Have you ever looked at your flood insurance bill and thought, “Is there a way to bring this number down?” For many homeowners in flood-prone regions, high insurance premiums can be a constant source of worry. At DeVooght House Lifters, we’ve spent decades helping people protect their homes from rising waters. One of the most effective solutions we’ve seen—and one that often surprises homeowners—is house lifting. Raising your house to a higher elevation can drastically reduce the perceived risk of flood damage, which in turn can lead to significant savings on insurance. Below, we’ll explore the connection between house lifting and lower premiums, offer real-world examples, and walk you through what to expect if you decide to pursue a home elevation project.
Why Flood Insurance Matters
A Prerequisite in High-Risk Areas
Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. In many areas categorized as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), mortgage lenders require homeowners to carry flood insurance. Even if your home isn’t in a high-risk zone, severe storms and unprecedented rainfall events can still cause unexpected flooding—and the standard homeowners’ policy typically does not cover flood damage.
Premium Pain Points
Insurance premiums can vary widely based on where you live, your property’s elevation, and your home’s construction. Some homeowners pay thousands of dollars each year just to maintain adequate coverage. Over time, these premiums can eat into your household budget, making it harder to save for other priorities. That’s where our team at DeVooght House Lifters often enters the picture: by raising the house, we help homeowners address the underlying risk driving those high insurance rates.
House Lifting as a Game-Changer
What Exactly Is House Lifting?
House lifting (or house raising) involves temporarily separating a home from its foundation and elevating it to a new, higher position—usually above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The BFE is determined by FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) and represents the anticipated water level during a 1% annual chance flood (often called a “100-year flood”).
Once the house is elevated, a new or extended foundation is built underneath it. This could be a series of piers, pilings, or a taller poured foundation, depending on local soil conditions and flood regulations. At DeVooght House Lifters, we use specialized hydraulic jacks and steel beams to ensure the structure is secure throughout the process—minimizing stress on the house and preserving its structural integrity.
How Lifting Impacts Flood Risk
Raising your home’s lowest livable floor above the BFE drastically reduces the likelihood of floodwaters reaching that level during major storms. For insurance purposes, a lower risk profile typically translates to lower premiums. Because flood insurance is largely based on whether water can get into your main living areas, anything you do to make that scenario less likely should help shrink your annual bill.
The Link Between Elevation and Insurance Premiums
Elevation Certificates 101
After a house-lifting project, the next step is usually to secure an updated Elevation Certificate from a licensed surveyor. This document provides details like the height of your lowest floor relative to the BFE, the ground elevation around your home, and other structural elements. Insurance companies rely heavily on this information to set your new premium. Simply put: the higher your lowest floor is above the BFE, the less you pay.
Real-World Savings
Consider these simplified, hypothetical examples:
- Case A: A property sits two feet below BFE. Its owner pays $2,800 a year in flood insurance. After lifting the house three feet above the BFE, the new premium drops to $700—a savings of $2,100 annually.
- Case B: A home is at the exact height of the BFE. The annual premium is $1,800. Lifting the structure just one foot above BFE slices that rate nearly in half, down to $900.
Individual results vary, but the correlation remains consistent: increased elevation typically leads to decreased premiums, allowing homeowners to potentially recoup much of their lifting cost over time.
Working with DeVooght House Lifters
A Collaborative Approach
At DeVooght House Lifters, we don’t just run in, lift your home, and leave. We see ourselves as partners in your flood mitigation journey. From the initial consultation to post-lift touches, our team aims to make the process as seamless as possible. We’ll help you coordinate with local building officials to ensure the project meets all codes and permits—because the last thing you want is to realize you need additional adjustments after the fact.
Customized Solutions
Not every property is the same, and not every homeowner has identical needs. Our experts account for factors like soil stability, local flood maps, potential storm surge, and even your neighborhood’s architectural aesthetic. If you have a historic or uniquely styled home, we’ll work meticulously to preserve its character throughout the lifting process.
Minimizing Disruption
House lifting may sound disruptive, but with the right equipment and expertise, it can be surprisingly manageable. Yes, you’ll need to vacate during certain phases of the work, but many people find that the long-term peace of mind far outweighs a few weeks of inconvenience.
Calculating Return on Investment (ROI)
Beyond Insurance Savings
While lower insurance premiums are the most direct financial benefit, house lifting also:
- Increases Property Value: Homes safeguarded against flooding often attract more buyers and command higher prices.
- Reduces Repair Costs: By avoiding future flood damage, you save on the expensive repairs that can follow severe water intrusion.
- Provides Peace of Mind: It’s hard to put a price tag on knowing your home—and the memories and valuables within—have a better chance of staying dry.
The Long-Term Picture
A house-lifting project can require a substantial upfront investment, but those savings accrue year after year. You can often see a break-even point (where the sum of reduced insurance premiums, avoided repairs, and increased resale value covers the cost of lifting) within a reasonable timeline—especially in high-risk areas.
Common Questions from Homeowners
“How soon will my insurance go down?”
Typically, your insurance premiums are recalculated once the house is lifted and your Elevation Certificate is updated. Many homeowners see the new, reduced rate at their next renewal cycle.
“What about local building codes?”
Flood-prone communities often have strict codes around raising a house. We stay current with local regulations and will handle much of the permitting process for you, ensuring your project is fully compliant.
“Is financing an option?”
Yes. Some homeowners use home equity loans or refinance their existing mortgages to fund house-lifting projects. DeVooght House Lifters can guide you toward resources for potential grants, low-interest loans, or state-run hazard mitigation programs.
“Will my house look strange once it’s elevated?”
It doesn’t have to. Strategic landscaping, extended porches, and other design choices can help your raised home blend into the surroundings. We often advise clients on ways to make the new elevation look intentional and visually appealing.
Conclusion: A Practical Path to Lower Premiums and Greater Security
For many homeowners, flood insurance feels like a never-ending strain on the budget. But there is a proactive step you can take: elevating your home to reduce your risk—and your annual insurance premium. By working with the team at DeVooght House Lifters, you’ll have skilled professionals who not only lift houses but also understand the broader flood mitigation picture. We’ll help you navigate codes, secure updated documentation, and ensure your home stands stronger against future storms.
From drastically lowering insurance costs to elevating your peace of mind, house lifting offers a tangible, long-term solution for those living in high-risk flood zones. If you’ve ever dreamed of slashing your premiums while protecting the place you call home, give DeVooght House Lifters a call. We’re here to assess your property, discuss potential benefits, and guide you toward a safer, more financially secure future—one inch, one foot, or several feet above the flood line.