Business Details
43 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Sullivan County, NY
Shay Builders combines traditional carpentry techniques with advanced building science to create durable, energy-efficient homes designed to last generations. With over four decades of experience, we specialize in custom home construction across the Catskills and East Coast, prioritizing quality craftsmanship and client collaboration. Our founder, John Shay, brings a master carpenter's expertise and an old-school work ethic to every project, ensuring meticulous attention to detail from concept to completion. We focus on one project at a time to maintain superior quality control, using cutting-edge materials and methods that exceed industry standards. Our portfolio includes custom estates, barn homes, and stone masonry projects that blend timeless aesthetics with modern functionality.Client testimonials highlight our commitment to transparency, budget adherence, and problem-solving without compromise. Our pre-construction planning process minimizes change orders and budget overruns, while our post-construction support guarantees satisfaction. This approach has earned us recognition for constructing homes that withstand environmental challenges while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency. Our team of skilled tradespeople works under John's direct oversight to deliver turnkey projects that reflect each client's unique vision. From initial sketches to final walkthroughs, we maintain open communication to ensure every detail meets our exacting standards.
Services
Custom Home Building
Barn Home Construction
Stone Masonry
Estate Homes
Energy-Efficient Homes
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in custom home construction
- Our founder is a master carpenter with direct project oversight
- We use proprietary advanced building science techniques developed over decades
- We guarantee all work with no-questions-asked problem resolution
- Our pre-construction planning minimizes budget overruns and delays
What people say
Trusted friend
Work was perfect
Real pro
Genuine can-do attitude
Impeccable attention to details
Services
Custom Home Building
We create fully customized residences tailored to each client's vision and property. Our process begins with collaborative design sessions to develop floor plans and elevation drawings. Using advanced building science techniques, we construct homes that combine aesthetic appeal with superior energy efficiency. Each project receives individualized attention from start to finish.
Barn Home Construction
We transform historic barns into modern, energy-efficient residences while preserving original character. Our process includes sourcing structurally sound barns, disassembling and treating components, then reconstructing with modern insulation and weatherproofing. The result combines centuries-old charm with contemporary comfort and durability.
Stone Masonry
Our stone construction utilizes locally sourced materials and traditional techniques with modern enhancements. We build cottages, homes, and walls using dry-laid and other methods while maintaining consistent patterns. Projects incorporate energy-efficient systems without compromising authentic aesthetics or structural integrity.
Estate Homes
We specialize in constructing high-end estates that balance grand scale with meticulous detail. Our approach maintains architectural coherence while integrating advanced building technologies. Each estate receives personalized design elements and premium material selections to meet exacting client specifications.
Energy-Efficient Homes
Our energy-efficient construction combines advanced materials with proven techniques to create homes that exceed efficiency standards. We implement air-sealed envelopes, superior insulation, and modern mechanical systems. This approach reduces utility costs while maintaining comfort and environmental responsibility without sacrificing design quality.
People
John Shay
Founder
With over 40 years in the industry, John Shay brings master carpentry skills and old-school work ethic to every project. He personally oversees all work, ensuring quality craftsmanship from foundation to finish. His expertise spans traditional techniques and modern building science, creating durable, energy-efficient homes that exceed client expectations.
Questions
What types of homes do you build?
We specialize in custom homes including estates, barn conversions, stone masonry homes, and energy-efficient residences tailored to client specifications and property characteristics.
Do you work outside the Catskills region?
While we focus on the Catskills area, we've completed projects across the East Coast and maintain the same quality standards for all locations.
How does your building process work?
Our process starts with collaborative design planning, followed by detailed drawings, then construction with continuous client communication to ensure vision alignment throughout the project.
What makes your homes energy-efficient?
We combine advanced building science techniques with superior materials to create air-tight envelopes, optimal insulation, and efficient mechanical systems that reduce energy consumption.
Who oversees the construction process?
Founder John Shay personally supervises every project, ensuring quality control and adherence to our exacting standards through direct involvement in all critical decisions.
