Elevation Certificate

Flooding is the most common and expensive natural disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you live in an at-risk location, you will most likely need to purchase flood insurance because standard home insurance does not cover flood damage.

Obtaining an elevation certificate may help you better understand your flood risk. This document informs insurers of the exact height of your home in relation to known flood levels in your area. It may also help you pay less for flood insurance.

What is an elevation certificate?

An elevation certificate (EC) describes the elevation of your home in relation to the expected flood water height in your location. Flood insurance companies use this certificate to evaluate your flood risk and set your premiums. 

Elevation certificates are normally prepared by a land surveyor or engineer. It comprises information such as your property address, the height of your lowest level, and the elevation range of the ground surrounding your property. This information is used to evaluate whether your residence is above or below the local Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

The BFE is the elevation at which floodwaters are predicted to rise 1% of the time each year. The idea is straightforward: the higher your residence is above the BFE, the fewer your chances of flooding. 

Why does an elevation certificate matter? 

Without an elevation certificate, your flood insurance company will use common information to estimate your flood risk. This estimate will take into account your home’s distance from flood sources, ground elevation, and foundation type.

The elevation certificate supplies the insurance company with particular and detailed information regarding your property’s elevation in relation to the floodplain. This enables the insurance to better analyze your home’s actual flood risk.

An elevation certificate may also affect the cost of flood insurance. If your home’s first floor height or lowest floor elevation exceeds the minimum floodplain regulations in your area, you may be eligible for a rebate.

When do you need an elevation certificate?

Here are several scenarios in which you might need an elevation certificate.

Buying or Selling a Property

If you’re buying a home in a flood-prone area, ask the seller for the EC. The certificate provides a more accurate picture of the flood risk and what you might spend for flood insurance. On the other hand, if you’re selling your home, having an EC can be a huge advantage for potential buyers. 

Buying flood insurance

Before April 2023, some homes had to obtain an elevation certificate when acquiring flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP no longer requires ECs. You may still wish to get one to see whether it will help you qualify for lower-cost flood insurance.

Building or renovating

If you’re building or upgrading a home in a flood-prone location, local building codes may demand an EC. This guarantees that your new or upgraded home complies with local floodplain management regulations.

Obtaining a new EC following a renovation is particularly advisable if you made adjustments to reduce your flood risk. According to FEMA, you can lower your flood risk by:  

• Moving or raising utilities so they are off the ground.
• Installing flood openings around your house.
• Filling in basements and crawlspaces that are below the BFE.
• Elevating your property above the BFE.

How do you get an elevation certificate?

To obtain an elevation certificate, contact your local floodplain manager. Depending on where you live, you may need to contact your local, county, or state government to locate the appropriate individual. The floodplain management may already have an EC on file for your property, particularly if your town is part of the National Flood Insurance Program’s town Rating System.

An EC may be placed in your property deed or other real estate papers. Check these sources, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.

If you recently purchased your property, the prior owners or developer may have obtained an EC when it was built. Contact them and ask if they can supply a copy.

If the preceding measures do not provide results, you may hire a licensed land surveyor, professional engineer, or certified architect. These individuals are qualified to certify elevation data and can provide an EC for your property for a fee.

What should you do with an elevation certificate?

Share your flood elevation certificate with your flood insurance provider to see if it can help cut your premiums. Keep the original certificate in a secure location alongside other property documents, such as your deed and homeowners insurance policy. Having it easily available can be useful if you need to refer to it fast.

How much does a flood elevation certificate cost? 

According to HomeAdvisor research, the average cost of a flood elevation certificate is $600. However, the actual cost can vary from $170 to $2,000 or more, depending on your location, property size, and geographical issues.

Getting quotes from local professionals helps determine the best rate. Keep in mind that investing in an EC may save you money on flood insurance costs. So, even if you have to pay up front, it may be worthwhile in the long run.