CAPE COD LOCATIONS
Custom Home Builder & Renovation Contractor in Orleans, MA
ORLEANS, MA
Featured Orleans Project: Saltwood
Orleans sits at the elbow of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, with Town Cove, Pleasant Bay, and Skaket and Nauset frontage alongside wooded interior lots. Cape Associates, a third-generation, family-owned builder since 1971, has built and renovated homes across these settings. Our Orleans work includes sloped waterfront sites, LEED and Energy Star certified new construction, guest houses, pool houses, and whole-house renovations. One in-house team of more than 120 employees handles design, construction, cabinetry, and property management.
Saltwood, designed by SV Design and photographed by Dan Cutrona, is a coastal retreat on a sloped waterfront site in Orleans. Natural cedar shingles, dark architectural accents, and warm interior materials give it the character of Cape Cod living with a modern edge. The home has a screened porch, sunroom, spa-inspired lower level, and chef-focused kitchen, and it was designed as a year-round place to gather and entertain. Its indoor and outdoor spaces work with the grade rather than against it.
Building on Orleans' Sloped and Waterfront Sites
Many Orleans lots sit on sloped or exposed ground near Pleasant Bay, Town Cove, and the Skaket and Nauset areas. That shapes the build in several ways:
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Foundation and drainage engineering on a slope
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Flood elevation requirements close to the water
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Title 5 septic design near the bay and its tributaries
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Conservation Commission review for work near wetlands and the water
We work through these during site planning, before design decisions are locked in. Our Orleans portfolio includes new homes built around these conditions, including LEED-certified and Energy Star-certified construction.
New Homes, Guest Homes, and Outbuildings in Orleans
Beyond primary residences, Cape Associates has built supporting structures in Orleans, from guest houses and pool houses to a custom barn:
New Home, LEED Certified, Orleans, MA
New Home, Energy Star Certified, Orleans, MA
Award-Winning Work in Orleans
Orleans projects appear repeatedly in Cape Associates' PRISM Award history from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, all for Orleans work:
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2020 Gold Award, Best Detached Home between 6,000 and 8,000 square feet
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2020 Silver Award, Best Bathroom Remodel between $75,000 and $125,000
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2017 Silver Award, Best Kitchen Remodel under $125,000
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2015 Gold Award, Best Bathroom Remodel between $75,000 and $125,000
Renovation work in town ranges from full remodels to targeted kitchen and bath updates:
Kitchen & Bath Renovation, Orleans, MA
Our Services for Orleans Homeowners
Custom Home Building in Orleans: New home construction in Orleans runs from site planning and architectural coordination through permitting with the Orleans Building Department and on to construction. Our in-house team handles it rather than a patchwork of outside subcontractors. Sloped waterfront lots along Pleasant Bay and Town Cove add foundation and drainage engineering to the scope. Owners who want efficiency alongside site-specific design can choose LEED or Energy Star certified construction. Learn more about custom home building.
Renovations & Remodeling in Orleans: Kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, and additions in Orleans are carried out by our own carpenters, tile setters, and plumbers, the same team behind the award-winning projects above. Many Orleans homes are seasonal, so work can be scheduled while you're away, with the house ready when you return. Learn more about renovations and remodeling.
Property Management for Orleans Homes: Our Property Management division offers everything from routine maintenance to full year-round oversight for Orleans homes near Pleasant Bay, Town Cove, and Skaket, including guest houses and pool houses. Learn more about property management.
Custom Cabinetry & Millwork for Orleans Projects: Kitchen and bath cabinetry, built-ins, and finish carpentry for Orleans projects are designed and built in our own woodshop, the same in-house capability behind the kitchen and bath work that has won PRISM Awards in town. Learn more about custom cabinetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can Cape Associates build on a sloped waterfront lot in Orleans?
Yes. Saltwood was built on a sloped waterfront site in Orleans, and our team designs foundations and drainage for grade changes near the water.
Q2: Who approves building work in Orleans?
Building permits go through the Orleans Building Department. Work near wetlands or the water may also involve the Orleans Conservation Commission, and septic systems go through the Board of Health. We identify which approvals your lot needs during site planning.
Q3: Does Cape Associates build LEED or Energy Star certified homes in Orleans?
Yes. Our Orleans portfolio includes both LEED-certified and Energy Star-certified new construction.
Q4: Do you build guest houses, pool houses, or barns as well as primary residences?
Yes. Our Orleans projects include a new pool house, a new guest home, and a custom barn, alongside primary residences.
Q5: Has Cape Associates won awards for work in Orleans?
Yes. Orleans projects have won PRISM Awards for detached home, kitchen remodel, and bathroom remodel categories from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston.
Q6: Can Cape Associates help with design as well as construction?
Yes. Cape Associates collaborates with architects and designers, and offers custom design and cabinetry options through our own woodshop. This ensures your home's design reflects your style and functional needs while staying on track through construction.
Q7: Do you handle permitting and project planning?
Yes. Part of our custom home building process includes project planning, cost estimating, and navigating local permitting requirements, so you get a seamless experience from concept to completion.
Q8: How long has Cape Associates been building custom homes?
Cape Associates has been serving Cape Cod homeowners since 1971, growing from a small team to over 100 full-time employees and building a reputation for quality, reliability, and craftsmanship.
Q9: Do you provide client updates during the building process?
Yes. Throughout construction, Cape Associates keeps homeowners informed with regular project updates and access to client portals that show real-time details on progress and scheduling.
Q10: How do I start a custom home project with Cape Associates?
To start your custom home project, contact Cape Associates through the website form, phone, or visit one of our four office locations in Eastham, Chatham, Yarmouth Port, or Osterville. We'll set up an initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.