SERVING CAPE COD SINCE 1971
Our History
WORKING WITH US
Cape Cod's Leading Custom Home Builder™
Since 1971, we’ve witnessed many changes across Cape Cod and have had the privilege of building hundreds of custom homes for our neighbors. Our deep connection to the local community extends beyond construction—we’re dedicated to supporting local organizations and fostering a sense of community that makes Cape Cod so special.
Building Houses & Lifelong Relationships
At Cape Associates, our mission is to build lifelong relationships with our customers and employees through an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity.
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Cape Associates, Inc. is a third-generation family business, now owned by the grandchildren of founder Lester F. Langhans, Jr. As a full-service custom home builder, we offer design, permitting, and cost-estimating services, along with renovation and improvement services such as painting, tiling, and millwork.
Following Lester’s tenure, Michael Cole became president, leading the company through a period of growth and diversification. During his leadership, he expanded the company's scope by establishing and growing key departments, including Services (renovations and additions), Painting, and Property Management.
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Today, under the leadership of President Matthew H. Cole, Cape Associates continues to thrive as a full-service custom home builder. With more than 120 full-time, year-round employees, we take pride in our journey and the foundation we've built for the future.
Our Approach
Cape Associates is dedicated to employing its own skilled tradespeople, including carpenters, painters, laborers, tile setters, plumbers, and more. This hands-on approach ensures seamless communication between our team and customers, essential for delivering successful custom construction projects. By keeping all aspects of construction in-house, we maintain better quality control and continuity of responsibility throughout each project. Our team takes immense pride in their work, with many employees having been with Cape Associates for over ten, fifteen, twenty, and even thirty years.
Our History
April 1, 1971
Cape Associates is established in 1971 by Lester F. Langhans, Jr., a World War II veteran and life-long builder. Cape Associates began with 5 employees, including Lester.
1978
An office, warehouse, and shop encompassing more than 5,000 square feet is constructed at our present site at 345 Massasoit Road in North Eastham.
1990s
During Michael Cole's tenure he cultivates a greater diversity of work for the Cape Associates team by establishing and growing new departments: Services (renovations and additions), Painting and Property Management.
2011
Planning for the future of the company, an executive committee is formed. The Executive Committee consisted of Michael Cole, Mark Kinnane,
Matthew H. Cole and Rich Bryant.
April, 2014
Cape Associates opens their new office building at 325 Massasoit Road in Eastham, adjacent to the long-standing headquarters at 345 Massasoit Road. Built by the Cape Associates team, the building was designed by Catalyst Architects of Yarmouthport. ZeroEnergy Design of Orleans and Boston did the HVAC design, energy modeling and consulted on LEED certification. A sizable crowd attended the April 18th ribbon-cutting event and after a short speech, Matthew H. Cole cut the ribbon with help from his niece, Olivia.
2018
Cape Associates expands its offerings with the addition of a Kitchen & Bath department and design team.
November, 2020
Cape Associates' longest tenured employee, Peter Corbett, retires after 43 years of employment. This was a special milestone for Peter and Cape Associates as it represented what a special place Cape Associates is to work.
2023
Cape Associates invests in the Chatham community with the construction of their new Chatham office at 784 Main Street, Chatham. This new building not only expands Cape Associates' office space, but also contributes to the company's commitment to improving available housing on Cape Cod with the addition of three apartment units within the building.
1975
Michael Cole becomes vested in the ownership of Cape Associates, Inc., moving from the field to the office, which was in the basement of Lester Langhans' house.
1986
Lester Langhans retires in 1986, after having developed a transition plan for Cape Associates. Michael Cole, who had previously held a field position, then became project manager and finally Vice President, became President and majority owner of the company. Read more about Michael Cole here.
Late 1990s
Cape Associates opens a second office in Barnstable, which is now the Yarmouthport office, and develops a major presence in Provincetown.
2013
Michael Cole retires, turning over majority ownership of Cape Associates to his three children, Lindsay, Matthew H., and Casey Cole. Read Michael Cole's message about this transition here. Lindsay is Vice President of Human Resources and Matthew is President & CEO.
2017
Cape Associates is named the Best Sustainable Builder by Boston Magazine and ranked #15 out of the top 550 remodelers nationwide.
2020
In an effort to provide comprehensive service offerings for the construction and maintenance of homes, Cape Associates adds a service of heating, cooling and ventilation systems (HVAC) maintenance to its suite of property management services. Cape Associates continued to operate safely during Covid, avoiding shuttered jobsites.
2021
Cape Associates celebrates their 50th anniversary. Taking the opportunity to reflect upon the anniversary, Matthew H. Cole noted that the monumental celebration was about the community, partners, clients, and team. To celebrate this anniversary, Cape Associates rebranded with a new logo.
2024
Cape Associates celebrates the grand opening of its Chatham office at 784 Main Street, Chatham.
2025
Cape Associates partners with TA Nelson Construction in Osterville, expanding services while maintaining the exceptional quality and personalized service you have come to expect.
Certifications, Licenses, and Associations
