Replies

1. 
   arrowpov | Jun 02, 2006 09:09pm | #1

   This may not be much help. I had a home in a flood zone, we experienced two major floods in three years. Bottom line, we cut our losses and moved to higher ground. It's not worth the aggravation if there is any chance of flooding.

   There are certain requirements for building in flood prone areas, it's not that hard to conform to them.

   Our old home has been returned to nature. The stress and financial losses associated with living there are not worth it. If you have an opportunity to build elsewhere do it.

   
1. 
   woodway | Jun 03, 2006 07:14pm | #4

   I can't even imagine attempting to live in that area. You made the right decision by moving on.

1. 
   arrowpov | Jun 04, 2006 04:26pm | #5

   The scenery may be real nice in some flood zones, but you pay the price. You have to stay awake at night if there is a flood warning, and always worry about what may or may not happen.

   We walked away with 30 cents on the dollar for our home, that was the smart thing to do. A home in a hazard prone area is not a good investment. If anyone has the option to build elsewhere they should do it.

2. 
   sawzall | Jun 03, 2006 02:32am | #2

   has this property ever been developed?  You may not even have these challenges to overcome, these FEMA maps are constanly being updated.  Before expending time and energy, and design fees, contact a surveyor , to find out of your proposed house will need precautionary flood measures.

1. 
   gacracker | Jun 03, 2006 07:10pm | #3

   There are houses in the subdivsion, some on the Itercoastal. Everything has to be rasied up on stilts. i spoke to FEMA and theyy said that after Katrina the maps are all to low and will proably be increase in height needed. They call this the "low country" for a reason! I just wonder about break away walls in a barn, and what other design considerations for the apt above a barn housing animals.

1. 
   sawzall | Jun 06, 2006 02:36am | #8

   I"ve had two properties that were in AE zones according to the FEMA maps. After a site survey, on both of these building lots, it was determined that the ground was well elevated , not to need flooding protective measures.

   Step one is to get a surveyor to give you a benchmark at you're house site location relative to the nearest flood referance marker. He or she  may have to travel several miles for this.  You are going to need a surveyor anyway for an Elevation Certificate. Next is a call to the Building department to find out how high you need to be.

3. 
   IMERC | Jun 04, 2006 06:33pm | #6

   just make sure what ever is downstairs is expendable, replaceable or has no sentimental value....

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jun 04, 2006 07:42pm | #7

   "just make sure what ever is downstairs is expendable, replaceable or has no sentimental value..."MIL quarters!

4. 
   FastEddie | Jun 06, 2006 03:44am | #9

   Curious where in SC it's located.

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   gacracker | Jun 06, 2006 04:03am | #10

   Wadmalaw Island. I will get the survey done. But given that it is so close to the river and the ocean I have to believe that it would be prudent to add a few extra feet to whatever the minumum required is.

1. 
   TomMGTC | Jun 06, 2006 04:13am | #11

   Fema has info available on their website for constuction in flood zones. I'm currently building in a flood zone in Nh and the regs were pretty simple. I put my place 4' above the required minimum.  Not sure how you are financing but flood insureance willl likely be required by the lender.Tom

   Douglasville, GA