May has arrived and hopefully some of the nicer weather will actually stick around! Here on Cape Cod, we can finally start thinking about getting back to some outdoor living – cookouts, beach strolling, golf and comfortable days and evenings with friends.

This is the PERECT time to start planning a new deck, screened porch, pergola, or outdoor living structure. And our experts can design and build your Cape Cod oasis. Maybe you have an old deck that has seen better days or you’re ready to finally enclose it and make a three-season room.

Remember, Memorial Day through Labor Day is just 14 or so weekends. If you spend June and July still waiting on a contractor, you’ve lost half the season before your first cookout. So, think about getting started right now!

We’re experts in wraparound decks, a waterfront porch with composite decking, or a shaded pergola for afternoon entertaining.

Here are some options to consider:

• A composite deck gives you a low-maintenance, high-beauty platform that stands up to salt air and sea spray for decades
• A screened-in porch extends your usable season from early spring through late fall
• A pergola or shade structure creates a defined outdoor room perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing
• An outdoor kitchen or built-in bar area transforms your backyard into the ultimate summer gathering spot
• Multi-level decking takes advantage of Cape Cod’s varied topography and water views to create stunning outdoor environments

Composite Decking has become the gold standard for many as the material is engineered to resist moisture, fading, and mold — all major concerns in a coastal environment. Composite decking requires minimal maintenance (no staining or sealing), looks beautiful year after year, and comes in a wide range of colors and textures.

Pressure-Treated Lumber remains a solid, cost-effective choice for deck framing and, in some cases, decking surfaces. When properly sealed and maintained, PT lumber performs well in the Cape Cod environment.

New Deck Construction

From simple ground-level platform decks to sweeping multi-level structures with built-in seating, stairs, and railing systems, we design and build decks that match your home’s architecture and your family’s lifestyle.

Screened Porches & Three-Season Rooms

A screened porch dramatically extends the time you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Pergolas & Shade Structures

A well-designed pergola creates an outdoor room with character — defining your space, providing shade, and adding architectural interest to your yard.

 

Why Choose Davenport Building Company for Your Cape Cod Deck and Outside Living Project?

Davenport Building Company has been serving Cape Cod homeowners for 70 years. We’re not a national franchise or a fly-by-night crew. We live here and we treat every project like we’re building it for our own homes.

 

We’re all hoping that winter may be over…but this is New England, so you never know (who remembers the April 1, 1997 blizzard?)!

After two major storms did a number on Cape Cod and left us stuck inside, it’s getting closer to when we can get outside for those spring projects. But in the meantime, the downtime can actually be the perfect opportunity to start preparing your home for the upcoming season.

Start with a Seasonal Declutter
Probably one of the best places to start is decluttering. Winter naturally leads to accumulation — extra blankets, boots, coats, holiday décor, and everyday items that seem to multiply while we spend more time inside (we know people who still have some holiday decorations up in their living room!). The weekend is ideal for decluttering closets, mudrooms, and storage spaces. Pack away heavy winter gear you won’t need daily and create donation piles for items no longer used.

Inspect Windows and Doors
Those winds and blizzard conditions may have done a number on your windows and doors… Heavy winds can expose drafts or problem areas. Take time to check for air leaks, worn weatherstripping, or condensation buildup. Addressing these issues now improves energy efficiency while preventing moisture problems that can worsen when spring rains arrive.

Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas
Is your carpet full of salt pellets and sand? Winter means salt, sand, and moisture constantly being tracked indoors. Focus on entryways, flooring, and carpets that have taken the biggest hit this season. Shampoo rugs, wipe down baseboards, and clean vents where dust accumulates during months of closed windows and constant heating.

Test and Maintain Home Systems
Don’t get a rude surprise when you finally need the air conditioning in a couple of months and it decides to revolt on you! Replace HVAC filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and inspect sump pumps if your home has one. Melting snow combined with spring rain can stress drainage systems, so confirming everything works properly now can help prevent costly surprises later.

Refresh Interior Spaces
You don’t need warm weather to give your home a fresh feel. Swap out heavy winter textiles for lighter throws, reorganize furniture layouts, or add brighter décor elements to reflect the coming season. Even small updates can make your home feel renewed after months of gray skies and cold temperatures.

Winter certainly slows our daily routines, but it also provides the perfect excuse to focus on your home. By completing these indoor projects now, you’ll be better prepared, more organized, and ready to fully enjoy the arrival of spring the moment warmer weather returns.

Well…it is winter in New England, after all! ❄️❄️☃️☃️

With attention building on the possibility of a significant snowstorm hitting Cape Cod and the Islands, you may want to take some common-sense steps to make sure your home is prepared. Our experts at The Davenport Building Company have a few ideas for you:

Is Your Heating System Ready?

The absolute last thing you need is to have problems with your heating system. Get it looked at by a professional for a quick tune-up to reduce the possibility of breakdowns when the demand for it will be highest during cold and snowy weather.

Quick improvements include replacing air filters if you have forced hot air. For oil and propane, check your fuel levels and refill BEFORE the storm. And it’s critical to make sure you clear the snow from exterior vents and exhaust pipes. If you have a standby generator, keep the exhaust away from the windows during operation.

What About the Exterior?

Before the snow and wind pick up, take a walk around your property and look for loose or missing shingles. Heavy snow can create leaks and ice dams. Also take a quick look at your downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris.

Don’t want half your lawn torn up by the plow or snowblower? Make sure you stake the driveway and the lawn along your street. This will help guide those doing the snow removal.

If you still have any outdoor furniture or patio items on the deck,  get them inside now.

Worried About Power Outages?

Big snowstorms often bring power outages, especially on Cape Cod. If you have a generator, test it ahead of time and keep it safely ventilated. And before using the fireplace and other backup heating sources, make sure chimneys and flues are clean and operational. Keep a good supply of batteries on hand for those flashlights as well!

Protect Pipes and Outdoor Systems

Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and astronomical repair costs. Always disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water lines if possible. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawlspaces. If you have outdoor showers or irrigation systems, make sure they’re properly winterized well before the storm hits.

Don’t Worry, You’ll Make it Through the Storm

Remember – it’s only eight weeks to spring! So just take some easy, common-sense precautions and you’ll make it through the storm just fine (and don’t buy too much bread and milk: the storm is usually gone within 24 hours)!

And if you’re thinking about a home improvement project or renovation, check out our local experts at Davenport Building.

Stay warm and safe!

Have you been thinking about moving to a home that better suits your current needs? Maybe you want a larger space for gatherings and a growing multi-generational family or are interested in having more first-floor living.

One challenge may be what the experts call the “golden handcuffs.” That’s when you have a low interest mortgage that keeps you “locked in” from upgrading to a new home.

The Solution?

At the Davenport Building Company – we invite you to “renovate” and not “relocate.” In fact, renovating can be more affordable than taking on a new mortgage with today’s rates.

We specialize in aging-in-place renovations — barrier-free bathrooms, first-floor suites, wider hallways, safer entries, and more. Let us transform the house you already know to the home that will make you happy for years to come while keeping your low mortgage rate in place.

The experts at the Davenport Building Company aren’t just builders – they are partners in the project from concept to completion.

Lifestyle upgrades ranging from spa-like bathrooms to open kitchens and smarter layouts are specialties at the Davenport Building Company. We know the type of improvements Cape Cod homeowners desire that also add great value.

Why Renovation Makes Sense on Cape Cod Right Now

Homeowners on Cape Cod are facing a difficult combination of market forces that make staying in your current home and upgrading what you already have the smartest move.

With median home prices approaching $925,000 and construction costs for new homes ranging from $300–$600+ per square foot, building or buying or building something new has become out of reach for many.

Add into that equation the fact that many homeowners have low-interest mortgages between 2.5% and 3.5%, making the cost of moving dramatically higher.

Across Massachusetts, remodelers have been seeing significant growth in project size and scope, and national remodeling spending is projected to hit $524 billion in 2026.

The bottom line – it may make more sense to invest in improvements and create that “forever home” you’ve have thought about for years.

Aging-in-Place and Multigenerational Living Considerations

By 2030, nearly 48% of Barnstable County residents will be over 60, and 91% of seniors say they want to remain in their current homes.

That means aging in place could be a great option – with first-floor primary suites, barrier-free showers, improved lighting, and wider hallways.

And aging in place may be part of a larger multigenerational living concept with more flexible spaces, upgraded kitchens, and improved layouts that help families to live together comfortably while preserving privacy and independence.

Think About Transforming the Home You Have Into the Home You Need

If you’re thinking about a gourmet kitchen, first floor suite, or spa-inspired bathroom – it’s time to RENOVATE and not RELOCATE…for many reasons. Create long-term value without giving up that really low mortgage rate.

The experts at the Davenport Building Company can you guide through every step – from concept to completion – we’re ready to make your forever home dream a reality.

Schedule a free consultation or home assessment today, or call us at 508-760-9276.

Larry and John welcome back Troy Walls of the Davenport Building Company to this week’s episode of The Handyman Hotline.

Troy Walls of The Davenport Building Company stops by the show on this week’s episode of The Handyman Hotline. Larry, John, and Troy get to chatting about what’s happening at Davenport Building, and also what’s new in the remodeling world.

Click below to listed to the full episode: