, and all flat concrete.

23

PVC Beam Wrap & Jambs

PVC beam wrap is used instead of aluminum beam wrap to avoid rippling.

1

Properly Vented Attic Design

A properly vented attic design allows the truss space to breathe and reduces heat buildup. We utilize a soffit vented system to let fresh air in, and a ridge vent that allows the heat to escape.

2

Sealed Necessary Openings (Superseal)

Necessary openings through the thermal envelope, such as wiring or piping, are fully sealed using our Super Seal Method which helps prevent air infiltration. That means you'll have more control over the temperature and humidity levels in your home. "Super Seal" is a method of sealing every single wood-to-wood joints in the shell of the home. This helps keep excessive drafts out.

3

Waste-Saving Roof Truss Design

The roof trusses are engineered and designed specifically for each home, so no jobsite waste is created.

4

High R-Value Ceiling

Like the walls, this high R-value ceiling keeps you more comfortable all year round.

5

High R-Value Wall Insulation

High R-Value insulation in our 2" x 6" framed walls provide greater energy efficiency and structural stability. The higher the R-value, the better your walls will resist the transfer of heat. Your family will be more comfortable and you'll have more peace-of-mind.

6

House Wrap Protection

Keystone's house wrap is an additional layer of protection that keeps the framed walls from moisture and air infiltration.

7

Sealed Ductwork Joints & Connectors

With mastic and UL181 tape ductwork joints and connectors are sealed to minimize air leakage.

8

Energy Star Appliances

We offer Energy Star compliant appliances which use less energy than standard products, making your home more energy efficient.

9

Water Saving Plumbing

We use trades with faucets and plumbing that save water (Ex: Moen).

10

Energy-Efficient Cooling System

Wall-hung HVAC units are used to eliminate frost heave, this helps not involve landscaping and keeps it out of the grass. It keeps it clean from lawn maintenance, and makes it easier to service.

11

Framed Walkout Basement

The back wall is framed, which increases insulation value and availability for putting windows in the basement. This also increases the square footage of the home.

12

Concrete Basement & Crawl Space Walls

Basement and crawl space floors are concrete with a vapor barrier and drainage system to prevent moisture accumulation

13

Calculated HVAC System

Energy-efficient cooling system provides comfort during the hottest days of summer while lowering cooling costs.

14

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can be programmed to your family's schedule so you can reduce energy consumption when no one is home. It is estimated that you can save about 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10 ° - 15° for eight hours.

15

Water Heaters with 90%+ Efficiency

Standard water heaters are at 90% efficiency, so they provide plenty of hot water for less.

16

Advanced Framing Techniques

Advanced framing techniques at exterior wall corners and intersecting interior walls allow for more insulation – meaning greater comfort for your family and more savings for you. Structural support below where the wall meets the floor there is a stud immediately under the joist.

17

Upgraded Windows

Upgrade windows to double hung to save energy in the fall and spring. Drop the top sash of the window so cool air from outside flows in from the bottom and hot air leaves out the top. This helps lower electricity use.

18

Low-E and Argon Gas Window Coating

Low Emittance (Low-E) coating on windows reflects the heat while allowing natural light to pass through. Low-E windows help reduce energy consumption and block harmful UV light which can damage your skin, wood, fabrics and can cause colors to fade. With Low-E windows, your window treatments, flooring and furniture will last longer. The addition of argon gas is a more insulative and energy efficient element for the home.

19

Insulated Exterior Doors

Insulated exterior doors help keep excessive cold and heat out of your home which keeps utility costs down.

20

Insulated Garage Doors

We offer insulated garage doors and full insulation packages in the garage.

Our Process

A 20-year warranty against structural defects in material or workmanship which significantly affect the load bearing portions of your home.

Homebuyers meet with Keystone’s Builder prior to the start of building their new home.

Your Customer Relations Manager will conduct an orientation to familiarize you with the home’s features.

You will meet with your Builder when framing and mechanical rough-ins are complete as a quality control measure.