Nassau and Suffolk Homeowners Are Beginning To Raise Homes Above Floodplain To Help Save Money on Flood Insurance Premiums

The flooding from Superstorm Sandy has left many Nassau and Suffolk homeowners with difficult and costly choices. Once choice is to elevate the existing damaged home above the floodplain. If a homeowner chooses to elevate their home, they may be eligible for federal funds. To be eligible for money from the Federal Government to help with elevation costs, homes must be determined to be substantially damaged. The cost to elevate a home is estimated between $60,000 - $150,000. If a Long Island homeowner chooses to elevate their home, the first floor elevation must meet standards set by FEMA Flood Maps and by local jurisdictions.

The process to elevate a home begins with steel beams placed at structural points. The home is lifted by a hydraulic system and the home is placed on square structures built to support the house. A new foundation is poured under the house. The house is attached to the foundation, the steel beams are removed and the house is lowered onto the new foundation.

Homeowners are choosing this process to hopefully solve future flood damage to their homes, and to see lower flood insurance premiums.