Keystone Construction and Chesterfield Fence & Deck:
A local match made in Design/Build heaven
When Chesterfield Fence & Deck was looking for a contractor to build its new office space, the company didn't have to look far. Indeed, the search didn't have to leave Chesterfield, Missouri - which is also home to Keystone Construction Company.
Though the two local firms had limited interactions leading up to the first build, the project went so well that when Chesterfield Fence & Deck needed additional structures built, it didn't even bother searching. Keystone was the first option, brought straight to the top thanks to its experience, dedication, flexibility and track record of success - not to mention the goodwill engendered after the first project.
Now close strategic partners, the story of Keystone and Chesterfield Fence & Deck demonstrates the benefits and results a Design/Build approach can deliver. But don't take it solely from us.
Business growth set stage for relationship
As Tom Thiel, president of Chesterfield Fence & Deck, explained, the company was primarily focused on fences since its founding in 1968. But as the millennium turned, so too did the company's vision, which grew to add not just decking to its core offerings, but also sunrooms and patios. The expansion necessitated a larger physical footprint, and the wheels that brought Keystone and Chesterfield Fence & Deck closer together were put in motion.
In truth, Chesterfield Fence & Deck wasn't totally unfamiliar to Keystone; the former had previously worked as a subcontractor for the latter. The local draw and past experience factored into the decision, Thiel said, but it was Keystone's values and results that clinched the deal.
"When Keystone used us as a fence contractor they always operated ethically," Thiel said. "Keystone treated us fairly, which can be a huge contrast with an out-of-town general contractor. They don't appreciate your value and end up grinding you down — Keystone cared."
Results across the project continuum
Once work was started on what would eventually become a 25,000-square-foot office/showroom, it was clear Keystone was the right choice. Particularly, the company's Design/Build approach created noticeable time and cost-saving benefits for Thiel and Chesterfield Fence & Deck.
"We were getting pulled in all directions as we grew, and the comprehensive experience of Design/Build really resonated," Thiel said.
Not only did Design/Build ring true on a philosophical level, but it produced undeniably positive outcomes: With a competitor building a similar project across town, the race was on for Chesterfield Fence & Deck to get the structure completed and operational. With Keystone in its corner, the building was up and running that year on budget and to the contract, while the competitor's smaller structure took two years.
"Time is money, either from costs savings or producing more revenue," Thiel said. "If it had taken us two years, we wouldn't have been able to realize the efficiency of the building as quickly. That's a full year of benefit over the competition. It was money well invested."
Partnership continues to evolve
It wasn't long after the first project that Chesterfield Fence & Deck came back to Keystone with a second, and then third project. The choice was an easy one, according to Thiel, especially when faced with the alternative Design-Bid-Build process.
"We had two experiences with other contractors not like Keystone, both were contentious," he said. "One plan changed multiple times and the entire process was extremely difficult. Comparably, Keystone is highly invested in the community and doing good things for clients.
Chesterfield Fence & Deck has grown so comfortable working with Keystone that on these subsequent projects it has taken a step back. As Thiel explained it, Chesterfield Fence & Deck had put in a good amount of off-contract work on its first facility just because that's the way the company of builders is wired.
"There were many things we did outside of the contract on the first building," he said. "But with the second building there was less and virtually nothing outside of the contract on the third. Our company has doubled in size since constructing our first building, and time is our most precious commodity and best spent running our business. Keystone has proven to be efficient at designing and building what we need. We definitely rely on them and trust them as professionals."
Keystone's Design/Build approach has been central in producing positive outcomes for Chesterfield Fence & Deck, and has become a key underpinning of the relationship. The future may only hold new and bigger things for both as their partnership continues to thrive. Contact Keystone today for more information on how we can help you pursue the same success.
