Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters most homeowners face, with the potential to destroy the home and everything in it. Your risk of a flood depends on a variety of factors, including the soil quality and the distance to nearby bodies of water, but few are as essential as elevation. A flood elevation certificate provides insurers with the information they need to evaluate the risk and calculate insurance premiums.

What Is a Flood Elevation Certificate?

A flood elevation certificate incorporates several variables to determine a specific property’s risk. Surveyors will calculate the specific elevation of the ground upon which the property sits, compared to the projected height of waters after a flood event. The inspector will also determine the height of the lowest floor to evaluate the risk of damage in a flood.

What Are They for?

Using the information provided in the elevation certificate, your property insurance provider will determine the likelihood that you will need to file a claim after a flood. The results can have a profound impact on your premiums, so it’s important to have a current certificate with an accurate description of the property’s elevation, design, and damage mitigation features.

How to Get a Flood Elevation Certificate

If you didn’t receive a certificate when you purchased the property, the local floodplain manager may have one on file. An experienced property surveyor can also provide a new flood elevation certificate, which can be especially useful if you’ve recently made significant improvements to the property.

With many years of experience and access to some of the most advanced tools in the industry, Ferguson & Foss Professional Land Surveyors PC provides accurate flood elevation certificates to property owners throughout New York’s Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Saratoga and Herkimer counties. Whether you’re purchasing a commercial building or constructing a new home, their expert surveyors will give you the personal service these important matters deserve. Visit their website for a more comprehensive list of their services. Call (518) 762-9997 to request an estimate on a project.