Step-By-Step Construction

At Keystone Development Corporation we have laid out a step-by-step plan that will help customers understand the different construction phases and the quality control checks at each phase to the final inspection when they are given the keys to their new home. For each phase of construction there is at least one quality checkpoint that must be passed in order to move on to the next phase. Read the chart below to get more information on each phase. Keystone quality home under construction

Keystone quality home under construction

Preconstruction
At the preconstruction meeting, you are invited to sit down with your sales person, superintendent and possibly a customer service representative for a final review of your dream home package. Together, you'll verify the placement of the house, review the blueprints, and find out what to expect during the building process. When city and county permits are cleared, construction can begin.

Quality Checkpoint

Pre-construction checkpoint includes a thorough review of the homesite prior to beginning any construction.

Foundation
The first step to building a quality home is laying the foundation. Keystone Custom Builders analyzes soil conditions, ground integrity, government requirements, wind patterns and home size to ensure that a quality structural system is built for your home. Keystone Development Corporation uses post-tension engineering to help ensure the stability and integrity of each foundation.

Quality Checkpoint

Before construction begins, the foundation and post-tension engineering are checked for proper squareness and size.

Lumber Drop and Framing
The frame is the skeleton of your home. Frames can be wooden, cement block or other materials based on specific conditions. The framing schedule varies on the site and complexity of the home, and consists of the following:

The walls start going up on the first day of frame start, as the first floor is constructed.

Once the first-floor walls are up, work starts on the second-floor system (if applicable), using engineered floor joists.

Roof trusses arrive at the homesite just as work is finished on the second floor.

Once the roof trusses are in place, the entire roof is installed.

Quality Checkpoint

During framing, our project managers check the structure for squareness, workmanship and adherence to plans.

In addition, the local municipality performs a rigorous frame inspection to insure the construction meets all local building codes.

Plumbing and Electrical
During this two-to-three week phase, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical wiring are installed.
Once the roof is installed, the exterior detail work begins, including trim, windows and doors.

HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and plumbing systems are "roughed-in" as exterior trim is completed.

The electrical system is "roughed-in".

Roofing and the installation of phone, cable and other electrical systems occur simultaneously.

Quality Checkpoint

All mechanical systems are inspected for quality of installation and proper functioning.

An electrical inspection takes place to insure all lights, fans and switches and other wiring are properly located.
Insulation and Drywall
Drywall is stocked in the home while insulation, gas meters and permanent power connections are installed. After laying the drywall, taping and finishing are scheduled to take five days and blown insulation is installed. After the interior walls are touched up, the walls and ceiling are textured.
Quality Checkpoint

There are two checkpoints before drywall begins and after its completion: Upon cleaning up any drywall debris, FCMs check all walls and ceilings for finish and consistency.
Trim and Finish Details
Now the fun really starts. During this two-week phase, you will begin to recognize the home you designed and imagine the future you'll create.
Walls are prime-painted and prepared for final finish, while interior trim, cabinets, counters and sinks are installed.

Completion of electrical systems occurs as wire shelving, bath accessories and mirrors are installed.

Ceramic tile and any vinyl and/or wood flooring are installed.

Any necessary grading occurs outside (weather permitting) as hardware fixtures, shoe molding and carpeting are installed.

Final touches (gutters, mailboxes, garage door openers, etc...) are completed as the entire home is cleaned.

Quality Checkpoint

Interior trim is examined for fit and quality of installation.

HVAC systems are finished as a pre-final quality check focuses on all completed areas of the home.

Pre-final quality review of entire home.

The site is finish graded.

All disurbed lawn areas are top dressed with loam and new grass seed is planted.

Landscaping vegetation is planted.

Any landscape features such as patios, walkways or stone walls are installed.
Final 3rd Party Inspection
Workers wait until this final week to install the flooring, in the interest of protecting your carpets and hardwood from boots, nails and dust. Any minor adjustments take place now.
Appliances are installed.

Door and window screens are installed.

Carpeting is installed.

Various final inspections (bank, city, etc...), garage cleaning and paint touch-ups take place.

Quality Checkpoint

A detailed inspection of each items is performed to confirm the quality of the plants and materials and the intergrity of their installation.
Homeowner Orientation
The Homeowner Orientation provides buyers with the opportunity to become acquainted with their new home prior to moving in. During the orintation, a KCB Customer Service Representative provides a thorough demonstration of the completed home (e.g., mechanical components, appliances, etc...) and reviews items covered by the warranty.

At this time a punch list will be generated by you and our staff.