What To Do If You Buy Property In A Flood Zone

Owning property on or near water is a dream come true for those fortunate individuals, but it doesn’t come without its share of challenges. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 15% of Long Island residents own flood zone property. The good news is that GreenLInk Home Inspections offers engineering expertise and solutions, like flood zone inspections, to homeowners on flood zone properties. Here are some ways that we can assist you if you live in a flood zone or plan to purchase property near water in the future.

Flood Zone Inspections

Flood Zones and Flood Insurance

The largest flood hazard zone on Long Island lies on the south shore of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. If you own a house or are thinking of purchasing a house in a flood hazard area, you may realize that flood insurance premiums can be costly and require mitigation. The best way to control potential flood insurance premium increases is with an Elevation Certificate.

Elevation Certificates

Elevation Certificates show the elevations of a house in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which represents the estimated level to which flood waters would rise in a statistical once-every-100-year storm. When your Elevation Certificate is established, GreenLInk Home Inspections will discuss any possible mitigation factors, such as flood vents, to reduce your flood insurance premiums. 

Windstorm Certifications

Actuaries also assess the risk to coastal property owners from damage caused by high winds. As a result, standards approved by the Department of Insurance of the State of New York require properties within 1,500 feet of the coast to withstand high winds. When GreenLInk Home Inspections inspects your home, you are given access to Windstorm Certifications that can only be performed by a professional engineer.

Schedule Your Flood Zone Inspection Today

GreenLInk has been providing flood zone inspections to Long Island residents since 1994. Our ASHI certified inspector is also a professional engineer who provides home buyer inspections, pre-listing inspections, and more. Contact us at (516) 774-4565 to request a quote or schedule your inspection. We proudly serve Long Island residents in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Seaford, Merrick, Massapequa, and beyond.