Doug Cavallo Of Cavallo Building Discusses The Challenges And Successes Of The Past Year

There is no doubt that builders on the East End were devastated when the New York State on PAUSE order shut down every non-emergency building job in the state due to Covid-19. It was early last year, right as builders were scurrying to finish projects before the summer season.

By March it is usually imperative for builders to finish jobs because homeowners are anxious to be prepared for the summer ahead. Not only did the stop work order interrupt that, but it also required builders to redesign, reimplement, and rethink everything they started. Suddenly the “summer people” were becoming year-rounders at record pace with the lockdown that was required for safety reasons.

We wanted to talk with one of the most regarded builders in the Hamptons, Doug Cavallo, of Cavallo Building, to see how he pivoted and how the renowned builder thinks the market might flesh out in 2021 now that the pandemic is slowing down dramatically.

Doug, thanks for meeting with us. So much was upended back in March when Covid-19 restrictions hit. How did it affect you and where are you at now?

When Covid hit I was concerned not only for health and safety of everyone but about the negative impact on my business. Fortunately, so far we have remained healthy and business-wise it had the opposite effect. People who lived full-time in the city suddenly made the Hamptons a year-round community. This led to a boost in business and demand for new homes.

As a leader of luxury home building on the East End, how has the pandemic affected homes that were in progress, if at all, in the design and functionality?

I found that the owners of homes we already had in progress wanted more upgrades such a home gym, outdoor amenities, and finer finishes all around. This is because they saw themselves spending more time here than originally planned.

Once the stop work orders were lifted, were you able to adjust quickly or did you have to relearn anything in terms of building towards a client or buyer’s lifestyle and alter the vision? We’re curious how you pivoted during this time.

Once the stop work orders were lifted the biggest challenge I found was getting the work done, at that the demand for labor and materials became harder and more expensive to get. The actual designs that we were in progress had not substantially changed so much to adjust to at that point.

Have you been renovating or remodeling homes lately, to accommodate all of the new year-rounders and the needs of the work-at-home and homeschool population?

I have been getting an average of one inquiry a week to renovate or add on to existing homes but at this time, we are so busy with new construction that I have been turning it down.

What are some trends you saw that are a direct result of the pandemic?

Trends that I have seen as a result from the pandemic are that people are willing to invest more in their home, not only by setting up functional home offices, but also on leisurely items. On the inside we are building home gyms, theaters, game rooms, and bars. In the backyard people are investing in items such as jacuzzis, outdoor kitchens, tennis courts, and fire pits.

Can you tell us a little about how Cavallo Building got started? What drew you into becoming a builder?

My father was in the building business prior to me so when I graduated from college he asked if I wanted to join the business and it seemed like a good opportunity. At a young age I started working in construction during the summer or after school, doing everything from clean up to fine carpentry.

What differentiates you from the all the rest?

We work with award-winning designers and architects so are always up on the current trends. We are always present on every project, working closely with the client to ensure their vision is met.

How would you define the homes you build in terms of their style?

I would like to define our homes as welcoming — the majority have an open layout for entertaining as well as a needed quiet space. Our exteriors tend to be more Hamptons traditional with modern finishes on the inside. Although we have built everything from ultra modern to classical.

What projects are you currently working on?

We currently have several projects in different stages. We have two foundations being built, one house midway through construction and three at the finishing stages. They are from Southampton to Sag Harbor.

What is your favorite town to build in?

Sag Harbor Village is my favorite (once you get through the permit process). The building department is easy to work with and I like the charm of the town.

What do you prefer, design/build or spec building?

I like them both in different ways. With a spec there isn’t anyone to answer to and all decisions are my own. With custom homes I have built a variety of designs that I might not have otherwise and I have also met a lot of great people and friends.

In what ways are you evolving as a Hamptons builder?

I learned to understand a client pretty quickly in terms of style and what they are trying to achieve in their budget. We have also taken on much larger and complex projects with confidence because of the knowledge gained over the years.

When you’re not building your beautiful homes, what do you do for fun?

In the summer months I like to enjoy our beautiful beaches. Also I try to get in both a ski trip and tropical vacation every year.

I look forward to a great 2021, I am optimistic that life will return back to normal very soon.

To learn more about Cavallo Building, go to www.cavallobuilding.com.

631.375.9173
70 Main St, Southampton, NY 11968
doug@cavallobuilding.com

Ty Wenzel

Co-Publisher & Contributor

Ty Wenzel started her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s followed by fashion editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. She was also a writer for countless publications, including having published a memoir and written features for The New York Times. She is an award-winning writer and designer who covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture and interiors for James Lane Post. Wenzel is also a co-founder of the meditation app for kids, DreamyKid, and the social media agency, TWM Hamptons Social Media.