Is your charming home on Cape Cod becoming too small for your needs? Or maybe you’re looking for ways to increase the functionality of your residence, add a luxurious master suite or a home office. No matter what your plans are, there are a couple of things you should consider before embarking on a Cape Cod home addition. Once you’ve set up a budget, enquired about the regulation, and decided what you want to do, all that’s left is to contact a reputable team of home improvement specialists and start from square one.
What to consider when adding a second story?
Let’s take a look at some of the key points you should keep at the back of your head when thinking about second-story additions. Remember to plan thoroughly, choose your contractors wisely, and stay informed throughout the project to ensure efficiency and a successful outcome.
1. Assess structural integrity
Before you embark on a second-story addition project, you’ll have to evaluate the structural integrity of your home. After a professional assessment by a structural engineer, you’ll know whether your home foundation and walls can support the additional weight of a second story.
2. Budget wisely
Budgeting is the starting point of every home improvement project. Your financial muscle will determine your options and set the template for your plans. Remember to include additional expenses in the form of a contingency fund of 15-20% of your total budget for unexpected costs.
3. Understand zoning laws & permits
Building codes and zoning laws will differ depending on where your home is located on Cape Cod. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations and obtain the necessary permits before you start construction to avoid legal complications and ensure compliance with local guidelines.
4. Choose the right contractor 
Selecting the right contractor is a crucial part of the process. Having an experienced and skilled team in charge of your project will make the process smoother and more efficient and ultimately give you more options both in terms of style and substance. Always check their credentials, review their portfolio, explore their reviews, and take time to deliberate before deciding.
5. Design for cohesion
Homes on Cape Cod are recognizable for their unique style. Even if you decide to do something different and a twist to usual stylistic choices, you should work closely with your team to ensure that your design complements the original structure and maintains a cohesive look and feel.
6. Consider energy efficiency
In all likelihood, the importance of energy efficiency will only get more pronounced in the future. Use your home addition project as an opportunity to rethink your energy solutions, introduce sustainable materials, and add insulation and energy-efficient windows to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your future energy bills.
7. Address plumbing & electrical needs
No matter what the intended use of your second-story addition, you’ll need to upgrade your existing electrical system. Depending on your plans, you may also need to extend your plumbing. Keep these things in mind during the planning process to ensure these systems are safe and effectively integrated into the new space.
8. Focus on safety
Whenever you’re doing something with your home, safety should be a top priority. This not only extends to the construction process that has to adhere to certain safety standards but also to safety features you may need to include like fire escapes and reinforced staircases.
Where can I find dependable professionals to take care of my Cape Cod home addition? 
Whether you live on the Cape Cod National Seashore or closer to the mainland, CPP Builders is your go-to team of specialists who excel in all types of renovation, remodeling, and construction projects. With a skilled crew, carefully sourced materials, and a step-by-step design-build process, we combine exquisite craftsmanship with beautiful and durable solutions to take your home improvement project to the next level.
If you want stylish ideas for an enclosed porch addition, tips on what to avoid when adding a bump-out, or advice on why a sunroom is a great investment, our experienced technicians have all the answers you need and much more. Reach out to us to tell our designers what you’re after and we’ll start laying the blueprint to engineer your home addition. Call us today!