FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Offsite Camp

Everything you want to know about buying plans, working with us on a custom design, and building in Upstate New York. If your question isn't here, reach out - we're easy to get in touch with.

Inside Offsite's CBN-01

About the Plans

What's included in a set of Offsite Camp plans?

Each plan set includes: floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, wall sections, door and window schedules, foundation plan, roof plan, and general construction notes. The drawings are detailed enough for a contractor to price and build from — not just pretty renderings.

What file format are the plans delivered in?

Plans are delivered as PDF files, immediately downloadable after purchase. You get a full-size set suitable for printing at a plan center or submitting to a building department, plus a compressed version for sharing digitally.

Are the plans engineered and stamped?

Our base plan sets are architectural drawings, not engineer-stamped. Most building departments require a licensed engineer to review and stamp drawings before issuing a permit — this is standard for any plan set purchase. We can connect you with engineers familiar with our plans who can handle the stamp affordably. For custom projects, structural engineering is included.

Do the plans include electrical and plumbing drawings?

Base plan sets include rough electrical and plumbing layouts sufficient for most building departments. Some jurisdictions require more detailed MEP drawings — a local contractor can typically provide these as part of their scope. For custom projects, full MEP coordination is available.

Can I modify the plans?

Minor modifications — flipping the floor plan, adjusting a window location, changing the deck configuration — are something we can help with for a modest fee. Major structural changes would be treated as a custom engagement. Reach out before purchasing if you think your site needs significant changes.

Are your plans designed for Northeast winters?

Yes — this is one of the main things that differentiates our plans from generic online sources. All our designs are engineered for Northeast snow loads, use wall assemblies that meet or exceed New York State Energy Code (IECC 2024), and are detailed for air-tightness. A plan designed for Georgia won't perform the same way in Sullivan County in January.

Can these plans work on a sloped site?

Most of our plans can be adapted for a moderately sloped site with a modified foundation design (daylight basement, stem wall, or piers instead of slab). Steep slopes may require site-specific engineering. Get in touch before purchasing if you're building on a challenging parcel — we can tell you quickly whether a given plan is a good fit.

Are the plans designed for off-grid properties?

Our designs use all-electric systems, high-performance insulation, and are fully compatible with off-grid solar and battery setups. We don't specify a particular solar system (that's sized by a solar installer for your specific site), but our plans are designed so off-grid electrification is straightforward. See our blog post on off-grid cabin systems for more detail.

Cost and Pricing

How much do cabin plans cost?

Our plan sets are priced based on the complexity and size of the design — check the individual plan page for current pricing. We offer entry level plans for under $800 that are used for bidding and getting started. Full construction sets generally come in under $5,000. If you're comparing to hiring a local architect, plan sets typically save $20,000–$60,000 in design fees, and you can start construction much faster.

What's NOT included in the plan price?

The plan price covers architectural drawings only. Not included: engineer stamp (typically $2,000–$5,000 through a local PE), permit fees (varies by county, typically $1,500–$6,000), site survey, site-specific foundation design, and contractor markups. These are standard additional costs for any plan purchase — we're upfront about this because we've seen surprises derail builds.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Because plans are digital downloads, we generally don't offer refunds once the files have been downloaded. If you have questions about whether a plan is right for your site before purchasing, please reach out — we'd rather answer questions upfront than have you buy something that doesn't work for you.

Permits and Building

Do I need a permit to build a cabin?

Almost certainly yes, regardless of where you're building in Upstate NY. New York State requires permits for any new structure over 144 sq ft, and most townships have their own additional requirements. Delaware County, Sullivan County, Greene County, and Ulster County all have building departments — we've worked with all of them. Don't skip the permit process: unpermitted structures are a nightmare at resale and can be ordered demolished.

Will Offsite Camp help with the permit process?

We can advise on what to expect and connect you with engineers and expediters who know the Hudson Valley permitting landscape. For custom design clients, we manage the permit submission as part of our scope. For plan purchases, you're responsible for local permitting, but we're happy to answer questions along the way.

How long does it take to get a permit in Upstate NY?

Highly variable. In some townships, permits come back in 2–4 weeks. In others — especially those with environmental overlay districts or floodplain considerations — it can take 3–6 months. The Delaware Water Gap area, spanning two states, can be particularly complex. Budget more time than you think, and start the permit process before you're ready to build.

How long does it take to build a cabin?

For a simple cabin under 800 sq ft, a skilled crew can frame and close in the structure in 4–8 weeks. Full completion including interior finish, systems, and inspections typically runs 4–6 months from breaking ground. Finding and scheduling a good contractor is often the longest part — availability in the Hudson Valley and Catskills is tight. Start that search early.

Can you recommend builders in my area?

We maintain informal relationships with builders in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Delaware Water Gap regions who are familiar with our plans. Reach out with your location and we'll point you toward contractors we've seen do good work. We don't take referral fees — we just want your build to go well.

Do I need to hire an architect separately if I buy your plans?

For most straightforward builds, no. Our plans are designed to be contractor-ready. You may need a local engineer for the stamp, but you don't need an architect to administer the project unless you want full construction oversight. If the build gets complicated or you want someone managing the contractor on your behalf, that's where our custom services come in.

Custom Design

How does custom design work?

Custom design starts with a conversation about your site, your program (how many bedrooms, how you'll use the space, any special requirements), and your budget. We develop schematic design options, refine the preferred direction with you, and produce a full set of construction documents. For properties in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Delaware Water Gap, we can also visit the site.

How much does custom design cost?

Custom design fees vary based on project scope. As a rough benchmark, architectural fees typically run 10–15% of construction cost — for a $250,000 cabin, that's $25,000–$37,500. Our fees are competitive with regional architects and include closer attention to off-grid systems and Northeast performance than most generalist firms. Reach out for a project-specific estimate.

How long does the custom design process take?

From first meeting to permitted drawings: typically 4–8 months for a straightforward cabin. This includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, and permit submission. We're upfront about timelines because we know you're trying to plan a build season.

Do you take on projects outside Upstate NY?

We're based in the Hudson Valley and do most of our custom work in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. We'll occasionally take on projects further afield if the scope and fit are right. For plan purchases, geography doesn't matter — the plans work anywhere in a similar climate zone.

Short-Term Rental and Investment

Are your plans designed to work well as Airbnb / short-term rentals?

Yes — we think about rental performance as a design constraint, not an afterthought. Our plans prioritize open layouts, high ceilings, strong indoor-outdoor connection, and the kind of architectural character that drives Airbnb bookings. We've also written about what makes Hudson Valley cabins perform well as short-term rentals — see the blog for more.

What rental income can I realistically expect?

Highly variable depending on location, quality, amenities, and how well you manage the listing. Well-designed, well-positioned cabins in the Hudson Valley can gross $60,000–$120,000+ per year. The design decisions that matter most: a hot tub or soaking tub, strong outdoor space, good photography, and a two-bedroom or loft layout that accommodates small groups.

About Offsite Camp

Who are you and where are you based?

Offsite Camp is a design and development studio based in Brooklyn. We design high-performance cabins, small homes, and ADUs — primarily for properties in the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Delaware Water Gap region, though our plans sell nationwide. We're small by design: every project gets real attention.

How do I get in touch?

The best way is through the contact form on our custom design page. For quick questions about a specific plan, you can also reach us through the plan page directly. We typically respond within one business day.