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…
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…
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…
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…
Draftspersons are artists. But not the average, think outside the box, abstract painter, crafty type. They are artists who are required to make drawings or blueprints that are correct in every way. Their work is used to by clients to visualize, fellow professionals to represent their work, and by construction workers as design plans. There…
In the western world, a signature is a legal binding contract. In the professional realm, often times a seal is required as proof of professionalism in addition to a signature. This idea dates back into ancient civilization when kings would send out official proclamations marked with their signet ring, or symbol embossed in wax that…
Blueprints are packed with information on your house. They are made for a design team and construction crew but they easily be read by a home owner or anyone interested in the plans for a building. All you need is a little knowledge on where to look for relevant information. While every firm has a…
Kaaterskill Associates 