REAL ESTATE by Jim Beggins
ELEVATE FLORIDA In last month’s real estate column, we presented the table concept which we are planning to initially use to help elevate 10 Madeira Beach properties out of the flood plain. In that article I mentioned that some modular building companies are anxious to help homeowners rebuild hurricane proof structures. This month I present Cerca Homes, a highly respected designer and builder of homes that FEMA will love.“ Cerca Homes helps homeowners reimagine their land with premium prefab sheds, ADUs, and homes. With a focus on innovative design and stress-free installation, Cerca provides families with the extra space they need to live, work, and play, all without the hassle of traditional construction.”
People ask how to pay for elevating your home out of the flood plain. I say approach it like any other major investment. You can use your children’s inheritance. It is a safe bet that will save you money on flood insurance and pay back with interest if it is ever sold. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and others offer low interest loans and even grants up to $30,000 are available from the county.
There is a lot of excitement in the home-raising industry right now, as the Florida Division of Emergency Management recently announced a potentially game changing program to enhance community resilience by mitigating private residences against natural hazards, Florida’s first statewide residential mitigation program, ELEVATE FLORIDA.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES
These project types are eligible under the Statewide Residential Mitigation Program.
- Structure Elevation: Physically raising an existing sound structure, capable of being elevated safely, with its utilities.
- Mitigation Reconstruction: Construction of an improved, elevated building on the same site where an existing building and/or foundation has been partially or completely demolished or destroyed.
- Structure Acquisition: communities purchase at-risk structures from voluntary sellers and demolish them. The property is then maintained, in perpetuity, for open-space purposes and to restore or conserve the site’s natural floodplain functions.
- NEXT STEPS
- More information about how and when to apply is coming soon. Subscribe to receive future communications by selecting at Residential Mitigation Communications at www.FloridaDisaster.org/Subscription-Topics.
- You can begin to prepare for the application by compiling the following information:
- Photos of any flooding inside or outside of the home (if available)
- Photos of high-water marks and photos measuring the height of the marks
- Insurance claim payouts or assistance documentation (if available)
- Receipts or estimates for repairs from previous events
- A list of aesthetic alterations to the home and year completed (if home is over 45 years old)
- Window/door replacement
- Roof replacement
- Remodeling
- Painting or re-siding
- Additions, decks, landings or garages
- Any historic use of structure
CONTACT
If you are a resident of Florida and interested in learning more about mitigation grant funding for your property, please email ResidentialMitigation@em.myflorida.com with your name, city, and your specific question or situation.
If you would like to receive future updates about this program, please subscribe to receive FDEM Residential Mitigation Communications at www.floridadisaster.org/subscription-topics.