After Palm Build mitigates the immediate damage, our licensed construction team rebuilds your Delray Beach property to pre-loss — or better — condition. From CBS wall repair and drywall replacement to tile roofing, cabinetry, flooring, and full kitchen and bathroom remodels, one team handles everything from demolition through final inspection and Delray Beach Building Division permit closeout.
Deerfield Beach — 15 Minutes from Delray Beach Consultation within 24 hours Response IICRC Certified
The mitigation crew has left your Seagate kitchen. Baseboards removed, drywall cut at 2
feet, bare CBS block exposed, dehumidifiers gone. Now you're standing in a gutted
kitchen wondering: who puts it all back together?
This is the gap most Delray Beach homeowners don't expect. The emergency phase is over —
the water is extracted, the structure is dry, mold has been prevented. But the kitchen
is still torn apart. The master bathroom still has no vanity. The living room drywall is
cut at the flood line. Your insurance adjuster says "find a contractor for the
reconstruction phase."
Palm Build eliminates that gap. We handle both mitigation and reconstruction as a single
coordinated project — so when the drying equipment comes out, the rebuild crew is
already scheduled. No weeks of searching for a general contractor. No re-explaining your
home's damage to a stranger. No second estimate that contradicts the first. Our
Deerfield Beach office is just 15 minutes away, meaning our team is already familiar
with Delray Beach's building landscape.
Ranges reflect Delray Beach CBS construction, slab-on-grade foundations, and South
Florida material/labor costs. Actual costs depend on scope, finishes, and code upgrade
requirements.
Insurance-funded reconstruction: Most Delray Beach reconstruction
projects are covered by homeowners insurance. Palm Build writes estimates in Xactimate —
the same software your carrier uses — and coordinates directly with your adjuster from scope
development through final payment.
Delray Beach reconstruction involves CBS-specific techniques, slab-on-grade
considerations, and material matching across decades of residential development. From
1950s downtown cottages to luxury Addison Reserve estates, here's what Palm Build
handles.
CBS Wall Repair & Drywall
Delray Beach homes are predominantly concrete block stucco (CBS) construction. After water damage, drywall on CBS walls requires complete removal, assessment of the block for moisture absorption and efflorescence, installation of furring strips with a moisture barrier, and new drywall hung on a prepared substrate. Fire-damaged CBS walls may need structural evaluation of the block itself. This CBS-specific process takes longer and costs more than standard drywall replacement, but skipping the moisture barrier leads to recurring mold problems within months — especially in Delray Beach's coastal humidity.
Tile Roof Work
Barrel tile and flat tile roofs are signature elements throughout Delray Beach — from the historic downtown bungalows to the Mediterranean estates in Addison Reserve and Mizner Country Club. After storm or fire damage, tile must be matched in profile, color, and manufacturer. Discontinued profiles require sourcing from salvage suppliers or custom manufacturing. All roof repair triggers Florida Building Code compliance: hurricane clips at every truss-to-wall connection, proper underlayment per FBC Chapter 15, and wind-resistance testing documentation.
Flooring on Slab
Delray Beach homes sit on slab-on-grade foundations — no subfloor, no crawl space. Tile replacement on slab requires removal of existing tile and thinset down to clean concrete, leveling the slab surface, and installation of new tile with proper thinset coverage for the Florida climate. Terrazzo floors in mid-century Delray Beach homes are a special case: original terrazzo can often be restored by grinding and polishing rather than replaced, saving significant cost and preserving a sought-after vintage material.
Cabinetry & Millwork
Delray Beach homes range from modest 1950s cottages to multi-million-dollar Intracoastal estates, each with different cabinetry expectations. Reconstruction cabinetry must match pre-loss quality — custom face-frame cabinets in upscale Seagate homes, standard builder-grade in Lake Ida bungalows. We photograph and template existing cabinetry before demolition to ensure seamless matching. For Addison Reserve and Polo Club homes with custom millwork, we coordinate with specialty woodworking shops for exact profile replication.
Painting & Stucco
Delray Beach HOA and historic district communities enforce strict exterior color and finish standards. Stucco repair after water intrusion or storm damage must match existing texture (smooth, skip-trowel, knockdown, or lace) and color precisely. Historic downtown Delray Beach homes within the OSSHAD district may require compliance with historic preservation guidelines. We coordinate with HOA architectural review committees and the city's Historic Preservation Board before exterior reconstruction begins.
Electrical & Plumbing Updates
Reconstruction in Delray Beach frequently triggers mandatory code upgrades: GFCI outlets throughout, arc-fault breakers, whole-house surge protection, and upgraded electrical panels. Plumbing reconstruction often involves replacing polybutylene piping — widespread in Delray Beach homes built between 1978 and 1995 — with modern CPVC or PEX systems. Older galvanized drain lines in mid-century homes may also require replacement. All upgrades must pass City of Delray Beach inspection.
Impact Windows & Doors
When windows are damaged or when code upgrades are triggered during reconstruction, replacement windows in Delray Beach must be impact-rated — meeting Miami-Dade NOA standards and current Florida Building Code wind-load requirements for the 140 mph design speed. Older jalousie or single-pane windows being replaced during reconstruction must be upgraded to impact-rated units. Impact windows run $800-$1,500 per opening depending on size and configuration, but are typically covered by ordinance-and-law endorsements on your insurance policy.
HOA Community Reconstruction
Reconstruction in Delray Beach HOA Communities
Delray Beach is home to dozens of HOA-governed communities with architectural review
boards that control exterior appearance, material selection, and construction timelines.
Reconstructing in these communities requires navigating approval processes that can add
weeks to a project if not handled proactively. Palm Build coordinates with architectural
review committees before demolition begins — ensuring every material choice is
pre-approved.
Addison Reserve Country Club
Mediterranean Estate
Barrel tile roofs
Custom millwork and crown profiles
Marble and porcelain flooring
Screened pool enclosures
Volume and tray ceilings
Impact windows (newer builds)
Addison Reserve has one of Delray Beach's most demanding architectural review boards. All exterior reconstruction — stucco color, roof tile profile, landscape screening — must be submitted for approval before work begins. Interior finishes are high-end: custom cabinetry, natural stone countertops, and designer fixtures that require precise matching during reconstruction.
Mizner Country Club
Spanish Colonial Revival
Clay barrel tile roofs
Arched doorways and windows
Decorative stucco facades
Specialty wrought iron details
Tile and travertine flooring
Custom wood-tone cabinetry
Mizner's architectural standards reflect the Addison Mizner design influence throughout South Florida. Reconstruction must match Spanish Colonial detailing — arched openings, decorative corbels, and specific stucco textures. The HOA requires pre-approval for any exterior-visible reconstruction work.
Polo Club of Boca Raton (Delray boundary)
Country Club Contemporary
Flat and barrel tile roofs
Open concept floor plans
High-end kitchen appointments
Screened lanais with summer kitchens
Impact windows throughout
Upgraded electrical and plumbing
Polo Club homes near the Delray Beach boundary feature newer construction with many code-compliant elements already in place. Reconstruction focus shifts to premium finish matching — quartz countertops, designer tile, and custom paint colors — rather than major structural upgrades.
Kings Point / High Point
Retirement Community (55+)
Single-story units and low-rise condos
Flat roofs with membrane systems
Simple trim profiles
Standard tile on slab
Aging plumbing systems
Older electrical panels
Kings Point and High Point represent Delray Beach's affordable 55+ communities with older construction. Reconstruction here frequently triggers significant code upgrades: electrical panel replacement, polybutylene pipe removal, and impact window conversion. HOA architectural standards are less demanding but still require exterior color coordination.
Mediterranean Revival architecture in Delray Beach HOA communities requires precise
material matching during reconstruction
Key Delray Beach Communities
Addison Reserve
Mizner Country Club
Polo Club
Kings Point
High Point
Delaire Country Club
Vizcaya
The Bridges
Understanding the Process
Mitigation vs. Reconstruction: Why One Company Should Handle Both
Property restoration has two distinct phases — and the gap between them is where Delray
Beach projects go sideways. In South Florida's heat and humidity, mold can colonize
exposed CBS block and framing within 24-48 hours of mitigation completion, turning a
manageable reconstruction into a significantly larger scope.
Phase 1: Mitigation
Mitigation stops the active damage. For water damage in Delray Beach homes, this means
extraction and structural drying of CBS block walls — which absorb and hold moisture
differently than wood framing. For fire, it's board-up, soot stabilization, and water
removal from fire suppression. For hurricanes, it's emergency tarping of barrel tile and
flat roofs, debris clearing, and securing the building envelope. Mitigation begins
within hours and typically takes 3-7 days.
Many restoration companies — especially national franchises operating in South Florida —
only handle this phase. When mitigation is complete, they hand your project to a
separate general contractor. In Delray Beach's established neighborhoods like Seagate
and Tropic Isle, this handoff creates weeks of delay while homeowners wait in temporary
housing for a new contractor to learn their home's construction details.
Phase 2: Reconstruction
Reconstruction rebuilds what was damaged. This is the general contracting phase: drywall
on CBS block, tile flooring on slab, baseboard matching, tile roof repair, impact window
installation, painting, trim, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. In Delray Beach,
reconstruction requires permits from the City of Delray Beach Building Division,
inspections at multiple stages, Florida Building Code compliance, and coordination with
your insurance adjuster on scope and pricing.
When the same company handles both phases, the transition is seamless. Our
reconstruction team reviews the scope during mitigation — not after. Permits are
submitted while drying is underway. Materials are ordered before the last dehumidifier
leaves. For Delray Beach homes with discontinued barrel tile, custom millwork, or
specialty terrazzo, this early ordering saves 4-8 weeks of lead time.
Palm Build: One Team, Both Phases
Palm Build handles mitigation and reconstruction as a single coordinated project. No
handoffs to separate contractors, no gaps in your timeline, no duplicated documentation,
no conflicting estimates. One project manager, one insurance contact, one team from
emergency response through final walkthrough — critical for Delray Beach homeowners who
need their homes rebuilt correctly the first time. Our Deerfield Beach office is just 15
minutes south, so our crews know Delray Beach inside and out.
Six steps from scope development through final handoff — including CBS block
preparation, City of Delray Beach permitting via ePlans, and Florida Building Code
compliance at every stage.
01
Scope Development & Permitting
Days 1-7
We walk through the property with you and your insurance adjuster to develop a comprehensive reconstruction scope. Every damaged item is documented, measured, and priced using Xactimate. For Delray Beach CBS homes, we include line items for furring strip installation, moisture barriers on block walls, and any code-triggered upgrades. Building permits are submitted through the City of Delray Beach Building Division's ePlans electronic system for all structural, electrical, and plumbing work.
02
Demolition to Clean Substrate
Days 5-12
Damaged materials are removed to clean substrate — down to bare CBS block for walls, clean concrete slab for flooring. Existing materials are documented and photographed before removal to ensure accurate matching. For Delray Beach homes with terrazzo floors, we evaluate restoration vs. replacement. Barrel tile profiles and stucco textures are templated for sourcing. Specialty materials are ordered immediately to avoid 3-8 week lead times.
03
Rough-In: Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC
Weeks 2-4
Electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, and HVAC modifications are completed and inspected by the City of Delray Beach before wall finishes are installed. This is where code upgrades happen: replacing polybutylene piping with CPVC or PEX, upgrading electrical panels, adding whole-house surge protection, GFCI outlets throughout, and arc-fault breakers. Each trade is inspected separately by the city.
04
Insulation & Drywall (CBS Block Prep)
Weeks 3-5
For CBS block walls: furring strips are installed with proper spacing, moisture barrier is applied between block and drywall, and new drywall is hung on the prepared substrate. This CBS-specific preparation prevents moisture migration from the block into the new wall assembly — a critical step in Delray Beach where coastal humidity and block walls create persistent moisture challenges. Insulation upgrades to current Florida Energy Code R-values where required.
05
Finish Work: Tile, Paint, Trim, Cabinetry
Weeks 5-8
Tile flooring installed on leveled slab. Interior painting with primer and two finish coats. Baseboard and crown molding installed and matched to existing profiles. Cabinet installation and countertop templating. For Delray Beach HOA communities like Addison Reserve and Polo Club, exterior stucco texture matching and HOA-approved paint colors are coordinated with the architectural review committee before application.
06
Final Inspection & Walkthrough
Weeks 8-10
Final electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspections by the City of Delray Beach. We schedule inspections proactively and address any corrections immediately. Certificate of completion is issued confirming all work meets current Florida Building Code requirements. The final walkthrough with the homeowner confirms every scope item has been completed. A completion packet including permits, inspection reports, warranty documentation, and before/after photos is provided to you and your insurance carrier for final payment release.
Florida Building Code
Code Compliance During Delray Beach Reconstruction
Florida Building Code 7th Edition governs all reconstruction work in Delray Beach. The
City of Delray Beach Building Division uses the ePlans electronic permitting system for
streamlined plan review and permit issuance. Reconstruction is not just about restoring
your home to pre-loss condition — it's an opportunity to upgrade to current code,
improving hurricane resistance, electrical safety, and energy efficiency.
140 mph wind load design speed — all structural connections must meet this standard
Triggered by: All reconstruction involving roof or wall systems
ePlans electronic permitting through the Delray Beach Building Division for all structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
Triggered by: All reconstruction projects
Impact-rated windows and doors (Miami-Dade NOA approved) when replacing existing windows
Electrical upgrades to NEC 2023: GFCI throughout, arc-fault breakers, surge protection
Triggered by: Electrical panel replacement or new circuits
FEMA flood zone compliance — properties in AE and VE zones must meet Base Flood Elevation requirements during substantial improvement
Triggered by: Reconstruction exceeding 50% of pre-damage market value
Reconstruction = Code Upgrade Opportunity
Every Delray Beach reconstruction project is an opportunity to upgrade your home to
current Florida Building Code standards. A home originally built in the 1950s or
1960s can gain impact windows, modern electrical protection, hurricane-rated roof
connections, and updated plumbing — all covered by insurance when the work is
triggered by a covered loss. Without reconstruction, these upgrades would cost
$20,000-$60,000 out of pocket.
50% Substantial Improvement Rule & FEMA Flood Zones
If reconstruction costs exceed 50% of your home's pre-damage market value, the
entire structure must meet current Florida Building Code — including flood elevation
in FEMA zones. Delray Beach has significant AE and VE flood zone exposure,
particularly east of I-95 and along the Intracoastal. For a $500K Seagate home, that
threshold is $250K. For a $350K Lake Ida home, it's $175K. Without an
ordinance-and-law endorsement, these mandatory upgrades come out of pocket. Confirm
this endorsement exists on your policy now.
Delray Beach ePlans System
The City of Delray Beach Building Division uses an electronic plan review and
permitting system (ePlans) that streamlines the permit process. Palm Build submits
all reconstruction permits electronically, tracks review status in real time, and
responds to examiner comments promptly — minimizing permit delays that can stall
your reconstruction timeline. We handle the entire permitting process so you don't
have to navigate the system yourself.
Delray Beach Pricing
Why Delray Beach Reconstruction Costs More
Delray Beach reconstruction costs are higher than national averages for specific,
quantifiable reasons: CBS block wall preparation, slab-on-grade flooring, barrel tile
sourcing, impact window requirements, and comprehensive City of Delray Beach permitting.
Understanding these cost drivers helps you evaluate estimates and negotiate with your
insurance carrier.
Item
Delray Beach
National Avg
Why
Drywall on CBS block (with furring strips + moisture barrier)
$4.50 - $7.50 / sq ft
$2.50 - $4.00 / sq ft
CBS prep adds 40-60% vs. standard drywall
Tile on slab (no subfloor)
$8.00 - $16.00 / sq ft
$6.00 - $12.00 / sq ft
Slab leveling required, no subfloor cushion
Barrel tile sourcing (matching existing)
$600 - $1,400 / square
$400 - $800 / square
Discontinued profiles cost more to source
Impact windows (per opening)
$800 - $1,500
N/A (not required in most states)
Required when replacing in FL wind zones
Permits (City of Delray Beach)
$500 - $2,500
$200 - $800
FL permits are more comprehensive
Insurance Covers These Costs
CBS block preparation, impact window upgrades, barrel tile matching, and permit fees
are all legitimate reconstruction costs covered by standard homeowners policies. The
key is proper documentation: Xactimate line items for each CBS-specific step, code
upgrade justification referencing Florida Building Code sections, and material
sourcing documentation for specialty items. Palm Build's estimates include this
documentation — generic contractor estimates often don't, leading to underpayment.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance & Reconstruction in Delray Beach
Florida's insurance landscape is complex — carrier exits, rising premiums, and
regulatory changes create uncertainty. Understanding your reconstruction coverage before
filing ensures you receive the full benefit you're paying for. Palm Build's
Xactimate-based estimates match the format insurance carriers use, minimizing disputes
and approval delays.
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay to replace damaged items with new equivalents — critical for Delray Beach reconstruction where matching materials (barrel tile, specialty stucco, terrazzo, custom millwork) can be expensive. Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies deduct depreciation, which can leave significant gaps on older homes where materials have decades of depreciation. Know which type you carry before filing.
Ordinance & Law Coverage (Code Upgrades)
When reconstruction triggers Florida Building Code upgrades — impact windows, hurricane straps, electrical panel upgrades, GFCI throughout — ordinance-and-law endorsements cover the cost. Without this endorsement, mandatory code upgrades come out of pocket. For an older Kings Point or High Point unit, code upgrades during reconstruction can add $15,000-$40,000. For a premium Addison Reserve estate, upgrades can reach $50,000+. Confirm this endorsement exists on your policy.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
ALE coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and related expenses while your Delray Beach home is uninhabitable during reconstruction. In South Florida, temporary housing costs $2,500-$6,000/month depending on season and availability — Delray Beach's peak season rates (November-April) can push costs even higher. ALE coverage typically caps at 12-24 months or a fixed dollar amount. Verify your ALE limits are sufficient before work begins.
Supplemental Claims for Hidden Damage
During demolition, hidden damage is frequently discovered: mold behind CBS block walls, termite damage in furring strips, corroded polybutylene plumbing, deteriorated electrical wiring. These discoveries require supplemental claims — additional requests to your carrier for expanded scope coverage. Palm Build documents all hidden damage with photos, moisture readings, and Xactimate line items and files supplements within 48 hours of discovery.
1-year filing deadline: Florida law requires claims to be filed within one
year of the date of loss. Supplemental claims for hidden damage discovered during reconstruction
must also be filed within this window. Do not delay starting reconstruction — the clock is
running.
Xactimate documentation: Palm Build writes all reconstruction estimates in
Xactimate — the same software your insurance carrier uses. This eliminates format-based disputes,
ensures every CBS-specific line item is properly coded, and accelerates claim approval. Generic
contractor estimates in Word or Excel create friction that delays your project.
Palm Build Manages Your Delray Beach Insurance Claim
From initial scope through final payment, we coordinate directly with your adjuster —
handling supplements for hidden damage, code upgrade justifications, and progress
documentation. One team managing both the reconstruction and the insurance process means
nothing falls through the cracks.
CBS wall reconstruction with furring strips, moisture barrier, and new drywall installation in Delray Beach
Completed bathroom reconstruction: premium tile, custom vanity, and modern fixtures
Before and after: from water-damaged interior to fully reconstructed living space
Before reconstruction: mitigation drying phase prepares the structure for rebuild
The Palm Build Difference
Why Delray Beach Homeowners Choose Palm Build for Reconstruction
Single Source: Mitigation + Reconstruction
No handoffs between companies. Our mitigation and reconstruction teams work as one unit. Reconstruction planning begins during the drying phase — not after it ends. In Delray Beach's coastal climate where mold colonizes exposed CBS block within 24-48 hours, this seamless transition prevents secondary damage that would expand the scope and cost.
FL Licensed General Contractor
Palm Build holds Florida general contractor and specialty licensing for structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work. We pull our own City of Delray Beach permits through the ePlans system, manage all inspections, and ensure Florida Building Code compliance throughout reconstruction — no subcontracted permit responsibility.
15 Minutes from Our Deerfield Beach Office
Our Deerfield Beach office is just 15 minutes south of Delray Beach. Our crews know the local building landscape — from Seagate waterfront homes to Addison Reserve estates to Kings Point condos. We understand which communities have demanding architectural review boards, which neighborhoods have flood zone exposure, and which construction eras require specific material sourcing strategies.
Insurance Documentation Throughout
Every phase of reconstruction is documented in Xactimate — from initial scope through hidden damage supplements to final completion. Photos, moisture readings, code upgrade justifications, and progress reports are maintained continuously and shared with your adjuster. This documentation ensures full payment for legitimate reconstruction costs.
Code-Compliant Upgrades
We ensure every reconstruction project meets current Florida Building Code — 140 mph wind load, impact-rated openings, NEC 2023 electrical standards, and hurricane-rated roof connections. These upgrades improve your home's storm resistance and may reduce insurance premiums. All code upgrades are documented for ordinance-and-law coverage reimbursement.
Warranty on Workmanship
Palm Build provides a written warranty on all reconstruction workmanship. If a trim joint opens, paint peels, tile loosens, or any installed element fails due to installation defect, we return and correct it at no charge. This warranty covers labor and materials for the warranty period — giving Delray Beach homeowners confidence that the rebuild will last.
Common Questions
Delray Beach Reconstruction FAQ
Does Palm Build handle both mitigation and reconstruction in Delray Beach?
Yes — this is one of Palm Build's key differentiators. Many restoration companies only handle mitigation (water extraction, drying, mold remediation, smoke cleaning) and then hand you off to a separate general contractor for reconstruction. Palm Build's licensed construction division handles the entire process: demolition of damaged materials, structural repair of CBS walls, drywall installation, flooring, cabinetry, painting, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. One team, one insurance claim, one point of contact from damage day through move-back day.
Does reconstruction work in Delray Beach require building permits?
Most significant reconstruction work in Delray Beach requires permits from the City of Delray Beach Building Division. Express permits (expedited within 3 days) are available for A/C change-outs, water heater replacements, and re-roofs. Structural reconstruction, electrical work, and plumbing modifications require standard permits. Properties in FEMA flood zones require elevation certificates and compliance with Florida Building Code flood-resistant construction requirements. Delray Beach uses an ePlans digital permit review system, which Palm Build's team is experienced with.
How long does reconstruction take after water or fire damage in Delray Beach?
Timeline depends on scope: a single-room reconstruction (drywall, flooring, paint) typically takes 1-2 weeks after mitigation is complete. Multi-room reconstruction with cabinetry, tile, and fixtures runs 3-6 weeks. Full-home reconstruction after major fire or flood damage can take 2-4 months, particularly when structural CBS repair, roof work, and code upgrades are involved. Delray Beach Building Division permit processing adds 3-10 business days depending on scope, though express permits for certain work types are available within 3 days.
Can reconstruction upgrade my Delray Beach home to current building code?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. When walls are already open for restoration, it's the most cost-effective time to upgrade aging 1970s-1980s systems. Common upgrades during Delray Beach reconstruction projects include re-piping polybutylene plumbing with PEX, upgrading electrical panels from 100A to 200A service, installing hurricane impact windows to replace aging aluminum frames, adding proper moisture barriers behind drywall on CBS walls, upgrading HVAC to modern high-efficiency systems, and installing updated roof underlayment during re-roofing.
How does insurance handle reconstruction costs in Delray Beach?
Most homeowners policies with replacement cost coverage pay to restore your home to pre-loss condition using current materials and labor rates. Palm Build provides detailed Xactimate estimates that match the format your adjuster uses, reducing disputes and accelerating approvals. If reconstruction reveals pre-existing code deficiencies that must be brought to current Florida Building Code standards, your policy's Ordinance or Law coverage (if included) may cover the additional cost. We identify these opportunities during scoping and help you understand your coverage before work begins.
Need Reconstruction After Damage in Delray Beach?
Palm Build handles mitigation through reconstruction — one team, one insurance claim, one point of contact. Licensed, insured, and experienced with Delray Beach Building Division permits.
