Knockdown Rebuild Home Build and Construction Process

Knockdown Rebuilds

Knockdown rebuilds are a distinct type of construction that involves knocking down existing structures and rebuilding to create a new dwelling. Knock down rebuilds may be done by new owners to sell the property, rent it out, or live in it themselves. This differs from a traditional home build, where a completely new structure is created from scratch.

Covenant Homes is a knockdown rebuild home builder that can be contracted to manage aspects of your demolition, planning application, new home design and build, and walk you through each part of the process to ensure you’re never in the dark.

Pros and Cons of Knock Down Rebuilds

A knockdown rebuild is only one option for building a home and it may not be ideal for everyone. Here are the major pros and cons of this approach.

Pros

Customization. Building a new property allows you to personalize everything to your preferences.
Cost-Effective. While every case differs, knocking down and rebuilding is often more economical than performing extensive repairs on an existing structure. Impact fees are often either waived or non-applicable, meaning that most, if not all, of the knockdown cost is covered.
Install Modern Features and Amenities. Knocking down an old structure lets you install the latest and most up-to-date amenities, such as the latest and most energy-efficient appliances, new plumbing and electricity, and new materials for flooring and tile.

Cons

Legal Requirements. Before knocking down and rebuilding, you have to secure the proper permits. Depending on the location, you need to ensure that the new structure is compliant with zoning regulations.
Time. A demo of the existing home or structure can take as long as a single-family home to build.

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The Knockdown Rebuild Process: Preparation

Prior to demolition and construction, several preliminary steps are necessary as outlined below.

Site Assessment. This phase begins with the initial site assessment so we can get an idea if the property is a good fit for you. We will then provide you with an estimate for the project and submit the planning application.

Minor Works Contract. This outlines the terms of the agreement. At this point, the buyer will make a payment so we can begin putting together the team that will make it all happen.

Final Planning Stage. At this stage, all members of the team will analyze factors such as walls to be torn down, soil quality, trees on the property, flood plains, fire rating, historic considerations, and any other considerations that affect the project. When all logistical, legal, and aesthetic details are worked out, the planning application is created and submitted on your behalf.

Approval. Before actual work can commence, a building permit must be submitted and approved. There may be requests to provide details of the plan. Certain adjustments might be necessary in regard to size, materials, access requirements, and siting. One the permit is approved, construction can begin.

The Construction and Handover Phases

The construction process involves several steps outlined below.

Slab

This typically includes sitework and demolition, installation of underground plumbing, completing the foundation for the new house.

Frame Up

Installing the wall frame, structural supports, and roof frame.

Close Up

Upper roof covering, bricklaying or wall cladding, installing windows, and gas, electric, and plumbing rough-in.

Fix Out

Interior and exterior doors, architectural features, plaster boarding.

Completion

Finishing touches may include flooring and any remaining details.

Handover

The completed home is ready for the new owner.

As there are many steps and considerations with this type of construction, it helps to have an experienced builder to work with. To learn more about how we can assist you with a knockdown rebuild project, contact Covenant Homes.

Client Testimonials

Immerse yourself in the stories of those who entrusted us to build their custom dream home.

“I had a fantastic experience with Covenant Homes. The final product is far beyond my expectations - beautifully built home. It looks like a custom home!”
Jodi Leisure

“Covenant Homes built our new home and we couldn’t be happier! They were with us every step of the way. Their professionalism, responsiveness to questions, along with constant updates of our job, were wonderful.”
Bill Brennan

“We have been in our custom Covenant Home for 2 years In Clearwater. We’ve had a few issues come up and they fixed them promptly at no cost to us. They stand behind their work! I would build with them again. They are a class act. Thank you!”
Darrell Lakey

“We are big fans of Covenant Homes and very thankful to have them as our builder. They are great people and would absolutely build with them again. Thank you to Covenant Homes!”
George M

“Covenant Homes recently built my family an AMAZING home in the city of Dunedin and I can’t say enough about the actual experience!”
Clifford Marcus

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Ryan S

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We recently completed a perfect home in Palm Harbor FL. Dean W. Dean B. David W. Christina, and Amaryllis have been wonderful to work with. Their work is high quality and we could not be more happy. We strongly suggest Covenant for anyone looking to build a home in the Tampa Bay or surrounding areas. We will ONLY build with Covenant Homes. My wife and I could not be more grateful for what they have done for our family.

AMillionin1

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We love our custom home. We are so glad we chose Covenant to build our home. With all the issues with contractors and workmanship.these days it was a breath of fresh air to not have to micromanage every aspect of the build. We were able to take one of their existing plans and create our own floorplan that suited our needs. Our only regret was not being able to have Dean as our project manager. Just as an example of how vested this company is on a holiday weekend my other half accidently drilled through a water pipe in the wall. Dean immediately sent the plumber out to help and coordinated the fix with drywall and painters.

Jodi Leisure

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I had a fantastic experience with Covenant Homes. The final product is far beyond my expectations - beautifully built home. It looks like a custom home! The Covenant team was always very professional and courteous - and most importantly, the team communicated exceedingly well. Unexpected issues arise in every construction project, however, Covenant’s communication and efforts to minimize delays while maximizing quality was outstanding. They were always honest with me and helped me keep my expectations realistic. I will absolutely use this builder again - 5 out of 5 stars all day long!

Darrell Lakey

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We have been in our custom Covenant Home for 2 years In Clearwater. We’ve had a few issues come up and they fixed them promptly at no cost to us. They stand behind their work! I would build with them again. They are a class act.Thank you !

m C

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Covenant Homes recently built my family an AMAZING home in the city of Dunedin and I can’t say enough about the actual experience!Like many families, we struggled with the very tough real estate market in Tampa Bay. We had a lengthy discussion with our realtor to see if building was an option and determined that it would be a good fit. During our research process, we stumbled across Covenant Homes and set up our fourth meeting with a builder to see if they would be able to help us get exactly what we wanted. We quickly realized that we were exactly where we needed to be, and we no longer had to settle on homes that didn’t 100% fit our needs.Covenant was able to articulate the entire process from start to finish and even assisted us with finding a perfect lot in the location we desired. They’re a family-owned business and provided a white glove treatment that was unmatched. While most builders will tell you to buy everything so they can make more money, Covenant was able to let us know where spending more money made sense based on our needs and what the benefits were, while steering us away from upgrades that weren’t necessary as many of their standard options are more than sufficient.The amazing recommendations and their prompt responsiveness really took an enormous amount of stress of our backs. I was able to pick up the phone at any time with any questions and John & Dean were able to get me a quick answer and treated me with nothing but respect. Even after we moved in, they’re still checking to make sure we’re happy and if we need anything. I’d highly recommend taking a meeting with Covenant if you’re looking at building as an option and have recommended them to friends and family.Thanks again to the entire Covenant team as you were a joy to work with!

George M

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Covenant Homes built us a beautiful home in Tarpon Springs. We met with a few different builders and what made Covenant stand out was that they actually listened to what we were looking to build instead of pushing us towards what would have been easier for them. They were very honest, transparent, and provided much needed guidance along the way.Their entire team David, Dean, Dean B., Christina, and Amaryllis were just great people to deal with. They were accommodating when we needed to make changes and always worked to correct any issues that came up. They stand behind their work even after we closed on the house. They still check in with us and make sure we have no unresolved items. We are big fans of Covenant Homes and very thankful to have them as our builder. They are great people and would absolutely build with them again.Thank you to Covenant Homes!

Surfinturfer

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This was our forth new-construction home and our first with Covenant Homes. This builder took us completely by surprise in terms of customer service, quality, responsiveness, and downright honesty. They were up front from the start regarding timelines and expectations throughout the build process. Dean and every person in the various crews were professional, courteous and focus on you in the moment. They listen. There was a continued, genuine interest in providing top-quality work, while assuring the details and modifications to the house were installed exactly as we wanted. We would certainly build with Covenant Homes again and give our highest recommendation.

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The team at Covenant Homes built our new home and we couldn’t be happier! They were with us every day, every step of the way. Their professionalism, responsiveness to questions, along with constant updates of our job, were wonderful. Great people, honest, forthright and caring, they’re the best! If you’re building, do yourself a favor, use Covenant.

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Darrell Lakey

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Covenant Homes just completed our dream home in Clearwater. Dean and Dean were the best. Very professional and answered all our questions and built a beautiful home we are very proud of. Please call them and talk to Dean about your dream home. They will fulfill your needs and wants in a timely and caring manner. They all are committed to pleasing you and delivering and superior home. Thanks guys!!

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My husband and I just moved into our new home about a month ago. I find it difficult to express in words just how happy we are with Covenant homes. They have been upright from the beginning all the way thru. I give the glory to the Lord as how He has used Dean and all his team to bless us thru this time. They’re work is and has been done with excellence from beginning to end and have made this a wonderful experience for us. Thank you Covenant homes and May the Lord increase you according to His will!

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We moved into our new home in October and truly have nothing but positive feedback for Covenant Homes! From day one of construction through the final stages AND small issues after occupancy, I can honestly say we HIGHLY RECOMMEND this company!

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The entire process was smooth and lovely . Dean and his team are a true delight to work with and bring a sense of family to a seemingly stressful process .

Lisa Henderson Harris

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Everyone was so helpful and responsive throughout the process! From the beginning Christina was friendly & informative and helped with every facet of the contract. From there, Dean was a pleasure to work with on the details of the buyer's needs & preferences to ensure that the house turned out exactly as desired! Paul is very happy in his beautiful new home! Thank you to the Covenant Team! Lisa Henderson, Realtor

Steve Baker

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When we decided to build a home we heard many stories from people that made us nervous. You know I’m sure. We met with 3 builders including Covenant. It was an easy decision to go with Covenant. Both Dean and David met with us several times before we started the build and through the whole process they were always available to answer even the most mundane questions with grace.No build is without some issues and Covenant addressed issues quickly every time. We made a few changes along the way and I cringed some thinking there might be a charge. Covenant made changes for us without question when they were reasonable.We are extremely happy with our home built by Covenant! If we were ever to build another home I would only work with Covenant… But we are pretty happy with this one so I don’t think it will be for a while. 😊Steve and Ildiko Baker

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The Team at Covenant Homes recently finished building our dream home. We just love it. Building a new home on an undeveloped lot always comes with delays and "speed bumps", it is how these challenges are dealt with that separate a business from the rest of the pack. The Covenant Home Team, was always thoughtful, caring and truly wanted us to be happy with our new home. I strongly recommend Covenant Homes and would certainly use them again.

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We had our home built in 2015 and working with Covenant and Dean was a very pleasant experience. One of the thing that stood out about this builder for example there was a wall in one of the bedrooms that did not have equal space on both sides of the window and Dean had this corrected even though the plans where like this when he saw it he said it looked wrong and wanted the wall moved to match the other side. This told me that he cared about the quality and look of the house that he was building. If I build again it will be with Covenant Homes.

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This builder does excellent work and quality turn key home. I highly recommend this builder for a Florida home

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We began our process of have a new home built in late 2016 with the purchase of some acreage in East Pasco County. The realtor who helped us with the land purchase recommended Covenant Homes to build our home.. We met with David and Dean Williams a number of times in those early days. They helped in many ways to insure the property was within County regulations and and fit our desired home plan. Dean and David were always available for questions and good advise. We have built a few homes in the past. This home took a little over a year to build and everything went very smooth. And a major question most home buyers worry about, does Covenant Homes take care of issues after the Certificate of Occupancy, and the answer is a resounding, yes! All issue were minor and resolved immediately. We love our home and would recommend Covenant Homes without hesitation to everyone.

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A year ago, Covenant Homes built my retirement home in lovely Dunedin. They were exceptional to work with, guiding me through the process and many decisions while assisting me in realizing my 'vision'. Dean exemplifies professionalism and his integrity and kindness are unmatched. Thank you all for the experience and my beautiful home!

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My wife and I used Covenant Homes to build our first house and it was a great experience. Being new to the whole process we had many questions and learning curves which everyone at Covenant Homes helped with. Dean and the entire crew are awesome to work with.

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After interviewing 3 different home builders in our area, we chose Covenant Homes. They gave us a very competitive bid. We liked that they were a family owned and operated company. We were not disappointed with our choice. We found them to be very flexible and accommodating to work with. They always strived to satisfy our requests. Their workmanship was high quality and they stand behind their work. They were always fair and honest. We are very pleased with the quality of our new home. We would not hesitate to recommend Covenant to build your next home.Tom and Pam Marth

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