Building Custom Homes and Estates in the Catskills and Along the East Coast for 40+ Years

We are a boutique building firm known for constructing super high-scale, well-designed, energy-efficient homes regardless of size. Our work spans from expansive estate builds to cozy 2,000 square-foot houses. To maintain an utmost focus on quality and craftsmanship, we only build one home at a time and use the latest materials and technologies. Although we have worked on projects throughout many states, today we concentrate our services in the Catskills region.

Managing Projects from Concept to Completion

We closely work with each client to explore their vision, then create sketches, floor plans, and elevation drawings to take their concept to the next phase. Clients appreciate our design style, eye, and experience, along with the cost savings - through this discovery work, 99% of the plans are complete prior to securing an architect. Once final plans are in place, we handle every phase of construction and continue to collaborate with our clients throughout the process to ensure their vision is brought to life.

Old School Work Ethic 

John Shay, founder of Shay Builders, is a Master Carpenter by trade with an old school work ethic. Trained in masonry and all aspects of carpentry, roofing, siding, stair building, interior finishes, flooring, and more, he has a deep understanding of the entire construction process from start to finish. He has hand-picked a team of the best tradesmen and craftsmen in the area, and oversees every aspect of the project, to ensure superior quality work. 

To execute the job on time and on budget and eliminate surprise extras, we never low bid to cut costs or cut corners. Our goal is to build a superior home that surpasses standards and exceeds client expectations. If an issue ever arises, it is fixed, no question asked, no arguments.

Advanced Building Science

Over our decades in the industry, we have always proactively sought out the latest advances in building products so we could build the best end-product possible. This has naturally led us to incorporate advanced building science into our construction process, which in turn naturally leads to extremely durable, super energy-efficient homes. Read more about our advanced building science philosophy.

Technologies Unique to Our Company and Developed Over the Decades

Our technologies and building processes are unique to the company and developed over years of experience. They are simply better than the standard building practices used by competitors, and are the reason why our houses are built to last and withstand the elements. It's what you don't see that matters; quality work always speaks for itself.

Putting Our Vast Experience to Work for You

Featured Shay Builders Projects 

  • Turkey Hill Lodge  (Residential Estate) North Salem, NY

  • Snow Hill Farm (William Randolph Hearst Estate)

  • Federal Farmhouse Restoration

  • Stratton, Vermont Home

  • Sedgewood Club, Carmel, New York

  • Melbourne Beach, Florida Home

Featured Commercial Projects Worked on by John Shay Prior to Founding Shay Builders

Government

  • Foley Square Federal Courthouse, New York, NY ($160M)

  • Alexander Hamilton Custom House, New York, NY ($1.2M)

Sports & Entertainment

  • Major League Baseball Sky Boxes, New York, NY ($4.5M)

  • NY Mets Executive Offices, New York, NY ($3.5M)

  • Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ ($6.5M)

  • Carolina Panthers Stadium and Dome, Charlotte, NC ($2M)

  • Reebok Fitness Center, New York, NY ($17M)

Museums

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art Gallery, New York, NY ($1.8M)

  • Irving Gallery, New York, NY ($1M)

  • Aitken Gallery, New York, NY ($1M)

Corporate

  • Turner Construction Executive Offices, New York, NY ($4M)

  • Lehrer McGovern Bovis ($2M)

  • Westinghouse, New York, NY ($7M)

  • Goldman Sachs, New York, NY ($12M)

  • Princeton Club, New York, NY ($300K)

  • Sun Microsystems, New York, NY ($3.5M)

  • MBNA Corporate Offices, New York, NY ($14M)

Health & Pharmaceutical

  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY ($2.7M)

  • SK-MRI Center, New York, NY ($800K)

  • Ronald McDonald House, New York, NY ($900K)

  • Princeton Medical Center, New York, NY ($2.7M)

Lobbies & Upscale Residences

  • Austrian Consulate Lobby, New York, NY ($1.4M)

  • 380 Madison Avenue Lobby, New York, NY ($500K)

  • Le Grande Palais Lobby, New York, NY ($2.3M)

Industrial Projects

  • Hotel Macklowe, New York, NY ($300K)

  • Ritz Carlton Hotels, New York, NY ($6M)

Restoration / Conservation

  • Trinity Church, New York, NY ($800K)

  • Hudson Theatre, New York, NY ($600K)