New Castle County
New Castle County, Delaware
"The First County in the First State"
County Home > Land Use > Property Owner Services > Home Improvements
Home Improvements
Address:
NCC Government Center
87 Read's Way
New Castle, DE 19720

General Information & Property Complaints:
(302) 395-5555
Land Use Questions:
(302) 395-5400

Fax: (302) 395-5587

Hours:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please take a moment to fill out our Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Home Improvements

Whether you plan to do your own work or hire a contractor, you should be familiar with the process for managing a home improvement project.  Properly constructed improvements will add to the value of the property and increase your enjoyment of your home or office well into the future.

Hire a Licensed Contractor

If you plan to hire a contractor, check first to make sure he or she is licensed to do the work.  Home Improvements contractors are required to have a license, even if their work doesn’t require a building permit.
To check to see if your contractor is licensed, select "Licensed Contractors" link to the left.

Building Permit Requirements

Click on "FAQs" on the left side of the page for a document with more complete information on permit requirements and on many standard home improvement projects.  Generally, permits are required for home additions, new decks and porches, garages, sheds over 200 square feet, swimming pools – both in-ground and above ground, fireplaces, structural changes including altering existing spaces, finishing the basement and adding dormers; and a new roof requires a permit if 25% or more of the sheathing needs to be replaced.

A building permit is not required to add a fence, sidewalks and driveways (although a new entrance onto the roadway may require a permit from DelDOT), concrete slabs/patios (unless you plan to eventually construct a porch), replace roof shingles, replace windows and doors (using the existing opening without adding structural framing) or replace kitchen cabinets.  If you are unsure whether a permit is required, a quick e-mail or call to the Department of Land Use will provide you with the information.