Hudson, FL — After being displaced by severe flooding, Bobby Laramore and his wife spent nearly a year living in a trailer, anxiously awaiting the day they could return to their home. That day finally came this summer when their house, now elevated more than 12 feet higher than before, was ready to welcome them back.
Laramore, who decided to raise their home following Hurricane Helene in 2024, shared the sense of relief that came with the move.
“It’s like a totally new house just moving back in it,” Laramore told Tampa Bay 28. “The peace of mind that my wife and I have now from where we were. There’s not a price tag on that.”
The Growing Need for Home Elevation
Raising a home above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is a widely adopted strategy in Florida to protect homes from frequent flooding caused by hurricanes and rising sea levels. The Laramores are just one example of Florida residents taking proactive steps to safeguard their homes from destructive storms.
Their contractor, Joseph Fairley of Unified Foundations, explained that demand for home elevation services has surged across Florida, with his company currently managing about 20 active projects and even more in the permitting phase.
“We’re seeing more and more residents seeking long-term protection from flooding,” Fairley noted.
The Cost of Elevating a Home
While elevating a home provides critical protection, it comes at a steep price. The cost of elevating a home typically ranges between $20,000 and $60,000, though more complex projects can run up to $150,000 or more. The total cost depends on several factors, such as the size of the home, property type, and how high the house needs to be elevated.
“Accessibility is another variable,” said Fairley. “Adding ramps or lifts for homeowners with disabilities can increase the cost significantly.”
In addition to the price of the elevation itself, some homeowners may face extra costs for added features like stairs, ramps, or lifts, especially if the home’s residents have mobility challenges.
A Rising Price to Pay
Though the cost of elevating a home can seem high, the potential losses from flood damage are far steeper. Flooding costs the U.S. between $179.8 billion and $496 billion in damages annually, and these costs continue to rise with more frequent and severe storms as well as rising sea levels.
“Homeowners in high-risk flood areas may soon realize it’s a matter of paying now or paying later,” said Fairley.
For those in flood-prone areas, the cost of repairs can be substantial. For example, in California, the average cost to repair water damage was between $1,200 and $5,000 in 2024, with homeowners in high-risk areas potentially facing these costs every year.
A Smart Investment for the Future
As storms become stronger and flooding risks increase, homeowners in flood-prone areas may find that elevating their home is a smart investment in the long run. While it may seem like a steep upfront cost, the protection it offers could save homeowners from far higher losses in the future.
What are your thoughts on home elevation as a flood protection strategy? Share your views in the comments below.
