In my opinion, there are three critical traits of a successful general contractor: honesty, attention to detail and craftsmanship. John Shay exhibited all three during our renovation project. While no remodeling project goes exactly according to plan, John kept us informed as to what changes were needed once we opened the house up. He communicated clearly and was honest and straightforward throughout the process. John also has a keen eye for detail and strove to match the details of our 80-year-old home, oftentimes pointing out things we didn't notice. His craftsmanship was also excellent on the parts he personally worked on, including window trim, crown molding and other fine details. John takes enormous pride in his work and doesn't consider the job done until he is satisfied. Whether your project is major or minor, new construction or a renovation, you can trust John Shay to get it done right. CW Long

We moved from NYC to Brewster, N.Y and bought a mountainside stone house in complete disrepair.After we met several contractors John was our choice and came highly recommended by our realtor.He drew plans for us and worked closely with us listening to our needs.He made our house a real home.He finished without delays and the work was perfect.Our builder became our trusted friend.I couldn't imagine a better experience building. Mary & Glen

We wanted to replace our 150 yr old family farmhouses with a newly built but authentic replacement "The Catskill Farmhouse". My wife and I are total rookies when it comes to the building trades, so we found John Shay’s website and set up a phone call. He blew my wife and me away on that 1st call. We hung up and said to each other, We just found our “old pro”. Boy, were we right. From our very first conversation until now, as we finish up with plantings and landscaping, etc. John has been fabulous. He told us at the beginning that you need to understand all the subcontractor trades, their methods and options/codes in order to manage them and he was right. He even overrode our architect’s plans w/better ideas as we went along, and knew how to get those approved. He constantly watched our pennies on this multimillion dollar project, which was ultra impressive. He made each sub submit bids, which immediately put them on notice that they had to be competitive. To say that John is demanding would be an understatement. But - he is ultra qualified, so the subs all respected that. We wanted to use as many vintage salvaged materials as possible from the original houses and barn, as well as pieces we sourced all over the country. Sinks, tubs, bathroom fixtures, hardware, and medicine chests, flooring, hinges, doors, transoms, lighting, staircase materials, bluestone slabs, beams, tons of field stones taken from original stonewalls to make walls, huge fireplaces, porch deck walls, etc - all vintage. It is much easier to use new materials, obviously, but John never once complained - he had a genuine “can-do” attitude throughout. The scope of the project grew as we listened to John’s recommendations, as everything he did was the right thing. I could go on much more, but then you might think that John is my brother-in-law or something. He’s not - he’s the real deal. Feel free to contact me for what will be an unconditional recommendation. David C. Kerr

I first met John Shay more than 10 years ago when I had the opportunity to represent him in the sale of a home that he had overlooking the water on Barrett Pond in the Sedgewood Club in Carmel. He had bought, expanded and renovated a 1930’s era home and I must say I was impressed with the design and quality of workmanship in this home. Creating a great match for the expansion to blend with the older section of the house he ended up with a home that set the standard for the area and to this day is the most expensive home ever to sell in the Sedgewood Club. I think it’s a testament to the quality of work you can expect when he manages a project. Since that time I’ve been in several other homes where John Shay has done extensive expansions and remodeling including the home in North Salem on Grant Road that was initially a wedding present from Ulysses S. Grant to his daughter, a home of approximately 11,000 square feet that sold for a price in excess of $10 million. Large or small, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend John Shay on your home project. Donald A Mituzas

After a two year wait and search to find a contractor who would take over my bath remodel due to a stop work order from the previous contractor my Plumber referred Shay builders to me. John took over and he and his crew repaired and finished my bathroom beautifully. John is very kind and patient and makes sure that his customer is completely satisfied... His carpentry framing & trim work was perfect and he matched my old stain moulding. I am recommending him because he gets the job done right. Hilda

April 2015, We bought our house 3 years ago and we have had several contractors in over the years.John and his crew were by far the best contractor I have ever had. He is extremely responsive, dependable and affordable.Thus far he is the only contractor that has adhered to timelines and in fact finished the job a few days early.His work is impeccable and his attention to details phenomenal.Without a doubt,I would recommend John for your renovation project and would use him again without hesitation. Incidentally we were so pleased with the work he had donee had him build a tree house for our kids.He finished that concurrently and the kids love it. Robert and Antoinette

Sept 2010, I watched John buy an old Florida ranch across from my house on one of the best waterfront sites and design and build a Mediterranean style home that set the standard for quality construction and design.He hit every detail perfectly and built to a new level in Florida hurricane construction.He used soybean foam insulation to keep utility costs low.He utilized the outdoor living spaces without wasting space.

He built a saltwater pool, covered porch with rope moulding. details to mimic the boating , and boat dock.As an old cabinet maker I was also impressed by the beautiful kitchen and entertainment area he created. He also built doors with interior transoms on site.A true old school craftsman who did this on his 1st Florida project.I saw him go on to manage many of the highest quality Commercial and residential projects around and helped project manage and plan my new Tower condo/marina project. Charlie Rom.

May 2013, John Shay is an extraordinarily talented, patient and knowledgeable construction builder and project manager.He was trained by one of the best ever and regarded John as his best trained carpenter over 35 years of training .We have been friends for many years starting when John was a student and I was just beginning my career as a building materials supplier with Loyd lumber Co.John has wide experience in all types of building and remodeling projects from the simplest home kitchen remodel though rise steel construction facing difficult challenges at every turn.John can be accurately described as the man who gets the job done on time and on budget.I would be pleased to recommend John to and interested party.

Carl Dill,Former owner and president of Dills Best Building Centers