Elevation certificates before and after house lifting

An Elevation Certificate records information about a building and its elevations. For a house lifting project, it can help the project team understand existing conditions and document the finished result. It does not replace an engineer's design, a building permit or the local authority's review.

Before requesting a new certificate, find out what records already exist and what the building department needs for your proposed work. That conversation can prevent a proposal from overlooking surveying or final documentation.

Look for an existing record first

FloodSmart recommends starting with the local floodplain manager, often located within a building, engineering, permitting or land-use department. Ask whether a certificate is already on file for the property. You may also have a copy among earlier purchase, construction or insurance records.

Check that the property and building shown are yours, and note the date and the stage of construction represented. Tell the project team about later additions, changed foundations or other alterations. Do not edit certified measurements yourself or assume an older document reflects the current building.

An existing certificate is a starting record. Ask the receiving professional or authority whether it is suitable for the proposed project and whether updated information will be needed.

Understand the different questions involved

A flood map, an Elevation Certificate and an engineering proposal answer different questions. A map provides flood-hazard information. A certificate documents specified building and elevation information. The design establishes how the proposed project will address the applicable requirements and structural conditions.

Ask the local authority to identify the elevation standard that applies to the work. Do not choose a lifting height by comparing a floor measurement with a map screenshot. A feasibility review brings the available records together with the structural and site assessment.

Ask who is qualified to provide the information

FloodSmart explains that obtaining a certificate may require a land surveyor, engineer or architect. The professional's authority to certify the required information depends on applicable law and the work involved. Confirm qualifications for your state and ask the building department what it will accept.

When requesting a proposal, identify the service you need: locating an existing record, obtaining current surveyed information, supporting a permit submission or documenting the completed work. These are not interchangeable assignments.

Ask what access the professional needs, which documents they expect from you and what you will receive. Arrange the timing with the engineer and contractor so that information is available when it is needed.

Plan the completion records before construction starts

FEMA's elevation-certificate bulletin explains the importance of obtaining as-built elevation information to check compliance after construction. The local authority determines the applicable submission and inspection process, including whether it uses an Elevation Certificate or another accepted record.

Ask your project team who will arrange the final measurements, submit the documents and address any questions raised during review. A construction proposal that mentions elevation but excludes the necessary completion records can leave an important responsibility unresolved.

Put those responsibilities alongside permits, inspections and utility coordination in the house elevation quote checklist. Keep the accepted final documents with the property's permanent records.

Discuss insurance separately with your agent

Elevation information can also be relevant to flood insurance. FloodSmart's guidance distinguishes its use for floodplain compliance from its role in assessing a policy. Do not treat a certificate or elevation proposal as a guaranteed insurance reduction. Ask your insurance agent what information is useful for the specific policy and how any proposed changes would be assessed.

If you are planning to raise a house, describe your location, foundation, available records and current project stage in the project form. That gives responding professionals a clearer starting point for discussing the engineering, construction and documentation you need.