On Cape Cod, the demand for
ocean-view real estate has always
been high, and older homes on small,
nonconforming lots are a fact of life.
That combination can lead to some creative
language on permit applications,
where the words “substantial alterations”
can be stretched to cover almost
anything. In some cases — like this
remodeling project in the town of
Harwich — the real challenge lies in
finding a way to save the old house for
long enough to destroy it.