Recognizing the Cape Cod home
You’ll know it’s a Cape Cod if it’s a modest, one-story dwelling. This home style is one of New England’s most significant contributions to American architecture. It features a simple, boxy exterior and formal, center-hall floor plan; steep roof (8-inch to 12-inch pitch) with side gables to keep the weather out; small roof overhang so strong winds can do less damage; one, low-lying story, sometimes with an attic living space; wood clapboard or shingle siding; large chimney centered over the front door or at the side of the home; shutters; and hardwood floors.
Restoring the Cape Cod home
To retain and add value to this home style, you’ll want to do the following:
These houses are built to be tight and weather proof. But make sure they are by checking for roof leaks, rotted siding or drafts. If anything is wrong, repair or replace it immediately.
Convert attic into living space for additional square footage, which is the No. 1 factor in determining a selling price. Consider adding cape dormers.
Usable shutters can boost a home’s selling power. However, in the 1930s the Cape Cod’s shutters were merely decoration. This home’s Colonial predecessor used hinged wood shutters, which are able to close, so adding hinges can be a good investment.
Door and drawer knobs were traditionally round, so replace any that aren’t period.
Picking your colors
Go for plain white on the exterior, accented by dark – even black – shutters and trim. Interiors run the gamut, but traditionally follow the coastal-themed palette of blues, whites and yellows.
Decorating your Cape Code home
You can take the beach theme to the hilt with this home: white, slipcovered furnishings; seashells; spa-like bathrooms; and natural woods like teak, which even can be used as doormats.
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