Guide to Home Elevation in Flood Zones

Reduced Flood Damage Risks: Raising your house above the BFE considerably lessens the chance of flood damage during severe weather events. This elevation keeps your home above floodwaters, helping to protect your belongings and minimize repair costs.

Lower Insurance Premiums: Homes located in flood zones typically face increased insurance rates. By elevating your property, you may qualify for lower flood insurance premiums, resulting in long-term savings.

Increased Property Value: Elevated homes often attract more buyers due to their enhanced protection against flooding. Investing in home elevation can boost your property’s resale value, making it more appealing in the real estate market.

Peace of Mind for Homeowners: Knowing your house is protected from flooding provides reassurance, especially during hurricane season. Home elevation serves as a proactive strategy to mitigate flood risks, allowing you to focus on enjoying the benefits of homeownership.

Initial Consultation and Assessment: The home elevation journey begins with consulting a qualified contractor experienced in elevation projects. They will evaluate your property to determine if elevation is feasible, considering factors like soil conditions, existing foundation, and local building regulations.

Obtaining Permits and Planning: After confirming feasibility, the next step involves acquiring necessary permits from local authorities. Your contractor will collaborate with you to create a comprehensive plan for the elevation project, including the chosen elevation method, project timeline, and budget.

Preparation Steps: Before elevation can commence, homeowners need to prepare their property by removing personal belongings, disconnecting utilities, and securing permits for temporary housing if required. The contractor will also ensure the home’s foundation is stable before proceeding.

The Elevation Process: The actual elevation typically involves lifting the structure using hydraulic jacks or a crane and supporting it with temporary beams or cribbing. The home is raised to the predetermined height above the BFE and secured in place.

Foundation Reinforcement: Following elevation, foundation work is crucial for maintaining stability and support. This might involve reinforcing the existing foundation, installing new piers or pilings, or pouring additional concrete as needed.

Final Touches and Restoration: After completing the elevation and foundation work, the home is lowered onto its new foundation. Necessary repairs and renovations are made, utilities are reconnected, and the area surrounding the house is landscaped to restore its original condition.

Home elevation is an essential proactive solution for homeowners in flood-prone areas of Houston. By raising your house above the base flood elevation level, you can significantly decrease the risk of flood damage, lower insurance costs, and enhance your property’s value. Although the home elevation process may seem intimidating, partnering with a qualified contractor can ensure a seamless and successful project. If you’re seeking ways to protect your home from flooding in Houston, consider the advantages of home elevation as a viable solution.