Build Your Dream Home In Frederica
Along the banks of the Murderkill River, the small town of Frederica, Delaware, is a hidden gem. Established in the 1600s, Frederica offers historic charm combined with access to both the river and the Delaware Bay. Its quaint vibes, rural character, and proximity to Dover make it an excellent place to live.
Given the age of the town, it is unsurprising that many of Frederica’s homes are older. If you want to live in Frederica but want the modern conveniences of a new home, we can help. At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we build gorgeous, timeless custom and semi-custom houses in Frederica and throughout Kent County. Our goal is to help homeowners realize their dreams of a well-constructed home that is built to their exact specifications.
As experienced home builders, our company has built its reputation on excellent customer service and the finest quality construction. We know that building a custom home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people. We work collaboratively with our customers to help bring their vision to life. To learn more, reach out today to talk to a member of our design and construction team.


About Carl Deputy & Son Builders
Since 1986, Carl Deputy and Son Builders has built custom and semi-custom homes for clients throughout Kent and Sussex Counties and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We also help homeowners who want to renovate their existing homes. Over nearly 40 years in business, we have established ourselves as a trusted custom home builder in the area, constructing beautiful houses at a range of price points.
One of the things that we are most proud of as business owners is how many of our current clients came to us from referrals from past clients. When we build a custom home for a family, we take the time to get to know them so that we can truly help them achieve their vision. We also provide the highest level of customer service to each of our clients.
Building a custom house is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Unfortunately, the construction industry doesn’t always have the best reputation for customer service. We like to flip that stereotype on its head. We pride ourselves on communicating openly and honestly with our clients and always answering calls and emails promptly. We know that your house is one of the biggest financial investments that you will ever make. We want you to be heard at each step of the process.
With open communication, there are far fewer opportunities for misunderstanding. Your project manager will keep you updated on the progress of your new house, scheduling tours for you to examine the property yourself. We will also let you know about any potential changes to the construction budget or timeline.
Of course, we also build truly outstanding homes. Each of our homes is constructed using the highest quality materials that come standard for every build. We only work with subcontractors who have a similar reputation for excellence. Each Carl Deputy and Son house is built to withstand the test of time, with timeless elegance and quality construction.
Our ultimate goal for each house that we build is that our clients be absolutely thrilled with both the process and the final result. When you move into your new home, we want you to be happy that you chose our construction firm – and to fall in love with your new Frederica home.
Custom Home Builders in Frederica, Delaware
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we build both custom and semi-custom homes. With a custom home, you will get to choose every part of your new house, from the initial design and floor plan to the features and finishes. With a semi-custom house, you will choose from a selection of floor plans and then customize your plan to suit your tastes.
We can build your new house on one of our own lots or on your own lot. If you’d like to build on your own property, we can help you choose a piece of land that will work well for your anticipated design. The property that you choose can affect both the construction timeline and cost, so we are happy to help with this aspect of the process.
The next step is to design your house. If you want to build a semi-custom house, then you can choose from more than 12 floor plans and then pick out your desired features and finishes. If you are building a custom house, our designers will start by helping you come up with a floor plan and overall design. Then you can work on the details, like siding, paint color, floors, fixtures, and more.
When your design is finished, we will provide you with an estimate and a contract based on the scope of the work. These documents can be used for obtaining financing for the construction (if necessary). If you don’t have a lender in mind, we can recommend one for you.
With all of the financial and legal details squared away, we can get to work! We will obtain the necessary permits while you finalize your design. We will then prepare the land, dig and pour the foundation, frame the walls, rough in plumbing and electrical, and install the roof. When the exterior of the house is done, we can start to work on the interior – laying tiles and flooring, installing custom cabinetry, hanging light fixtures, and completely customizing your house.
At each phase of the construction process, we will invite you to the site for a “muddy boots” tour. You will meet us at your home site to check out progress, ask questions, and learn about what is happening with your house. You can also submit change requests if you decide that there is something that you would like to do differently after seeing it in person. We will do our best to answer your questions and address any concerns that you might have.
When the construction is complete, we will do a final walkthrough and homeowner orientation. We will complete any punch list items for you before scheduling a closing. Once all of the documents are signed, you will get the keys to your brand-new house. We hope that this day will be just the start of many wonderful memories in your Frederica custom home.
Frederica Custom Home Features
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we include many premium features and finishes standard with every new home. This includes:
- 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
These materials are just some of the options available to you when you build a custom home with Carl Deputy and Son Builders. You can also choose to upgrade any aspect of your house based on your vision for your home. For example, if you want a spa-like primary bath with a shower room, our designers can work with you to make it happen.
For each home that we build, we want our clients to be thrilled with both their home and with our level of craftsmanship and customer service. We know that your Frederica custom home is one of the biggest investments that you will make in your life. We want to make sure that we meet and exceed your high standards and that your home is exactly what you want.
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 Frederica
Frederica is a small town located in Kent County, Delaware. Spanning approximately 1,098 acres, it has a population of just over 1,000 people. It is located just 12 miles southeast of Dover, making it an easy commute to the state capital. Frederica was established in 1681 as part of a land grant from William Penn to Mr. Bonneny Bishop. It was originally designated as St. Collom.
Located on the Murderkill River, Frederica grew due to the presence of a port at the river’s bend. This port was originally referred to as Indian Point, although it was later called Johnny Cake Landing. By 1758, the name had changed again to Goforth’s Landing. In 1796, it was renamed Frederica Landing. This name proved to be the one that lasted, with the town incorporated as Frederica in 1826 (and again in 1865).
This port became an important center around which the town was built. It grew on firm ground inland from the Murderkill River, approximately 6 miles from the Delaware Bay shore. Given its location among the river’s wetlands, Frederica earned the nickname “Frogtown.” This moniker has lasted to this day, with the trucks of the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company still bearing the name.
Frederia’s port provided the economic engine that helped the region grow. Shipping and shipbuilding were the town’s primary trades. Its proximity to Philadelphia along the Murderkill River also contributed greatly to the town’s growth, with bacon, beef, corn, wheat flour, cheese, butter, cedar shingles, rat, pitch, and hardwood boards regularly shipped between Frederica and Philadelphia.
When the railroad came to Delaware, the port and associated shipbuilding businesses were affected. Today, one of the primary employers in the area is ILC Dover, the company that manufactured the spacesuits for the Apollo and Skylab astronauts. Many residents also work for the state and county government in Dover, which is a short commute north on DE-1.
Today, Frederica is a quiet town with a deep history. Multiple areas of Frederica are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Barratt Hall, Barratt’s Chapel, Bonwell House, the Frederica Historic District, and Mordington.
While Frederica is small, its proximity to the Delaware Bay and its more rural character mean that there is plenty to do if you like getting outside. It’s a short drive to Delaware beaches like Bowers Beach and Big Stone Beach. Residents can also visit the Ted Harvey Conservation Area, the Milford Neck Preserve, and the St. Jones Reserve to enjoy the outdoors. The Delaware Turf Sports Complex is also an attraction for youth sports, with soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse fields.
Most of Frederica falls within the Lake Forest School District, although some parts of the town are zoned to the Milford School District. Lake Forest schools include East, North, South, and Central Elementary Schools, W.T. Chipman Middle School, and Lake Forest High School. In the Millford School District, students may attend Benjamin Banneker, Lulu Ross, or Mispillion Elementary School, Milford Central Academy, or Milford High School.
In keeping with its small-town atmosphere, Frederica does not have a lot of options when it comes to dining and nightlife. Some local favorites include JP’s Wharf, Frederica Pizza and Pasta House, the Boatyard, Burgers and Brews, and Bangkok Thai Bistro. Fortunately, Dover is a quick drive away for anyone looking for more options when it comes to shopping, restaurants, and bars. Frederica is also close to popular beach communities like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach.
Want to Build a Custom Home in Frederica? Reach Out Today!
Frederica is a beautiful, historic town located just miles from the Delaware Bay. If you would like to build a house in this great town, we can help. Carl Deputy and Son Builders can help you design and build a fantastic custom home that brings your vision to life.
For nearly four decades, our family-owned construction company has built premium-quality custom homes for clients in Kent and Sussex Counties and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer unparalleled customer service and a commitment to craftsmanship. To learn more about our new home construction and renovation services in Frederica, Delaware, or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.