Homeowners throughout Louisiana are still dealing with the effects of severe flooding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the other hurricanes and storms that followed. Numerous programs have been implemented by federal and state authorities to assist in the ongoing recovery effort. Homeowners with homes that are at risk of flooding may be eligible for grants and other funding to protect against future flood damage.
There are a variety of ways to protect a home against flood damage, but the most effective method is to permanently raise the home above the level of anticipated floodwaters. Called a home elevation, this process is fast becoming the flood protection technique of choice in many areas of coastal Louisiana. The process consists of lifting an existing home and installing a new foundation or pilings underneath the home.
Almost any type of home can be raised by an expert home elevation contractor. In the past, the cost of a home elevation put the process out of reach of the majority of homeowners, but thanks to the availability of disaster recovery funding, qualified homeowners can have their homes elevated at little or no cost to them.
One of the funding options is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program that provides funding for homeowners who participated in the Road Home Program and chose Option One (staying in their home). There are additional requirements for eligibility and further complicated regulations that must be followed in order to qualify for funding. The best way to ensure you are qualified and that your home elevation complies with all regulations and requirements necessary to receive funding is to have your home elevation done by an experienced home elevation contractor.
If your home is located in a flood prone area, you may be considering a home elevation to protect your home from future flooding. If your home has suffered previous flood damage, you may be required to take steps to protect the home from future flood damage before being allowed to rebuild or to continue to be able to get flood insurance coverage.
Home elevations are a great way to protect your home from future flood damage. In a home elevation, your home is lifted from its foundation, raised high enough to clear the highest anticipated flood level, then placed on a newly constructed foundation. In some cases, the home is placed on pilings and in others a poured cement or block foundation is constructed to support the home.
The height of a home elevation can be as little as two or three feet and as much as eight to ten feet. With these higher elevations, in many cases the homeowner gains new storage or parking under the home. Almost all types of houses can be raised including homes built on slabs, poured or block foundations, or on pilings.
One important thing to look for when choosing a home elevation and shoring contractor to handle your home elevation is the type of jacking system used. The best contractors use a unified jacking system to lift the home. Houses are raised using hydraulic jacks similar to those used to lift cars. A single jack can lift a car, but for a home 20 to 30 jacks may be required.
It is important to lift the home evenly and smoothly to avoid damage to the home including damaged walls, floors, and ceilings. A unified jacking system coordinates all of the jacks so that they rise at the same speed no matter what the load is on them. That way, the house rises evenly and unnecessary damage is avoided.
Just like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. And just like other vehicles, what kind of cart you have depends…
Metal stairs for apartment complexes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. And, as with any building that’s accessible by the public, safety is top priority. Apartment complex…
Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a…