Elevating Homes after Sandy More Involved than just Lifting

Jersey Shore residents looking to elevate their homes since Superstorm Sandy need to know the process is more involved then the actually lifting.

Gary Seider, an Engineering Manager of the Civil Construction Products for Hubble Power Systems in Missouri is encouraging homeowners to get as much information about the process as possible. His company makes steel foundation products used once a structure is elevated. Seider explained, "Chance Helical Piles are screwed directly underground, then the home is dropped back down onto the piling."

"The cost of the Chance Helical Piles is separate from the elevation expense, and can range between $1,200 to $1,500 per pile," Seider said.

Seider said homes in designated FEMA flood zones will be required to be raised, must have an open foundation and meet minimum heights above storm surge and wave heights. He added, "Unfortunately, FEMA is still determining the coastal maps for the "A" and "V" zones.

He encourages homeowners to get as much information as possible about the elevation requirements from their government officials, FEMA and professional engineers.