Elevation Certificates

FEMA requires lenders to determine whether structures on properties that they are mortgaging for collateral are in a flood plain. If a structure on the property is within the flood plain the lender will most likely require the borrower to purchase flood insurance. A Professional Surveyor has the knowledge and equipment to determine the elevation of the lowest adjacent grade around the structure. He or she can also determine the “base flood elevation”. If the lowest adjacent grade elevation is above the “base flood elevation” FEMA will “remove” the structure from the flood plain and the lender will not have to require flood insurance. Even if the base flood elevation is above the lowest adjacent grade elevation an insurance agent can use the difference in elevation along with the finish floor elevation to rate the risk and thus determine a premium.