If you are buying a property and you want to know the plot’s flood zone, a professional surveyor can help you. Land surveying firms provide flood elevation surveys for commercial and residential properties. A flood elevation certificate can be used for both flood and homeowners insurance.
Before you hire someone, you might have a few questions in mind. At Pittsburgh Land Surveyors, we have answered some of your most frequently asked questions below.
What is an elevation certificate?
It is a document prepared by land surveyors to determine a property’s vulnerability to flood damage. The licensed surveyor will compare the elevation of your building to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) base flood elevations. Through this certificate, you will know the exact point at which your building is susceptible to flooding.
Getting an elevation certificate is important if you live in a high-risk flood zone. This ensures that your building complies with the local floodplain management regulations. Moreover, a FEMA elevation certificate is required when seeking flood insurance.
What is the difference between elevation certificates and traditional land surveys?
Although both are performed by professional surveyors, flood elevation certificates and land surveys are not the same things. Each type of survey has different purposes. Flood surveys are intended for mapping out elevation points. On the other hand, land surveys identify boundary lines of plots and physical structures.
Why is a flood elevation certificate necessary?
A flood elevation certificate is required if you are:
- Currently located in a FEMA-designated floodplain
- Applying financing from a lender
- Buying or selling a property in a special flood hazard area
- Getting flood insurance from a private insurer
Your elevation certificate will include the parts of the property that are most susceptible to flooding. If your lowest floor is above the base flood elevation level, this can help lower your flood insurance premium. Obtaining an elevation certificate will qualify you for lower rates. You could save up to $400 per year on flood insurance rates.
How do I get an elevation certificate?
If you don’t have an existing elevation certificate, you can request a new one from a surveyor near you. It will cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, but the process is quick and easy. The surveyor will assess your property and establish the lowest point of elevation.
Aside from hiring a professional, you can obtain an elevation certificate from the property developer or the local floodplain manager.
What’s included in a flood elevation certificate?
Most elevation certificates discuss the following information:
- Property features
- Building characteristics
- The lowest point of elevation on the property
- Plot’s flood zone
- Notable structures
How much does an elevation certificate cost?
Professional surveyors are allowed to certify elevation information for a fee. On average, obtaining an elevation certificate will cost you between $350 and $600. Your location, structural type and size, available data, and timing can affect the final project cost.
Is an elevation certificate required in getting flood insurance?
As part of the application process, some insurance companies require flood elevation certificates. Insurance adjusters assess flood risk using the document. Homeowners with properties located in flood zones will have a higher flood insurance premium than those with lesser risk. For properties that are not located in a certified flood zone, getting an elevation certificate is optional.
If you are not certain if your property is in a high-risk area, you may check the FEMA website. It features a flood insurance map that shows specific high-risk locations.
How long will the certificate take?
As a property owner, you should know how long it will take before you obtain a flood elevation certificate. Land surveyors examine the property for a minimum of 2-3 hours. They will compile the elevation information and complete the certificate within five business days to two weeks.
Get in Touch With Us for Elevation Certificates
For accurate flood elevation certificates, count on none other than Pittsburgh Land Surveyors. We offer a wide range of services, including mortgage surveys, construction surveys, as-built surveys, and ALTA surveys. As a premier land surveying company, we stand behind our work.
Our team provides prompt and quality work for our commercial and residential clients in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas. We are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to perform land surveys efficiently. Contact us today to get a free and no-obligation quote!
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