Build Your Dream Home In Clayton
Delaware is known for many things, including being a prized state for incorporation and for being the first state. It is also famed for its railroads, serving as a hub along the Eastern Seaboard. Many towns in Delaware grew around railroad stations, including the small town of Clayton.
Located just 12 miles from Dover, Clayton is a charming town with a lot to offer. It is considered an excellent place to live and is a quick drive to many cities and destinations, such as Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York City. If you are considering a move to Clayton, Carl Deputy and Son Builders can help you build a gorgeous custom home.
At Carl Deputy & Son Builders, we have built a reputation for constructing high-quality, timeless custom and semi-custom houses in Sussex and Kent Counties and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer premium workmanship and outstanding customer service for each of our clients, helping them bring their dreams of a custom home to life. To learn more about building a new house in Clayton, reach out today to talk to a member of our team.
About Carl Deputy & Son Builders
Founded in 1986, Carl Deputy and Son Builders is based in Felton, Delaware. For nearly 40 years, we have helped homeowners along their journey of building a new home or renovating their existing homes. We take a client-centered approach to home construction, focusing on your needs and wants so that we can build a house that truly reflects your vision and lifestyle.
One of the things that sets us apart from so many other builders is our commitment to excellent customer service. Even in the best of circumstances, building a new house can be stressful. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible. We focus on open communication, with a goal of always answering questions and addressing concerns promptly so that you know exactly what is happening with your build, and that we are listening to you.
We also build homes that stand the test of time. To start, we use the highest quality materials in every home that we build. These premium materials come standard, with no need to upgrade. We exclusively work with tradespeople and subcontractors who have a similar reputation for excellence in craftsmanship.
Of course, your new home is about far more than the raw materials used to build it. Your Clayton custom house will be your refuge, a place to find respite, gather with loved ones, or simply to enjoy your life. Our design team always takes the time to make sure that your house plans are exactly what you want before we break ground. At every stage of the process, we will consult with you to make sure that your vision is being realized through our work.
Custom Home Builders in Clayton, Delaware
Carl Deputy and Son Builders construct both custom and semi-custom houses in Clayton. With a custom home, you will have the opportunity to design every aspect of your home, from the floor plan to the finishes. A semi-custom home allows you to choose from one of our dozen-plus floor plans before selecting the features and finishes that you want.
The process starts with choosing where you will build your home. We can build a house on your own lot or on one of our lots that are ready for construction. If you haven’t found land yet, we can help you choose a lot that will work for residential home construction.
Next, we will work with you to design your house. If you opted for a semi-custom home, then you will start by picking a floor plan before deciding on the details like tile, flooring, fixtures, and paint colors. For a fully custom home, our designers will collaborate with you to develop a floor plan and layout before moving on to the finishes and features. Once your design is finalized, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost of your project and draft a contract for the construction of your new home.
If you need to secure financing, you can use this contract to do so. This may include a construction loan and a land loan, depending on your circumstances. If you don’t have a lender in mind, we can recommend one for you.
Once all of the paperwork is finalized, we can begin construction. Before we start to prepare the land and break ground, we will go over your house plans one last time to make sure that everything is exactly how you want it. With your approval, we will then get started on construction. This will proceed in carefully managed stages, from pouring the foundation to roughing in the plumbing and electrical, to installing flooring and fixtures.
Throughout construction, we will make sure that we get the required inspections and approvals from local authorities. We will also schedule “muddy boots” tours for you to check out the progress and ask any questions (just be sure to wear shoes that can get dirty!). We are happy to address any concerns and make requested changes whenever possible.
When construction is finished, we will arrange a final walkthrough of the property. During this tour, we will explain your new house’s features and how to maintain them – a homeowner orientation of sorts. We will also complete any punch list items and answer any questions that you may have.
Finally, we will schedule a closing so that we can officially transfer the legal title of the house to you. We will get together with lawyers, sign a lot of paperwork, and then give you the keys to your brand-new house.
Clayton Custom Home Features
When you work with Carl Deputy and Son Builders, many premium finishes and features will come standard in both custom and semi-custom homes. Depending on your selections, this may include:
- Moen® fixtures
- Colonial baseboards and trims
- Cased openings and windows with Sil
- 50-gallon hot water heater
- Custom built cabinets
- Granite countertops
- Versatex® wrapped headers and garage doors
- Soft close doors and drawers
- Built-in trash bin pull out
- Comfort height toilets
- Schlage® interior door handles
- Pro Via® or Mastic® premium vinyl siding
- Seamless gutters and downspouts
- Double hung vinyl windows with low E argon gas
- Quiet bath exhaust vents
- Spray foamed cold floors areas
- 5-course block foundation
- 50 gallon hot water heater
You also have the option to upgrade various features and finishes in your home. For example, if you have your heart set on a particular type of natural stone countertop, we can install that for you. We can even do customized finishes, like waterfall countertops or shower benches or niches. During the design process, we can talk through various upgrade options, your vision for your home, and how different choices might impact the overall cost of your Clayton custom home.
Our biggest goal as a custom home builder is to make sure that our clients are beyond satisfied with their new homes. We want you to be over the moon, and happy with both the process and the end result. By working hand in hand with homeowners, we have made this happen for hundreds of people, and we can do the same for you!
Recent Custom Home Builds
Custom Home – Smyrna
This custom 4,038 square-foot home flawlessly blends modern luxury with farmhouse charm, creating an inviting and elegant living experience. The exterior boasts striking charcoal straight siding accented with matching board and batten, complemented by expansive front and back porches ideal for relaxing and entertaining. The massive, hotel-inspired custom front door makes a grand entrance, hinting at the exquisite interiors within. Inside, the home offers six spacious bedrooms and four well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring ample space and comfort for family and guests. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, featuring custom cabinets in stained white oak, elegant quartz countertops, and matching stained floating shelves, creating a stylish and functional space for cooking and gathering. The highlight of the home is the expansive two-story living room, anchored by a real wood-burning stone fireplace that adds warmth and rustic charm. The room’s soaring ceilings enhance the sense of grandeur while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. Above the living room, a loft provides a quiet sitting area, perfect for reading or unwinding. Every detail in this home has been meticulously designed to blend modern sophistication with farmhouse comfort, making it the perfect sanctuary for comfortable living.
4,038
sqft
6
Beds
4
Baths
Custom Home – Milford
This custom 3,200 square foot home is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Its striking exterior features a harmonious blend of stone and board and batten, complemented by diamond-grilled windows that add a touch of classic elegance. Inside, the home offers four spacious bedrooms and four well-appointed bathrooms, each designed with attention to detail and comfort. The heart of the home is the kitchen, adorned with custom-stained cabinets and tile splashes throughout, creating a sophisticated and functional space for cooking and entertaining. The living area is anchored by a linear tiled fireplace with built-in shelving, providing both warmth and a stylish focal point. The master suite is a true retreat, featuring a tiled walk-in shower with inlaid mirrors and luxurious tiled walls. Coffered and vaulted ceilings throughout the home add a sense of grandeur and spaciousness. Each bathroom continues the theme of elegance with beautifully tiled splashes, ensuring a cohesive and refined aesthetic throughout the home. This residence is a perfect blend of modern luxury and timeless design, making it an ideal sanctuary for contemporary living.
3,200
sqft
4
Beds
4
Baths
Custom Home – Wild Quail
This custom two-story, 6,570 square foot home is a luxurious blend of elegance and functionality. Its striking stone exterior is complemented by sleek black windows, creating a modern yet timeless facade. Inside, the home features six spacious bedrooms and six well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring ample space and comfort for family and guests. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, equipped with commercial-grade appliances, custom cabinets, and elegant quartz countertops and backsplash. A hidden cabinet door leads to a spacious pantry, providing both style and practicality. Two inviting fireplaces add warmth and ambiance to the living spaces, perfect for cozy gatherings. The master suite, located on the first floor, is a true retreat, featuring a walk-in shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a walk-in closet with custom shelving and a convenient laundry area. Step outside to a large maintenance-free deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and a cozy screen room that allows you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style. The finished basement offers additional living and entertainment space, ideal for a home theater, gym, or recreation room. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully designed to combine luxury, comfort, and functionality, making it the perfect place for modern living.
6,570
sqft
6
Beds
6.5
Baths
About Clayton
Located in both Kent and New Castle Counties, Clayton is a small town of approximately 4,000 people. It is a largely residential community located just 12 miles from the Delaware state capital of Dover. Many residents of Clayton commute to Dover, Wilmington, and Newark for work. Clayton is also close to the Dover Air Force Base, which, in addition to the state government, is another major employer in the region.
From the 1850s through the 1950s, Clayton served as a hub for the Delaware Railroad Company on the Delmarva Peninsula. In the early 1800s, the line connecting the agricultural communities of Kent and Sussex Counties to the bigger cities of Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore was constructed. In 1855, the Clayton stop (known as the Smyrna Station) was established.
By 1860, the town’s name changed to Clayton in honor of John M. Clayton, a former U.S. Secretary of State who was a major advocate for the railroad system. Today, coal and chemicals still pass through Clayton on the railroad, although in the past, produce was the main freight transported through the town. Residents and visitors to Clayton can visit the red brick Clayton Station.
Clayton is a small town with a lot of history. It has multiple historic sites, including Byrd’s AME Church, the railroad station, Enoch Jones House, and St. Joseph’s Industrial School. The Smyrna Museum (formerly known as The Barracks) is also a popular attraction for history buffs, run by the Duck Creek Historical Society. Beyond historical sites, many residents enjoy experiencing culture at the Smyrna Opera House, the Schwartz Center for the Arts, and the Children’s Theatre of Dover and Kent Counties.
Fans of nature and outdoor recreation can visit the Smyrna Municipal Park, the Stephen Robert Rebar Park, or the Kent County Big Oak County Park. There are also some great wildlife refuges nearby, including the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Blackbird State Forest and Blackiston Wildlife Area. Lake Como in Smyrna and Garrison’s Lake are both great options for picnicking, boating, and fishing.
While Clayton isn’t necessarily known for fine dining, there are a number of great restaurants in the area. This includes Jack’s on Main, Stella’s Pizza and Italian Grill, Bul Jang BBQ, and Elizabeth Esther Cafe. Many residents opt to make the short drive to Dover for more adventurous options.
Clayton is also close to many great destinations, including Delaware’s resort beaches (Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach), which are just an hour away. Washington, DC, Annapolis, Baltimore, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland are all a quick 1 to 2 hour drive from Clayton. Being a railroad town, many residents take advantage of a quick Amtrak ride to New York City, Philadelphia, and other great destinations.
Clayton is part of the Smyrna School District. Students in Clayton attend the Smyrna Kindergarten Center, Clayton Elementary School, John Bassett Moore School, Smyrna Middle School, and Smyrna High School. They also have the option of attending Providence Creek Academy Charter School or the First State Military Academy. There are multiple private religious schools as well, including Holy Cross Elementary School, Central Delaware Christian Academy, Capitol Baptist, Caravel Academy, and Calvary Christian Schools. The Duck Creek Regional Library in Smyrna serves the area.
Interested in Building a Custom Home in Clayton? Give Us a Call
Clayton offers the best of all possible worlds for its residents: small town charm, close commute to bigger cities, and a quick drive to the beach. If you want a slower pace of life in a historic small town, Clayton might be the ideal place to build a custom home. Our team can help you get started with the process, shepherding you through each stage of the process.
Carl Deputy and Son Builders has built a reputation for excellence in both construction and customer service over nearly 4 decades in business. We know that the decision to build a custom home is a major one, which is why we work collaboratively with our customers to make the process as easy and low-stress as possible. To learn more about our new home construction services in Clayton or to schedule a consultation with a member of our design and construction team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
