Renovations in 'flood area' require attention to building codes and flood elevation

With the ongoing real estate boom going on in Florida along with very active construction activity in Tampa and Saint Petersburg areas, Comvest Builders frequently gets asked to enhance homes that are located in a flood zone.  Of course you would expect that since the dream of living on the water or taking a stroll on the beach is the vision of the Florida lifestyle.  

What many people do not realize is that changes in building codes and flood elevation maps have a significant impact in what you are able to do to an existing home.   The Florida Building Code section 1612  starts to address the Flood Elevation requirements based upon historical studies and the National Flood Insurance Program.  Many homes build before the late 1970s are most likely going to have challenges in adding or significantly improving those properties in the key flood zones. Remember the baseline rule is that residential structures build below the flood elevation usually are only allowed to build up to 50% of the value of the structure (not your purchase price and not including the value of the land).  The first step a homeowner should do is to find or obtain an Elevation Certificate which will state the required elevation and the elevation of the lowest floor of the structure.   

Next a home owner should then evaluate exactly what they want to do and make sure these additional changes do not have unexpected costs.   For example it is common that all new additions be built to existing building codes which are particularly more stringent than when the house was originally built.  This can affect decisions relating to electrical, windows, doors and roofing.  Make sure you work with a qualified knowledgeable General Contractor to help work through the details to ensure you building process goes effectively.  

Living and working in Florida can be an amazing way of life so make sure your home renovation becomes what you want it to be instead of a dream that may not be possible.