Flood Mitigation

I often joke that over time, I learned how to make FEMA code, flood insurance regulations, and building codes dance together. This skill allowed me to design mitigation projects that brought older structures into compliance with today’s flood standards. Once the project was completed, and the structure’s elevation certificate (EC) was updated, clients would submit the new EC to their insurance company, leading to flood insurance premiums being reduced by as much as 80-90%. I’ve successfully done this over 1,500 times.

In essence, what I was really doing was making structures more resistant to flood-related damage. This not only lowered the cost of claims but also reduced the number of condemned structures, minimized population displacement, and supported quicker regional economic recovery.

While the introduction of FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 has changed the return on investment for premium reductions, flood mitigation remains a valuable tool for homeowners, businesses, and property owners who depend on rental income streams. It’s also crucial for anyone who owns property constantly threatened by flooding and seeks greater peace of mind.

House Lifting

House lifting is the most extreme and effective form of flood mitigation. I am an expert in securing FEMA grants for those who qualify and live in participating cities. These grants are even transferable from seller to buyer. As a realtor, property and casualty agent, and flood mitigator, I can guide you through the entire process, manage any related real estate transactions, and work with my team to lift your house—all under one umbrella. I coordinate with banks, attorneys, general contractors, cities, movers, and other professionals to make this happen. And once the house goes up, we aim to get it back down as quickly as possible.

Homeowners

Flooding that damages the mechanical systems of a home and causes structural damage, often due to hydrostatic pressure, poses the greatest threat to homeowners. When these systems are compromised, the cost can be significant, and the inconvenience can be long-lasting. Those who are disabled, ill, elderly, or have young children and pets suffer the most without climate control and other essential comforts that damaged mechanical systems provide. I have extensive experience with these issues—let’s discuss how to protect your home.

Business Owners

For business owners, ensuring your property is flood-resistant can be the difference between survival and bankruptcy after a storm. According to FEMA, 47% of small businesses close within 48 hours of a major storm. A wet or dry flood-proofed building can make all the difference, allowing you to get back into the marketplace ahead of your competition, with your inventory, communication, and IT systems intact. This is a conversation that could be crucial for your business—let’s talk.

Property Owners

For property owners, rental income is a vital part of your return on investment. Planning for flood events in coastal regions is essential to protect your cash flow. By mitigating your properties, you can keep them intact or enable quick cleanup and tenant reentry before lease termination. Protecting your investment is always worth a conversation—give me a call to learn more.

Types of Mitigation Include:

Document evaluation and assessment
Flood policies, elevation certificates, surveys, flood history
Flood vent installation
Crawl space elevation
Mechanical elevation
Basement removal
Home relocation
Landscaping and erosion control
Flood product implementation
Rainwater control
Wet and dry flood proofing
House lifting

Flood mitigation and house lifting offer significant protection against flood threats and safeguard valuable investments for homeowners, business owners, and property owners. Let’s discuss how we can protect your property—give me a call.