Does your home need more space to fit your current needs? Instead of selling your property and moving to a new location, you could add finished living space to your existing home. McPhee Associates of Cape Cod is an award-winning design-build firm that specializes in custom home additions. Our in-house team works with you to create functional, expertly crafted spaces that enhance your lifestyle.
If you are considering a Cape Cod home addition, here are a few things to consider. For a more detailed look at the process of building a home addition on Cape Cod, see our online guide.
Explore Cape Cod Home Additions
Our skilled in-house team, comprised of architectural designers, interior design and selections coordinators and field supervisors, work together to bring your vision to life. You can browse a few of our more recent home addition projects we’ve completed for our clients below.
Channelside Charmer | Harwich Port
ThThe goal of this Harwich Port addition and renovation was to maximize harbor views and expand living space for family gatherings. Adding 235 square feet to the first floor created enough space for a mudroom, pantry and spacious great room. Upstairs, an 1,840-square-foot expansion introduced a living room with a balcony, a custom boat bar, an office, and a new bedroom. Exterior upgrades, such as a front porch and strategically placed windows, flood the home with light and stunning views.
Bay Breeze Oasis | Dennis
A 1960s Cape Cod summer home was reimagined as a modern, year-round retreat. The kitchen was completely overhauled, with its width and height expanded for greater space and functionality. Removing a central fireplace opened up the living room, while combining two bedrooms and adding a Nantucket dormer created a luxurious, light-filled primary suite. Outside, the property was further enhanced with a built-in pool and a 200-square-foot cabana, perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
Classic Cape Reimagined| East Orleans
This 1950s Cape was transformed with a thoughtfully designed addition that enhances both space and functionality. The new wing features a kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, a mudroom, powder room, and a two-bay garage with finished living space above. A private, year-round in-law suite—connected through the mudroom—offers additional living space and features a vaulted living room, wet bar, bedroom, and full bath.
Blending seamlessly with the original structure, classic cedar shingles and antique slate roofing maintain the home’s timeless charm. The result is a beautifully expanded retreat, perfect for multi-generational living and year-round enjoyment.
Historic Chatham | Chatham
This 1850s modified half Cape was updated for modern living while preserving its historic charm. The expanded kitchen now includes a wet bar, an informal breakfast nook, and a new half bath with a washer/dryer and direct access to the deck and outdoor shower—perfect for keeping beach sand at bay. To enhance comfort, a second-floor bedroom was removed to create a spacious primary suite, allowing for the addition of a bathroom in the guest house while meeting zoning requirements..
Classic Ranch | East Dennis
A carefully designed addition enhanced this 1960s ranch while preserving its nostalgic charm. Without altering the original footprint, a small extension to the primary bedroom allowed for a vaulted ceiling, added storage, and a spacious en-suite bath with a double vanity and oversized shower. To improve flow and connection, walls between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms were removed, while a 12-foot sliding door now seamlessly connects the living area to an expanded deck and patio—perfect for summer gatherings.
Plan Your Cape Cod Home Addition
Planning a home addition requires careful thought and preparation. Key factors to keep in mind include design, zoning regulations, structural modifications, and overall functionality.
Design & Integration
Ensure the addition complements your home’s existing style, including rooflines, exterior materials, and layout flow. Whether expanding a kitchen, primary suite, garage, or adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), the new space should feel seamless.
Zoning & Permitting
Cape Cod has specific zoning regulations, including lot usage, height restrictions, and environmental considerations. Consulting a design-build professional can help navigate these requirements.
Structural & Site Prep
Excavation, foundation work, and roofing integration are crucial to a durable addition. Roof styles like gable extensions or dormers can enhance the space while maintaining aesthetic harmony.
Functionality & Storage
Consider how the addition will serve your needs—whether improving traffic flow, storage, or multi-generational living. Elements like vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and outdoor access can enhance usability.
About McPhee Associates
McPhee Associates, a family-owned design-build firm, has been serving Cape Cod residents since 1972. We specialize in custom homes, renovations, additions, and architectural design services. Recognizing that each project is unique, we provide innovative solutions tailored to your family’s needs.
Areas We Serve
McPhee is based in East Dennis, in the Mid-Cape region of Cape Cod. We serve all of Barnstable County, including Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Dennis, Yarmouth, Barnstable, Sandwich, Mashpee, Falmouth, and Bourne.
Resources
The Essential Guide to Cape Cod Home Additions
Are you looking to how to expand a Cape Cod house? Learn the latest ideas on how to plan, design, and build Cape Cod home additions.
Remodel vs. Rebuild: Which is Better for Your Home?
Remodel vs. rebuild? Discover the right choice for your home improvement project. Compare the pros and cons of making an informed decision.
Cape Cod Real Estate Fixer-Upper
Everything you need to know about buying, financing, and renovating Cape Cod real estate fixer-upper homes.
Timeless Home Remodeling Ideas for Luxury Living
Check out these timeless home remodeling ideas for luxury living. We hope these design solutions inspire your next project.