Cape Cod's Top 1% Custom Home Builder

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.