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If you’re in a high wind risk (hurricane/tornado) area, check the house wind rating before wet/dryproofing. If the house cannot be wind-reinforced, or you are financially unable, you may have to consider relocating.
If the land around your house risks erosion from storm surge or flash flooding, prioritize securing the ground. If you’re unable, you may have to consider relocating.
You may be able to elevate a 1-2 story wood-built house above the flood risk level. Generally, a good elevation is 15+ft above any nearby water or above the bottom of a valley/gully. Houses with basements or crawl spaces are easier and less costly to elevate than slab-on-grade houses. 3+ story and concrete houses are more expensive.
If you’re in a high wind risk (hurricane/tornado) area, check the house wind rating before elevating. If the house cannot be wind-reinforced, it may be more economic to demolish and rebuild. If unable, you may have to consider relocating.
If the land around your house risks erosion from storm surge or flash flooding, prioritize securing the ground. If you’re unable, you may have to consider relocating.
If the house is 2+ stories, consider converting the ground flood to wetproofed unoccupied space. It can be used for parking or a covered outdoor siting/recreation area. If permitted on your land, you can build a new elevated structure that connects with the existing house’s upper floors.
This may appeal if the existing house has historic or architectural value. The house foundation should be inspected for its condition and any issues addressed. If the lower existing floor was built with concrete, it will more likely survive future flooding and waterborne debris.
If you’re in a high wind risk (hurricane/tornado) area, check the existing house wind rating. If the existing house cannot be wind-reinforced, it may be better to demolish and rebuild. If unable to afford, you may have to consider relocating.
If the land around your house risks erosion from storm surge or flash flooding, prioritize securing the ground. If you’re unable, you may have to consider relocating.
Demolish the entire existing house and rebuild a new elevated house. Options include:
a. Elevate the entire lot with fill dirt, or the area where the house will be built
b. Elevate just the house footprint with retaining walls filled with dirt
c. Build the new house on stilts
The best option will depend on lot size, topography, neighborhood conditions, local ordinances, street access and economics. Consider exceeding the building code on all hazards that apply to the location. Codes typically represent at minimum and focus on life safety, not saving the building.
The design and construction should also defend the house from soil erosion caused by future storm surge and flash floods.
If you are near a wildfire risk area, you should to consider fire adaptation measures or build with non-combustible materials.
For Wet/Dryproofing or Elevating options, get quotes from several qualified contractors with experience in these measures.
For Add-on and Rebuild Options get quotes from several qualified architects with experience in flood-prone areas.
Your local government may be able to help you, depending on their capabilities. They may also advise you on government funding that you could apply for. Bear in mind that government programs generally apply to post-disaster situations, low-income households, have dollar limits and may take years to obtain.
If you decide to relocate and to buy or build a home, please review this Guide to Resilient Homes.
