A new roof has passed final inspection at Edward and Clara Knox's Richmond Heights home on Jackson Street, marking another milestone in a months-long community effort to save a house that had fallen into disrepair amid years of deterioration and severe water and mold damage. New plumbing now runs throughout the property as well, but the project is far from finished, with remaining needs including electrical work, HVAC installation and exterior stucco as construction continues.
The rebuild has been documented as part of WPLG Local 10's “Good News South Florida” series, which the station says has followed the transformation of the Knox home since April. Roofing contractor Level Up Roofing donated thousands of dollars in materials and manpower to the job, according to the station, with owner Hector Rodriguez valuing the roof work at about $14,000. Roofing supplier Polyglass also pitched in, supplying underlayment and waterproofing materials donated at a value of $4,000; sales agent John Massengill traveled from Deerfield Beach to meet Edward Knox at the home in person.
Plumbing turned out to be one of the costliest hidden problems. Bob's Plumbing donated all labor and materials for the job, valued at $15,000, after discovering severely corroded cast-iron pipes running through the house, per the station's reporting. The pipes were replaced throughout the property. Fourth-generation plumber Luke Blosser, who works with the company, said the business serves its neighbor rather than seeking recognition for the work.
A House Built Before Modern Plumbing Standards
The corrosion Bob's Plumbing found is not unusual for a home of the Knoxes' era. An estimated 2.5 million Florida homes may be affected by early iron-pipe failure, and homes built as recently as 1975 are failing, according to Consumer Notice. Some South Florida pipes have failed after as little as 25 years, while cast-iron pipes historically had an expected life of 80 to 100 years. The outlet attributes accelerated deterioration to salt-rich soil and high humidity and separately describes corrosion from water and sewer gases. The home's corroded pipes were replaced throughout the property.
Edward Knox, a 75-year-old former teacher, lives in the Richmond Heights home, according to reporting cited by WikiVoice.
When Government Aid Ran Out, Neighbors Stepped In
Before nonprofits and contractors got involved, Knox had applied for a government housing renovation grant to repair severe mold and water damage, according to WikiVoice's reporting. The home suffered progressive decay from water damage amid deteriorating conditions.
The home requires extensive repairs, and the rebuild is addressing those needs.
The turning point came in April 2026, when WPLG Local 10 launched its “Good News South Florida” franchise. Local 10 began covering the Knoxes' living conditions and the effort to rebuild the home. Builder Joe Puentes began the effort to rebuild the home and rallied volunteers to the site. WikiVoice has led a $125,000 community-restoration fundraising appeal. The project has brought together volunteers, contractors and donors.
The project continued as the team worked to overcome challenges in helping Knox. Jobsite foreman Deiky Vergel said the team is working to overcome challenges as it continues helping Knox.
Contractors and Volunteers Join the Rebuild
Nearly a dozen contractors from various trades joined the rebuild. Businesses and community volunteers contributed time, labor and materials to the effort. The community has rallied around the project.
The next construction phase includes metal framing, and the list of remaining needs is long: structural shell work and reinforcement, attic and wall insulation, an HVAC system with ductwork and installation labor, interior and exterior lighting fixtures, interior and exterior paint and painting supplies, exterior stucco, driveway removal and replacement, landscaping, electrical materials, and a concrete pump and concrete truck. Local 10 viewers have been donating funds to help complete the project, and the station says it provides updates on how the donated money is used as construction continues.
Rebuilding in Richmond Heights
The Knox home sits in Richmond Heights, and volunteers are working to rebuild the house.
The rebuild has drawn attention from neighbors as volunteers work to restore the Knox home.
“Good News South Florida” airs Fridays on Local 10's morning news at 10 a.m., with encores Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings beginning at 6 a.m., giving viewers regular updates on the Knox home's progress as the remaining construction phases move forward.
