Home additions are the best way to improve your lifestyle and increase square footage. A well-planned addition can significantly improve your daily living experience while providing a high return on investment. However, before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Whether you’re adding a new bedroom, home office, or kitchen remodel, planning smart from the start is what makes a dream home addition worth every penny. And if you’re on the fence, yes, a home addition is worth it, especially when it’s thoughtfully designed and executed. Many homeowners see up to 60–80% of their costs recouped upon resale, not to mention the day-to-day joy of having a space that finally fits their life.
And if you want it done professionally, Dream Home Improvement is your go-to contractor, backed by 20+ years of experience and a commitment to expertise.
1. Visit Your Local Planning and Building Departments
Before anything else, visit your city or county’s building department. Why? Because you need to know:
- Zoning rules
- Easement restrictions
- Setback requirements
- Maximum lot coverage limits
If your home is already at the maximum allowed structure size for your lot, a new addition may not even be possible. Understanding these regulations upfront saves time, money, and legal headaches.
2. Check If the Project is Feasible
A glass sunroom with a floating staircase might sound amazing, but can it be built safely? Not every idea is structurally or aesthetically suitable for your neighborhood. Consider these factors:
- Will it complement your current home design?
- Is it structurally sound?
- Will it require unique materials or systems?
Always consult with a professional designer or home improvement contractor before finalizing any ideas.
3. Understand the True Cost of Home Additions
Cost is often the biggest factor. It’s nearly impossible to get an accurate estimate without:
- A set of building plans
- Professional consultations (request a free estimate from the best home addition contractor).
- Multiple contractor quotes
Be cautious about relying solely on rough ballpark figures. A more accurate budget will help you avoid unexpected expenses and keep the project on track.
4. Can You Actually Afford Home Additions?
Are you paying cash or financing the addition? Either way, plan beyond your budget:
- Include a buffer for change orders
- Don’t forget permit fees, design fees, and material cost fluctuations
- Plan for possible monthly loan repayments
If money is tight, consider downsizing your home addition or using more affordable materials. And please, resist the urge to negotiate with friends or family for cheap labor; it frequently creates more problems than it solves.
5. Should You Hire a General Contractor or Go DIY?
DIY can save money, but it’s not for everyone. Ask yourself:
- Do I have the time and skills?
- Can I handle complex tasks like electrical, plumbing, or foundation work?
- Will my city approve a permit if I do it myself?
In most cases, hiring a licensed contractor is the safer, faster, and less stressful option, especially for large additions. So, hiring a professional is highly recommended.
Visit our Home Additions services to learn more about how we can assist you.
6. Insurance Is Not Optional During Home Additions
Ensure your contractor has:
- Liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
Also, talk to your insurance broker about your own coverage during construction. Some homeowners take out additional policies to cover potential delays or damages.
7. Should You Make Home Additions or Just Move?
It’s a valid question. Adding 500 sq ft might cost around $80,000. If moving to a larger home costs the same (or less) and gives you what you need, it could be the smarter move. But moving is more stressful.
Consider:
- How long do you plan to stay in your current home
- The potential return on investment
- The disruption a remodel will cause
If staying makes more sense, then building an addition can be a fantastic way to remain in the neighborhood you love — without compromising on space.
Especially if you’re living in a Cape Cod-style home, which, while full of charm, often lacks upper-floor space due to sloped ceilings and low rooflines. A thoughtfully planned home addition, like a dormer addition, sunroom addition, kitchen remodeling, or second-story addition, can make a world of difference without altering the original character.
8. Prepare for Inconvenience or Temporary Relocation
Construction is noisy, dusty, and intrusive. If your addition involves tearing into your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms, it could disrupt your entire life.
Ask yourself:
- Can I live in the house during construction?
- Should I rent another place short-term?
- What will that cost?
Even if you stay, you’ll need to plan for noise, debris, and limited access to parts of your home.
9. Schedules Are Hopes, Not Promises
Delays happen. Contractors may get sick, materials can be back-ordered, or inspections may get postponed. Delays can come from:
- Weather
- Subcontractor no-shows
- Permitting issues
- Change orders
A trustworthy general contractor like Dream Home Improvement will communicate clearly and stick as close to the timeline as humanly possible.
10. Change Orders Can Wreck Your Budget
Making changes during construction is expensive. Plan everything in advance.
If you want
- Window and door replacement
- Bathroom remodelling
- Kitchen remodeling
- Basement remodeling
- Build a deck
Planned it during the consultation stage. Changing your mind later means redoing work, which equals higher costs and more delays.
11. Will You Get Your Money Back from Home Additions?
A professionally planned and executed home addition can increase your home’s value, but not every project guarantees a full return on investment. Let’s look at two common scenarios to explain.
Scenario 1: The Costly Overbuild
- Current home value: $1.1 million
- Home Addition cost: $800,000
- Post-remodel value: $1.4 million
That’s a $500,000 loss on paper. Why? Because you may have overbuilt for the neighborhood, gone too custom, or used materials that don’t add significant resale value.
Not all additions guarantee high ROI, especially without guidance.
Scenario 2: The Smart Investment
- Current home value: $650,000
- Addition cost: $100,000
- Post-remodel value: $775,000
That’s a $25,000 gain, plus you now have more space, functionality, and a more marketable property.
You get the benefit of extra living space now and a higher resale value later, without overspending.
Conclusion
Work with experienced general contractors like Dream Home Improvement who understand your local market, pricing trends, and the kind of home additions that boost resale value without unnecessary costs. They’ve helped homeowners across Cape Cod, MA, and nearby areas add everything from cozy family rooms to full second-story additions — all while keeping ROI in mind.
Get a free quote from Dream Home Improvement and see how you can turn your space upgrade into a smart long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you add an addition to a Cape Cod house?
Yes, you absolutely can — and it’s quite common. Whether it’s a second-story addition, a kitchen remodeling, or a sunroom, Cape Cod homes are great candidates for additions that enhance both space and resale value. We specialize in small addition ideas for Cape Cod style homes that blend seamlessly with the original architecture.
2. What was a major drawback of the Cape Cod style home?
The biggest drawback is usually the lack of usable space, especially upstairs. Original designs often have sloped ceilings and low headroom, which can make the second floor feel cramped. That’s where simple addition ideas like dormers or rear bump-outs can make a world of difference.
3. How to make a Cape cod style house bigger?
Some of the best ways include
- Adding dormers for upstairs space
- Expanding the kitchen or mudroom additions
- Rear or side extensions
- Garage additions or conversions
If you’re unsure where to start, our team at Dream Home Improvement can walk you through all your options for Cape Cod house additions.
4. What are the pros and cons of a Cape Cod style home?
Pros:
- Timeless charm
- Efficient, cozy layouts
- Great curb appeal
Cons:
- Limited space upstairs
- Less natural light in original layouts
- Often needs remodeling to meet modern needs
But with the right upgrades, these homes can be both stylish and spacious!
5. What are some modern home additions ideas for Cape Cod style homes?
- Some smart, modern upgrades include
- Open concept kitchen additions
- Glass sunroom additions
- Second-story additions
- Home office additions
These modern touches can transform your Cape home into a functional and stylish space that still respects its roots. Learn more about the best home addition ideas.
6. What are some simple and small home additions ideas for Cape Cod style homes?
You don’t need to go big to make a big difference. Try:
- Front or rear porches
- Mudroom bump-outs
- Enlarged entryways
- Bay windows or breakfast nooks
Even the smallest additions can increase comfort, natural light, and overall value.
