How We Build

See how Keystone Custom Homes builds smarter. Discover the energy-efficient features and key advantages that set us apart.

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 ceiling 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.

Why Choose a Custom Home?

Keystone Custom Homes offers professional homebuilding services across communities from the mid-Atlantic to the Southeast. Building a custom home with us allows you to achieve a home that reflects your personal style

Choosing Keystone Custom Homes provides access to years' worth of industry experience and expertise, as well as reliable solutions that ensure superior craftsmanship.

Personalized Design

Choose from thousands of design combinations using Keystone Custom Homes' innovative KeyChoices tool. Choose from a wide range of award-winning floorplans to find the most suitable design for your lifestyle, and design every room in your home, from the Primary Suite to the Kitchen.

Quality and Durability

Keystone Custom Homes has a team of professionals backed by years of industry experience. We ensure every corner of your home is built to suit your preference. Whether you opt for a spacious Devonshire or ranch floorplan, you can count on our team to build a durable and energy-efficient home according to your specifications.

Dedicated Project Management

We understand how important it is to add your personal touches to your living space. At Keystone Custom Homes, we work closely with every client by assigning a dedicated Construction Manager. They will be your point person throughout the entire custom homebuilding process, providing support and communicating your concerns every step of the way through our myKCH app.

Comfort and Convenience

Building your home with us is designed for your comfort and convenience. We follow a straightforward four-step process that begins with choosing one of our communities or opting to build with our On Your Lot program.

Once you're set on your chosen community, it's time to explore floorplans that suit your needs and preferences. Upon agreement, your New Home Advisor will process your deposit or connect you to a lender, followed by the actual design and construction process. 

Energy Efficiency

Keystone Custom Homes is committed to minimizing our environmental impact by building energy-efficient homes. This also benefits our customers in the long run, helping lower monthly energy bills and increasing property value. 

With a HERS Rating of 52, you are guaranteed to save big on your new construction home. 

Find Your New Home With Keystone

Why build a custom home from Keystone? Because ours are designed and constructed with top-notch quality and craftsmanship. Start your journey toward your forever home and create new milestones with the three-time winner of America's Best Builder Award. Contact us today for more information.