Whether you have been coming to the Western Catskills since you were a wee child or you stumbled upon Livingston Manor only last weekend, it is impossible not to fall in love with the area. And we hope it is equally impossible not to be impressed and intrigued by The Catskill Project – a community of carbon-neutral, Passive House-designed homes built for comfort, sustainability, and connection to nature.
Whether joining us would mean a permanent move or getting a second sustainable home, the benefits to your lifestyle and health are legion.
But how do I proceed from being enamored by it all to moving in, I hear you ask? Maybe a friend of yours went through the pain-train of looking for a plot of land, finding an architect, securing all necessary permits and building a home while living permanently elsewhere, and concluded ‘Never Again’? Not a surprise, as this can be, and usually is, a complex process. The good news is that we make it easy and remove the lion share of all these headaches from you.
Step 1: Selecting Your Lot in The Catskill Project
The first step is to spend enough time on the property. Each of our Catskills lots is unique and beautiful, yet they are also different. Some offer privacy, others feature beautiful views, yet others include water features. Walk all of them with us and on your own, let the one that speaks to you most gradually emerge. And don’t forget to walk the community trail and hang out by the pond. It’s all a package – your home in a community, nestled in truly stunning surroundings available to you and your neighbors.
Step 2: Choosing Your Passive House Model
Now that you know which lot to call home let’s pick the right model for you. The Catskill Project offers four home models available, ticking a wide variety of boxes, each designed to meet Passive House standards for energy efficiency and comfort. Do you need two or three bedrooms? Do you lean toward a modern style, or do you prefer a more traditional aesthetic? Do you need a garage and / or additional living space above? All these alternatives are readily available to perfectly suit your needs. In fact, our existing buyers – your future neighbors – have landed on a variety of solutions to their desires and needs. So, take a look and even have a chat with them! We would be happy to arrange.
Step 3: Customizing Your Sustainable Home
Now let’s make your new home truly yours. From the selection of exterior siding to the choice of floors, tiles and appliances, we have a range of options that will truly express your personality and needs. And let’s not forget the accessory building! The range of options is virtually limitless. While some of our clients chose a one-story garage only, others have included additional living space above (think a teenage kid who has friends visiting). And in one case we have built a woodworking studio / ceramics shop combination. In other words, tell us what you need, and we will make it happen. It is truly validating to see our clients’ vision take shape, and we are there every step of the way, making it easy and seamless.
Step 4: Contracts, Financing, & Peace of Mind
Naturally, not everything is hiking on the community trail or choosing wall colors for your home. It all needs to be memorialized in a contract and be paid for. Greg, the project’s co-founder and principal, takes care of the contract. As a recovering real estate lawyer, it is a second nature for him to pen a crisp contract describing what we are going to build for you. And don’t believe him when he says he doesn’t miss his days at Skadden. He is too good for that. Or does he secretly miss wearing a suit and tie, something you will not see throughout the process? Who knows … but the important thing is that you are in good and expert hands once again. Same can be said about financing should you need it. Our team has a longstanding relationship with a local bank who will be happy to arrange your construction loan which converts into a long-term mortgage upon completion.
Step 5: Building Your Carbon-Neutral Home
Finally, it is time to grab the shovel. Our experienced team of expert builders jumps to action upon contract closing. They have done it before for our clients and are ready to do it many times over still. The net result of our local knowledge and a range of key relationships allows us to deliver homes 12-18 months from contract closing, with the overwhelming likelihood being closer to the lower end of the range. Come and see the progress throughout the build for yourself – and let’s have a small party upon receiving the Certificate of Occupancy!
Welcome Home
At The Catskill Project, we do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters: building a life in a sustainable home, in harmony with nature, and in a vibrant Catskills community.
‘Schedule a Tour Today’ https://www.thecatskillproject.com/schedule-a-tour/