Home Additions on Cape Cod

Dormers, second stories, bump-outs and suites, built to match your house

Murray Construction builds home additions on Cape Cod for owners who like where they live and need more room in it. John Murray is a master carpenter with more than 20 years in the trades, and he runs every project himself, from the first walk around the house to the final walkthrough.

This page covers the kinds of additions John builds, what is different about adding on to a Cape house, how a project runs with him, and what drives the cost. For planning ideas in more depth, read our guides on planning a Cape Cod addition and Barnstable home addition ideas.

Murray Construction on a Cape Cod job site 1

Murray Construction on a Cape Cod job site 2

Home additions we build on Cape Cod

Most Cape houses were built small and simple, which makes them good candidates for adding on. Common projects:

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Shed and gable dormers: A shed dormer opens up a cramped half-story across the back of the roof; gable dormers add light and headroom while keeping the classic look from the street.
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Second-story additions: Raising the roof turns a one-and-a-half-story Cape into a full two stories. The existing walls and foundation have to be checked to carry the new load.
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Bump-outs and kitchen expansions: A few extra feet off the back or side can change how a kitchen, dining room or bath works without a full addition.
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Primary suites: A first-floor bedroom with its own bath and closet, often added so owners can stay in the house long term.
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Sunrooms and four-season rooms: Framed and insulated like the rest of the house, with plenty of windows, so the room is usable in January as well as July.
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Mudrooms and entries: A practical spot for sandy shoes, beach gear and coats.
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In-law space: An attached room or suite for a parent or grown child. If you need a separate unit with its own kitchen and entrance, see our ADU builder on Cape Cod page.

What makes a Cape Cod home addition different

An addition should look like it was always part of the house. On the Cape that means matching the roof pitch and eave lines, carrying the cedar shingles and trim details through, and lining up window sizes and heights with what is already there. A roofline a few degrees off is the first thing people notice.

Older Capes bring their own puzzles: low ceilings, knee walls, narrow stairs and framing that was built to different standards decades ago. John plans around what he finds. Much of the Cape sits on sandy soil, so foundations for a new addition are designed for the site.

Rules matter too. Adding a bedroom usually means a Title 5 review of your septic system’s capacity. Work near wetlands, ponds or the shore can need Conservation Commission review, and some villages have historic review for exterior changes. Your town’s building department is the starting point, and John helps you work through what applies to your property.

Design, plans and the trades

Many additions start with an architect or designer, especially second stories, large footprints or anything needing historic or conservation approval. John builds from plans and can talk through options with you before you commit to a design.

When structural changes are involved, a structural engineer may need to specify beams, headers or foundation details. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and septic work are done by licensed trades and designers; as general contractor, John coordinates them. The structure itself is his specialty, as you can see on our framing contractor on Cape Cod page.

How a home addition with John works

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Consultation and site visit: John looks at the house, the lot and the structure, and hears how you want to use the space.
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Written quote: Once plans or a clear scope are in hand, you get a written quote that spells out the work.
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Permits: Building permits and any town reviews are lined up before work starts.
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Build: Foundation, framing, roof and exterior, then the trades and finishes. John is on site and keeps you updated as it goes.
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Walkthrough: At the end you walk the addition together and go over any final details.

What affects the cost of an addition

Every addition is priced on its own. The main factors:

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Size and type: A dormer, a bump-out and a full second story are very different jobs.
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Foundation and site: Access, slope, soil and how much excavation the lot needs.
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Tying into the existing house: Roof connections, structural upgrades and surprises inside older walls.
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Plumbing, kitchens and baths: Rooms with fixtures cost more than open living space.
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Septic and approvals: Title 5 upgrades, conservation or historic requirements can add steps.
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Materials and finishes: Windows, siding, trim and interior finish choices.

Home addition contractor serving Cape Cod towns

Murray Construction is based in Sandwich and builds additions in Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Dennis and nearby Cape Cod towns.

Frequently asked questions

Do you handle permits for a home addition?

Yes. John pulls the building permit and helps you work through any other reviews your property needs, such as a Title 5 septic review when you add a bedroom, Conservation Commission review near wetlands, or historic review in some villages. Requirements vary by town.

Do I need an architect for my addition?

Often, yes, especially for second stories, larger additions or projects that need town approvals. Some smaller jobs such as a mudroom or bump-out can be drawn more simply. John builds from plans and can talk through your options early so the design fits the house and the budget.

Can you match my existing house?

That is a big part of the job. John matches roof pitch, eave lines, cedar shingles, trim profiles and window proportions so the addition reads as part of the original house.

Do you do the electrical and plumbing?

No. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and septic work are done by licensed trades and designers. As the general contractor, John coordinates them and schedules their work around the framing and inspections.

How do I get an estimate?

Call John at (508) 648-3215. He will set up a visit to look at your house and lot and hear what you want to add. Once there are plans or a clear scope, you get a written quote that spells out the work.

Do you build additions in my town?

Murray Construction is based in Sandwich and builds additions in Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Barnstable, Dennis and nearby Cape Cod towns. If you are nearby, call and ask.

Related guides

Planning an addition?

Call John at (508) 648-3215 to talk through your Cape Cod home addition.

Request an Estimate Call (508) 648-3215