A house near the water can be a great place to live, but there are a few things worth checking before you sign the papers. We see homes all over Connecticut that sit in flood areas, and two houses on the same street can be very different when you look underneath them. If House Lifting could be needed someday, it is better to know that before you buy. Ask questions now. You might save yourself a pretty big surprise later.
Start by asking for the elevation certificate if one is available. You want to know how high the house sits compared with the flood elevations that apply to that property. Take a look at the current flood map too. Do not just assume everything is fine because the house has never flooded before. Water does not care what happened twenty years ago. If your CT home sits too low, Structural Lifting may be something you want to learn about before making plans for the property.
Then go look at what the house is actually sitting on. Is there a basement? A crawl space? Is it on piers or another type of foundation? Does the foundation look like it has been repaired several times? The foundation type can make a big difference if House lifting becomes part of the future. We also like to look for signs of past water, damaged wood, rust, cracks, and anything else that tells us the lower part of the home has had a rough time.
Insurance deserves a phone call before you buy, not after. Ask what flood coverage may cost for that specific property and what information the insurance company needs. Do not base your decision on what somebody down the street pays because their house may sit at a different height or have a completely different setup. If you are already thinking about House Lifting, ask how raising the home could affect the property and what documentation may be needed afterward. Get real answers for the house you are considering.
At High Caliber Contracting, we think buying in a flood zone can still make plenty of sense when you know what you are getting into. The important part is doing your homework before the keys are in your hand. Check the flood information, ask about elevation, look closely at the foundation, learn about insurance, and think about whether Structural Lifting CT could be an option down the road. A little work before you buy can help you feel a whole lot better about the home you are bringing your family into.