Cape-Style Additions
Classic Charm, Modern Comfort
"Capes"... made even better
Cape-style homes were built for a different era, when families were smaller, kitchens were closed off, and storage needs were minimal. While their charm and curb appeal have stood the test of time, their layouts often feel cramped by today’s standards.
At Center Island Contracting, we specialize in transforming traditional Capes into spacious, modern homes that work for how families actually live.
Our design-build team creates seamless additions that expand living areas, open up kitchens, and add full-height second floors while preserving the signature rooflines and character that make these homes so beloved.
From architectural design to final finishes, we handle every phase to ensure your expanded Cape blends classic style with modern comfort and functionality.
One Original Design, Endless possibilities
Cape Addition Options
Full Second-Story Additions
Typical Cape-Style Homes can make for an excellent full two-story. Allowing the 1st floor to be reimagined into an open-concept kitchen/living room/dining room. Expand the useable space in two bedrooms, as well as adding natural light and ventilation
Recent project example: We completed a full second-story addition on a Merrick Cape, creating a 1,200 sq ft second floor with primary suite, three additional bedrooms, and two full bathrooms—all with 8-foot ceilings and abundant natural light.
Roof Dormers
Front-facing dormers add character and light to your home's street appeal. Shed dormers across the rear maximize usable space upstairs without changing your footprint. Both options dramatically improve comfort and eliminate the "can't stand up in the bedroom" problem.
Dormer additions typically add 300-600 sq ft of usable space and cost significantly less than full second-story additions.
Rear Additions
Extend your first floor with kitchen expansions, family rooms, or primary suites that match your Cape's classic roofline and proportions. These additions work especially well if you want to stay single-level or preserve the Cape's compact upstairs.
Rear additions, garage conversions, and adding a 2nd story. All are great options for this classic home style.
Garage Additions Plus Primary Suite Above
Add a two-car garage with a luxurious primary suite on the second level, one of the most popular Cape upgrades on Long Island. You gain garage space, a private primary retreat, and substantial home value in one project.
Why Renovating Beats Relocating
Why adding to a cape
beats moving
Buying a larger home in the same Long Island neighborhood costs significantly more than transforming your Cape. Plus, you avoid closing costs, moving expenses, and higher property taxes.
What You Gain:
- Stay in your school district and neighborhood
- More affordable than buying up in today's market
- Preserve your yard and lot
- Keep the Cape charm buyers love with modern functionality inside
- Avoid competing with other buyers in a tight market
- Maintain the mortgage rate you already have
Turn Your Cape Into the Colonial It Was Always Meant to Be
Why Cape Additions Are a Smart Investment
Your Cape was built in an era when "two bedrooms upstairs" just meant technically there were two rooms. It worked fine in 1950.
Today? Not so much.
Here's the Opportunity
If you're thinking about moving to get a real “Colonial” with proper second-floor space, we have a better idea:
Transform your Cape into one.
We're not talking about squeezing a few more inches out of the existing roofline. We're talking about a full second-story addition that gives you legitimate ceiling heights, usable floor space, and a layout that actually works for modern family life.
The result?
You get Colonial-level space and functionality while keeping your neighborhood, your mortgage rate, and your property's established value. No moving trucks, no realtor commissions, no starting over in a new community.
What Changes
- Full 8-foot ceilings throughout the second floor (no more ducking and cramming)
- Actual usable square footage - not just space where you can stand in the middle of the room
- Primary bedroom suite with room for real furniture and a proper bathroom
- Additional bedrooms that fit more than a twin bed and a dresser
- A real attic for storage - because right now you're literally living in what should be your attic space
- No more knee-wall caves or crawl spaces masquerading as closets
The Design Reality
This is a significant transformation, and it needs to be done right. We've converted many Capes across Long Island into proper two-story homes, and we know exactly how to maintain curb appeal while completely reimagining the interior space.
Stay in the Home You Love.
Just Make It Actually Work.
Options for More Space
Other Home Addition Types
Whether you need a second floor, master suite expansion, or sprawling family room, we create additions that enhance both lifestyle and property value.
Ranch Style additions
Expand your single-story ranch with second-story additions or horizontal expansions that preserve the clean lines and accessible layout.
Split-Level Additions
Transform disconnected split-level rooms into open, functional living with additions designed for your home's unique tiered architecture.
Other Home Additions
Not sure if Cape, Ranch, or Split-Level additions apply to your home? See all the ways we help Long Island families add space.
Clarity, Efficiency, and Craftsmanship You Can Trust
Built on Structure and Clear Communication
Cape additions require careful planning and constant coordination. If you appreciate detailed documentation, clear timelines, and knowing exactly where your project stands, we're probably a good fit.
How We Stay Organized:
Detailed Documentation
Every decision, timeline, and budget item tracked and accessible
Weekly Progress Updates
You always know what's next
Fixed-Price Contracts
Budget certainty with complete control over scope and materials
Details make the project extraordinary
How We Handle Cape Additions
Cape cod home addition projects require specialized expertise because these classic Cape Cod style homes have unique design challenges that general contractors often overlook.
Design Development
We create 3D visualizations showing your Cape's transformation. Our designs balance your family's needs with structural realities and ensure the addition looks like it was always part of the house—not an awkward add-on.
Permits and Planning
We handle all municipal approvals across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our local expertise and established relationships with building departments in towns like Oyster Bay, Hempstead, Babylon, and North Hempstead speed up submissions and prevent delays.
Material Selection
Our in-house designer coordinates materials and finishes that match your Cape's existing character. Roofline angles, siding profiles, window styles, and trim details all blend seamlessly so neighbors can't tell what's new and what's original.
Construction Expertise
Our crews specialize in Cape construction—working with existing roof configurations, integrating new framing with 70-year-old structure, and maintaining the proportions that make these homes architecturally correct.
Weekly progress updates keep you informed throughout the process.
Our process is based on years of experience
Why Residents Choose Center Island Contracting
Our systematic approach eliminates the uncertainty and frustration of typical home renovation experiences. As a local home improvement contractor, we've developed proven processes for Long Island's unique construction challenges.
- Deep understanding of traditional cape cod construction systems
- Proper integration with existing framing and roof configurations
- Detailed documentation and weekly progress updates
- Expert knowledge of Long Island's complex permit requirements
- Licensed and insured Long Island general contractor
- Decades of experience serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Delivering impeccable craftsmanship and exceptional results
Award-Winning General Contractor & Home Builder
Proudly recognized by Houzz, LIBI, and PRO New York for outstanding craftsmanship and service, our award-winning team continues to raise the bar in Long Island homebuilding.
PRO New York
Remodeler of the Year
Awarded for Exceptional Design & Construction
Our Latest Projects
Discover how we've helped Long Island families transform their cape style homes into spacious dream homes. Our featured cape home addition projects showcase the possibilities for your own home expansion.
About Our Cape Style Home Additions