1950s Cape House Breezeway Renovation (before and after)

Small Cape Renovation

Renovating this cape house brought attention to its charm and limitations,  specifically the square footage and layout. 

Here is a picture of the house at time of purchase.

The plan all along was to renovate the home and sell it which meant, we needed to maximize every square inch of the home.

The overall square feet of the home is under 1400 so even though it’s a small house, our plan was to make it feel spacious and open.

The old breezeway was an eyesore, especially considering it was the central door to the home off the driveway. 

This prompted us to enclose the existing room between the garage and kitchen with new windows, creating a seamless extension to enhance the home’s appeal to potential buyers.

The existing front door was further from the driveway which was rarely used so updating the breezeway, not only for interior functionality but exterior curb appeal as well.

What Is A Breezeway

The breezeway offered access from the front of the house and rear of the house but lacked access to the garage.

It’s a common feature in New England cape cod homes to have a garage connected via a breezeway, yet lacking interior access seems illogical.

The inconvenience of having to step outside to reach the garage makes no sense to me!

The picture below shows the wall that leads to the garage but as you can see, it didn’t have any way to get through, which was a bit of a pain.

The small change of adding a door, really transformed the breezeway and made things way more convenient.

We decided to enclose with large windows to create an interior entrance from the home to the garage. 

A breezeway typically will provide generous window areas allowing significant natural light and this space boasted 6 brand new large windows making it one of my favorite parts of the home.

Renovation Plan

Our renovation goals were centered around catering to young families or empty nesters as potential buyers, which are often looking for small starter homes or downsizing options. 

Based on the homes location and the surrounding real estate market, we knew that renovating within the same foot print and square footage was the most favorable option. 

Step-by-Step Renovation Process

Demolition and Structural Upgrades

The first thing Jim addressed was the ceiling height and some minor structural flaws which led to simply removing the existing ceiling and vaulting it to provide a more open feel.

He removed the old windows and frames making way for new windows.

Windows and Doors Installation

The addition of six large windows and a glass door entrance to the newly remodeled kitchen seamlessly integrates this space with the rest of the house.

The abundant natural light creates a beautiful and inviting entrance.

Vaulted Ceiling

The vaulted ceiling made a huge difference in this breezeway. The addition of tongue and groove planks on the ceiling added texture and character to this newly remodeled space.

Flooring and Finishes

Here is a look at the breezeway before leading to the garage.

Here is a look after we remodeled.

Yes this is the same breezeway and same view point!

Looks amazing right?

We opted to install luxury vinyl planks on the floor, a tongue and groove ceiling and cross beams to add architectural interest.

Electrical and Lighting

This before and after below is going to blow you mind. As you can see, the old breezeway was dark and dated.

Overall, the bones of the breezeway were were decent, just needed to be modernized along with some zhuzhing!

Here is the same viewpoint below, leading in to the newly remodeled kitchen. If you missed the kitchen makeover, visit this post, 1950s kitchen remodel with gray cabinets and white countertops.

Strategically positioned recessed lights not only offer practical illumination but also contribute to a fresh aesthetic, enhancing the overall modern ambiance of the space.

How to Expand a Cape House

Let’s face it, a 1950s cape is a small home. The most obvious way to add more square feet to put on an addition but that’s not always possible. 

Here is a picture below looking at the breezeway from the kitchen before we remodeled.

The view from the kitchen to the breezeway after we remodeled is nothing short of amazing!

Below are a few additional ways that you can increase square footage and enlarge your existing layout.

1. First Floor Master Bedroom

If you missed last weeks post about our new first floor master bedroom remodel, be sure to check it out!

Below is the master bedroom during the demolition phase. The remodeled bedroom is stunning!

The process of eliminating the old formal dining room afforded us the opportunity to add an additional full bathroom and walk-in closet to this home. Visit this post, first floor master bedroom remodel to see the after.

2. Dormer Windows on Second Floor

​The existing second floor in this home has two bedrooms with large front dormers so the bedrooms already felt large and functional. 

Here is the exterior view of the house once we cleaned it up and remodeled the breezeway.

However, if your second floor cape is essentially an attic space with little space for head room, remodeling to add front and rear dormers is a great way to make second floor bedrooms feel larger and increase functionality.

You will need to hire a contractor to survey your roofline but dormers are a great way to increase functionality in a cape cod style home.

3. New Mudroom

By enclosing the breezeway, this leaves the opportunity for the new homeowner to create a mudroom or dining space.

An enclosed breezeway can serve as so many functioning spaces – the possibilities are endless!

If I were moving into this home, I personally would have a couple comfortable wicker chairs to enjoy my morning cup of coffee in as well as a built in bench, coat rack and storage space for shoes on the left hand side of the door (where the plants are in the above picture) leading to the kitchen.

I personally love how this 1950s cape house breezeway renovation turned out and the addition of the new garage door leading to the breezeway will be a key selling feature.

The previous owner, a friend of Jim’s, is so happy the home’s transformation. Whether this home is sold to a young family or someone looking to downsize, this new modern home now provides an attached garage with a functional breezeway that can be utilized in a variety of ways.