Subdividing – the process of dividing one parcel of land into a number of parcels – is a process regulated by local municipalities and, at times, a number of other state agencies. Typically, local municipalities have subdivision regulations which require the review of a proposed subdivision by the local Planning Board. The Planning Board will…
Buying a home will probably be the most expensive investment most of us will make in our lifetime, whether it is your first, second, or third home. Although the initial capitol expense for the house is set by the “sticker price,” there can be hidden costs such as future repairs, maintenance, etc. A professional evaluation…
Darrin Elsom, the owner and principal engineer of Kaaterskill Associates, specializes in septic systems and storm water management. After years of experience designing and fixing septic systems he has written down the best management practices to care for your septic system. As with most rural areas, the large majority of homes in the Catskill region are served by…
Our Director of Operations, John Valachovic, wears multiple hats at Kaaterskill. He manages the survey department under the direction of his wife Christine who is our Principal licensed land surveyor and he also handles supervising the firms day to day operations including safety and field work. John grew up in Rotterdam, NY. He graduated…
Architect / Building / Business / Dream Home / Engineering / Homeowner
It’s finally time to build the home you’ve been dreaming about. After cutting out pictures of houses, keeping mental notes on your favorite floor plans, imaging a design and selecting a property, it is time to make your ideas a reality. Building a home can be a long and arduous process. If you are looking to…
At Kaaterskill one of our newer employees is our Administrative Assistant. Mikala sits at the reception desk and greets clients, answers phones and helps with paperwork. She also doubles as the Marketing Coordinator. Here’s a little bit about Mikala: I am not originally from New York, I grew up in Washington State. I moved here…
At Kaaterskill, the head of our architecture department is long time employee Mike Bliss. On a warm Saturday afternoon, you will find Mike on the river. When he is not reviewing code, collaborating with our structural engineer or working on design plans, he is taking in the view from the Catskill Creek where it meets…
At Kaaterskill our office manager, Joanne Jones, has dedicated her skills to the company for over a decade. Her organization skills help the office run smoothly. And she is an involved community member outside of work hours. Here’s a bit of her story: I was born and raised on Long Island with two younger sisters.…
Originally posted on CCD Engineering Ltd:
This is a quick guide with a few considerations for designing your home deck. ? Budget. Before starting any construction in your home it is best to set a budget. Keep in your mind the cost of a design depends on its size, technicality, applications and finishing meaning materials. Another…
Living and working in the Catskill Mountains has its benefits. Especially when half of our job is field work. Check out some of the places we get to work: This view is near Windham, New York as well-loved vacation and second home location. Fall in our area is especially beautiful. And fortunately for the survey…
I enjoy working with people and helping them to create an environment that reflects their dreams and desires
One of Kaaterskill’s best assets is our employees. Our employees are dedicated and strive to make the company a success. Each has a story outside of their work life. This week our Structural Engineer, Bill Scribner, shares a little bit about himself, his life outside of Kaaterskill and how he came to work in the…
Definition: Busman’s Holiday: a holiday spent in following or observing the practice of one’s usual occupation. Last week company owner Christine and her husband John, went on vacation. Both have worked in surveying for years and are unable to shut off the surveyor mind even while spending a holiday in Maine. So naturally, they…
Originally posted on ___ architecture for the 99:
From the architect. After purchasing a discarded construction trailer for just €15, owners Kris and Griet together with Ghent-based architect practice Karel Verstraeten have transformed it into an inhabitable space. Wanting to create a small dwelling that could be used for either studying and resting or partying, the unit was pulled…
Subdividing is often the first step in developing land or selling a property. When a client comes to us hoping to change boundary lines or with an idea for a major land development, creating a subdivision is a key step in the process. Subdivisions are more than simply dividing a property into pieces. It involves…
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