Cape Cod's Top 1% Custom Home Builder
- Full design-build service, with architecture, permitting, and construction under one roof
- Fully licensed, insured, and permitted in Massachusetts
- We navigate Conservation, Zoning, Historic, and Building permits for you
- Transparent, line-item pricing
- Free 3D Design Concept with every consultation
- Top 1% rated contractor in MA (BuildZoom Score: 136)
Book Your Free 3D Design Consultation
BOOK YOUR FREE NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSULTATION BY FRIDAY & GET A COMPLIMENTARY 3D DESIGN CONCEPT.
About Us
At Anchor Building & Design, our mission is to build more than just beautiful homes—we build lasting relationships based on trust. With over 32 years of combined experience, we specialize in residential construction, custom builds, and remodeling projects designed to bring our clients’ visions to life. Every detail matters to us, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Just as important, we believe great construction comes from open communication, honesty, and respect. For us, it’s not only about the finished project, but also about making the journey enjoyable and creating partnerships that last long after the work is done.
Verified License
BuildZoom confirmed this contractor's license
Permits
Building permit records show that Anchor Building and Designs has worked on 69 permitted projects.
Quality
Anchor Building and Designs has a BuildZoom score of 136, ranking them above 99% of the 139,240 contractors in Massachusetts.
Client Testimonials
Hear directly from homeowners who trusted us to build and enhance their homes. Their stories underscore our dedication to excellence, reliability, and personalized attention.
What Sets Us Apart
Licensed & Fully Insured
Every project is fully permitted and insured up to $1M. You'll never worry about liability, code violations, or unfinished work. We handle all permit paperwork so you don't have to.
32+ Years of Combined Experience
Diego and Wally bring over three decades of hands-on residential construction experience. They've seen every challenge Cape Cod homes can throw at them and they know exactly how to solve it.
On-Time, On-Budget Delivery
We set realistic timelines and we stick to them. No vague promises, no disappearing for weeks. You'll get a clear schedule before any work begins — and we'll keep you updated at every stage.
Transparent, Line-Item Pricing
You'll see exactly where every dollar goes before signing anything. No hidden fees, no surprise change orders, no uncomfortable conversations at the end. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Hands-On Leadership
Diego and Wally don't sit in an office. They're on your job site, managing crews, solving problems in real time, and making sure every detail meets their personal standard. You'll always know who's in charge of your project.
Cape Cod Expertise
Older Cape Cod homes come with unique challenges — tight spaces, outdated plumbing, moisture from salt air, and quirky layouts. We specialize in working with these homes, not against them. We know what works here because we've been doing it here for years.
Is Your Project Ready?
- You own a lot on Cape Cod and want to build your dream home
- You're concerned about navigating Cape Cod permits, conservation, and zoning alone
- You want a home built for coastal weather, hurricane-rated, energy-efficient, and built to last
- You want one team handling everything, design, permits, and construction, under one contract
Our Process
1
Free Consultation & Site Evaluation
Diego or Wally will meet you at the property to evaluate the lot, discuss your vision, and identify potential challenges, wetland setbacks, flood zone designations, soil conditions, septic requirements, and zoning restrictions. If you haven’t purchased land yet, we can help you evaluate lots before you buy so you don’t end up with a parcel that can’t support the home you want. No commitment. No pressure.
2
3D Design Concept & Budget Framework
Our team creates a custom 3D design so you can walk through your future home before a single shovel hits the ground. You’ll see room layouts, exterior elevations, material finishes, and a detailed line-item budget. We adjust until it matches your vision and your investment range perfectly.
3
Permitting & Regulatory Approvals
This is where most Cape Cod builds stall and where our experience pays off. We prepare and submit all required applications to the Building Department, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board, Board of Health (Title V septic), and Historic Commission when applicable. We attend hearings on your behalf and manage the entire approval process. Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks for standard builds, longer for properties near wetlands or in historic districts.
4
Material Selection & Pre-Construction Planning
We walk you through every material decision, roofing, siding, windows, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, hardware, lighting. We source from trusted suppliers and help you balance aesthetics, durability, and budget. Simultaneously, we finalize subcontractor schedules, order long-lead materials, and prepare a detailed construction timeline.
5
Site Work & Foundation
Clearing, grading, utility connections, septic installation (including I/A systems for nitrogen-sensitive areas if required), and foundation work. We pour foundations designed for Cape Cod’s soil conditions and frost depth requirements. Every step is inspected and documented.
6
Final Inspections, Walkthrough & Handoff
We coordinate all required final inspections, building, electrical, plumbing, fire, and certificate of occupancy. Then we do a comprehensive walkthrough with you, reviewing every room, every system, every finish. We compile a homeowner’s manual with warranty information, maintenance schedules, and contractor contacts. We don’t hand over the keys until you’re 100% satisfied.
Types of New Construction We Offer
Custom Home Build
Your dream home, designed and built from scratch. From foundation to finish, we work with you to create a one-of-a-kind residence tailored to how you live — your layout, your materials, your style. We handle architecture, engineering, permitting, and construction as one integrated team.
Teardown & Rebuild
Sometimes starting fresh makes more sense than renovating. We demolish the existing structure and build a brand-new home on your current lot preserving the location you love while giving you a modern, code-compliant, energy-efficient home designed for today’s standards and tomorrow’s needs.
Home Additions & Expansions
Need more space without moving? We design and build seamless additions, extra bedrooms, expanded living areas, sunrooms, second stories, in-law suites, that blend naturally into your existing home’s architecture and increase both livability and property value.
ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit
Under the 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, ADUs up to 900 sq ft are now allowed by-right on single-family lots, no special permit or public hearing required. We design and build detached cottages, garage conversions, and in-law suites that feel like natural extensions of your property. Ideal for rental income, aging parents, adult children, or guest housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a custom home on Cape Cod?
Most custom home builds take 10 to 18 months from permit approval to move-in. The permitting process itself can take 4 to 12 weeks depending on whether your lot involves conservation areas, historic districts, or zoning variances. We provide a detailed timeline during the design phase and keep you updated at every milestone.
How much does it cost to build a new home on Cape Cod?
Construction costs on Cape Cod typically range from $250 to $400+ per square foot depending on finishes, site complexity, and design. A 2,000 sq ft custom home might range from $500,000 to $800,000+, while high-end coastal homes can exceed $1M. We provide a detailed, line-item budget during the proposal phase.
What permits do I need to build on Cape Cod?
Most new builds require approvals from the Building Department, Board of Health (Title V septic), Zoning Board, and often the Conservation Commission. Properties in historic districts require Historic Commission approval as well. Each Cape Cod town has different regulations. We handle the entire permitting process, applications, site plans, hearings, inspections — so you don’t have to.
What are nitrogen-sensitive septic requirements?
Many Cape Cod communities are designated as “Nitrogen Sensitive Areas,” which means standard septic systems don’t meet environmental standards. These areas require Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems, which can add $20,000 to $30,000 to your construction budget. We work closely with local Boards of Health to determine what your lot requires and build it into your budget from the start.
What about the new Massachusetts energy codes?
The 2024 Specialized Energy Code introduces significant requirements for new construction. Homes using fossil fuels may need to be pre-wired for future all-electric systems (net-zero readiness) and may require on-site solar installation (minimum 4 kW). These requirements add cost but also increase your home’s long-term value and efficiency. We build every home fully compliant with current codes.
Can you help me evaluate a lot before I buy it?
Absolutely, and we strongly recommend it. We’ve seen buyers purchase lots only to discover they can’t build what they want due to wetland setbacks, insufficient septic capacity, zoning restrictions, or unbuildable soil conditions. We’ll walk the lot with you, identify potential issues, and give you an honest assessment before you commit.
What's the difference between a custom build and a teardown/rebuild?
A custom build starts on a vacant lot. A teardown/rebuild involves demolishing an existing structure and building new on the same foundation or footprint. Teardowns are common on Cape Cod when renovating an older home would cost more than replacing it, especially when the lot location is valuable but the structure is past its useful life. We handle both.
Can I build an ADU on my property now?
Yes. Under the 2024 Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, ADUs up to 900 sq ft (or 50% of your primary home’s floor area, whichever is smaller) are now allowed by-right on single-family lots statewide. No special permit or public hearing required, just a standard building permit and compliance with building and health codes. We design and build ADUs that look like natural extensions of your property.
Do you offer financing?
We can discuss flexible payment structures and construction draw schedules that align with your project milestones. Many of our clients work with local banks for construction loans, and we’re happy to coordinate with your lender throughout the build process. Talk to Diego or Wally during your consultation.
What materials do you recommend for Cape Cod new construction?
We recommend materials proven to withstand the coastal environment: fiber cement or cedar siding for exteriors, impact-rated windows, standing seam or architectural shingle roofing with hurricane ties, spray foam or blown-in insulation for energy efficiency, and engineered hardwood or LVP flooring for moisture resistance. For foundations, we use reinforced concrete designed for Cape Cod’s frost depth and soil conditions. Every material selection balances durability, aesthetics, energy performance, and budget.
Book by Friday and receive a complimentary 3D Design Concept for your new home, a $500 value, completely free.
Book My Free 3D Design Consultation
Your Dream Home Starts With a Conversation
- Free site evaluation, lot assessment, zoning review, and buildability analysis
- Custom 3D design concept so you can walk through your home before we break ground
- Clear, line-item pricing, every cost accounted for, no surprise change orders
- Full permitting management, Building, Conservation, Zoning, Historic, Board of Health
- Licensed, insured, and top 1% rated in Massachusetts
- Our team will respond within 24 hours