I’ve been hearing, from reliable officials, that FEMA insurance is possibly going to be phased out in favor of private insurance, or a government loan program. Government-controlled programs concern me, mostly because they seem to be letting most of us down. All the brochures looked good, like the posh resort that turned out to be a living hell, and now elected officials have to explain to us how they are advocating on our behalf.

Lift a home to a first-floor level 2 feet higher than the flood height in your zone, according to state code. AE 8 means a new finished floor level of 10 feet above sea level. I would build higher, to avoid a wet wooden floor support structure, since most who were flooded had water higher than reflected in the flood maps. Best of luck!

© 2013 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.