Elevation Survey

I was asked today: "Do I really need an elevation survey done before & after building ?" The location is off Canal St in Mid City.

The answer is 'Probably'. If you are financing through a Homestead or Bank etc then they will usually require an elevation survey. This is a survey that is done to verify your height of elevation. The height affects your homeowners & flood insurance rates.

You can also get what's called a 'Construction Package' Survey where the surveyor comes out to survey several times during building process. First to survey the vacant lot providing a benchmark for elevation, then again after the foundation or piers are laid and again when the home is set on the foundation to give total elevation. Copies are then given to your mortgage & insurance providers plus local building inspectors.

There are many qualified surveyors in this area - we recommend Gilbert Kelly & Couturie 836.2121. We suggest you build between 1-2 feet above the minimum BFE (Base Flood Elevation) to give you a cushion should these requirements change in the future.