Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Building a new home

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Other/Misc
Remote Name: 207.82.209.60
Date: 27 Apr 2001
Time: 03:10 PM

Comments

Whether or not to build on a lot in a flood zone is ultimately a personal decision based on your risk tolerance. However, here is our conservative guidance:

1) A home is usually your single largest investment. You want to be sure that it's well built and engineered to avoid drainage problems. Building in a flood zone with existing evidence that neighbors already experience flooded basements are red flags that you should carefully factor into your decision.

2) Even more important, though, is that the builder is predisposed to cutting corners. This part concerns us the most. Regardless of where you build your new home, finding a builder who has a good track record and is reliable is the most important thing you can do. Particularly when it comes to drainage-related issues, many builders simply do not understand the proper procedures for moisture-proofing a home with a basement. Very careful planning, engineering and workmanship are key to a dry home.

It's no coincidence that the subject of drainage is among the most popular topics on Builders Websource.

We understand this is an agonizing decision for you. You like the neighborhood and the setting, but you have two significant concerns about the zoning and the builder.

We suggest the following approach:

1) Contact the building/planning department in the city or county where the lot is located. Ask them to provide information regarding the flood characteristics of the area as well as any documented history of problems.

2) Also, contact your insurance company. They will often have additional information since the location of your home will impact the insurance costs. Some insurance companies charge significant premiums if you build in an area subject to flooding.

3) Finally, if you decide to build on that property, see if you can find another builder who you trust to do the job right.

4) If at the end of this investigation you determine that the risks are too high and that you have no choice over the builder, we would "walk away." In no case should you build a home with a builder you don't trust. It's too easy to cut corners throughout a project, and you could end up with other issues as well. Let us know what you ultimately decide!

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