Expanding On Expanded Capes

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It's easy to get swept up. Often Capes have big, high ceiling basements. Some have updated kitchens, nice windows. Importantly, for these purposes, they have amazing curb appeal. If you ask your 6 year old to draw a house, odds are they will draw something like the picture above.  Little windows upstairs, chimney, little garage.

In the photo they look (almost) like a colonial.  You don’t realize until you arrive that they have low ceilings upstairs, maybe only a powder room downstairs, and maybe the biggest bedroom is on the ground floor (not ideal if you’re starting a family).

The other thing about capes is that they are (almost) always the least expensive house on the block.

This leads to an investigation of “expanded capes.”  These are often described as “two story,” to hide the fact that they used to be a cape.  As always, the devil is in the details.  Have they “expanded” by dormering the second level- so the ceiling is full height on one side? Have they “double dormered,” so the entire upper level has full height ceilings? Do they have 2 full baths upstairs (so parents and kids don’t have to share?)?

When looking online, the photos may signal about the dormers, and you should look at the floor plan and listing description to see about the bathrooms.

The “catch” (and isn’t there always a catch) will often be that “expanded” dormers have done all there is to do.  You need to make sure the way it is will be good enough for this phase of your life.  Unlike a ranch, you can’t just slap another level on a cape.

After we’ve seen a few, you’ll start to get a feel for what to look for.

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