Sometimes the right move isn’t a new house — it’s the right addition to the one you already love. A primary suite carved out of a side yard. A second story over the original Cape footprint. A sunroom that finally makes the back of the house catch the morning light. An addition done right looks like it was always there.
Custom Crafted Homes has been building additions across Cape Cod for over 50 years. We know what it takes to tie new construction into an old Cape — the rooflines, the trim profiles, the siding patterns, the foundation conditions — so the finished home reads as one continuous piece of architecture, not a bolt-on. We work this way in Dennis, Yarmouth, Chatham, and across the Cape.
What we add
- Second-story additions — over an original Cape, or a partial second story for a primary suite
- Primary suite additions — main floor or upstairs, often with a private bath and walk-in closet
- Sunrooms and screened porches — built to handle the Cape’s wind and salt year-round
- Mudrooms and rear entries — sized for boots, gear, dogs, and the realities of coastal living
- In-law suites — separate entries, kitchenettes, full bath, accessible design
- Garage additions — attached, with bonus space above
- Outdoor living — covered patios, three-season rooms, decks that integrate with the architecture
Why additions are harder than new builds
A new home is a clean slate. An addition is structural surgery on a home that’s already standing. The challenges:
- Tying new framing into old framing — especially in 1700s-1800s post-and-beam construction
- Matching exterior — cedar shingle that’s weathered 40 years can’t be matched off the shelf
- Foundation conditions — many older Cape homes sit on rubble or stone foundations that need careful underpinning
- Permits and zoning — town offices, conservation, setbacks, septic — every Cape town has different rules
- Living in the house during construction — we work clean, contain dust, and keep the house functional
This is why builders who only do new construction often won’t take on additions. We do, and we’ve been doing it for fifty years. If your project is closer to a ground-up build, see our custom home page; if it’s leaning toward downstairs square footage, pair this with basement remodeling.
Recent additions
Process
- Site visit — we look at your house, your lot, your goals, and what’s realistic given the existing structure
- Design and feasibility — working with your architect or one we recommend, we develop plans that respect the existing home
- Permits and approvals — we handle the town offices, conservation commission, board of health (for septic), and any HOA or historic district requirements
- Pre-construction planning — schedule, vendor selection, transparent budget
- Build — typically 3-9 months depending on scope
- Final walkthrough — and we stay reachable for years afterward
Cape Cod-specific considerations
- Conservation setbacks — coastal properties often have wetlands or beach overlays requiring extra approvals
- Septic capacity — many additions require a septic upgrade or new design
- Wind zone construction — Cape homes need engineering for the coastal wind zone
- Salt air durability — siding, fasteners, and trim choices matter more here than inland
We’ve handled all of these hundreds of times. They’re not surprises to us, and they shouldn’t be surprises to you. You can also see our recent additions.
Ready to plan your addition?
Tell us what you’re thinking. Site visit, honest read on what’s feasible, transparent quote — no pressure. Call (508) 619-7909 or send us a message.