Minding Your Business- Cape Home Designs

For Jeff Nelson and his son JJ, building homes on Cape Cod is about more than construction. It’s about craftsmanship, experience and trust

Jeff began building houses in Chatham in 1975 after graduating from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. When he first came to the Cape in the early 1970s, there were very few architects around, so he spent his early years hand-drawing plans for local builders

“Back then, we had to do everything,” Jeff said proudly

That experience shaped the way he approaches construction today. Through Cape Home Designs, the Nelsons handle a wide range of projects, including new homes, additions, renovations, kitchens, tile work, drywall, siding and roofing.

JJ has now worked alongside his dad for 14 years, bringing modern technology to the business. Design and building plans that Jeff once drew by hand are now created on a computer, and the company can use 3D renderings and technology to help homeowners visualize projects before any construction even begins

“We can actually show you everything before it’s going,” JJ said. “It is very helpful!”

The technology has also helped clients who are considering purchasing a home. The Nelsons have worked with prospective buyers to evaluate properties and envision what could be done with them. In one case, JJ created plans for a small cottage near Dennis that helped the prospective buyers see the home’s potential. They ultimately purchased the property, and Cape Home Designs completed the work.

The Nelsons stand out from their competition when it comes down to craftsmanship and accountability. They also believe that their decades of experience working on Cape Cod gives them an understanding of the local environment that can be difficult to replicate.

“You’ve got to know how to build on the ocean,” Jeff said.

That means understanding which materials stand up to Cape Cod’s weather, salt air and moisture, and knowing when spending a little more upfront can save homeowners money in the long run.

Perhaps most unique to Cape Home Designs is Jeff’s interest in color and design. After watching homeowners struggle over color choices during renovations, he began studying color theory and how people respond differently to colors. That knowledge has become another part of their design process.

For the Nelsons, however, the common thread through every project is the relationship with the homeowner. 

That philosophy has helped Cape Home Designs build its business mainly through word-of-mouth and referrals. And after more than 50 years of building on the Cape, Jeff believes there is still no substitute for knowing the people doing the work.

JJ summed it up simply: “Build their dreams into a reality.”

Cape Home Designs

capehomedesigns@gmail.com 

508-945-2500