Land Surveyor in Centre, Alabama with tips for obtaining elevation certificate for your property which could save you money on Flood Insurance!
An elevation certificate in Centre, Alabama, also known as an elevation survey, is a document that shows the elevation of a building or structure in relation to the base flood elevation. It is used to determine the flood insurance rate for a property and it is necessary in order to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you’re planning to buy, sell, or develop a property in Centre, Alabama, you’ll likely need to get an elevation certificate. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get an elevation certificate in Centre, Alabama:
- Determine if you need an elevation certificate: The first step is to determine if you need an elevation certificate. If the property is located in a flood zone that is designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you’re planning to buy, sell, or develop the property, you’ll need to obtain an elevation certificate. You can check the flood zone for a property by visiting the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website.
- Find a licensed land surveyor: In order to obtain an elevation certificate, you’ll need to hire a licensed land surveyor. You can find a list of licensed land surveyors in Alabama by visiting the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Surveyors and Mappers website.
- Schedule an appointment: Once you’ve found a licensed land surveyor, contact them to schedule an appointment for them to conduct an elevation survey of the property.
- Prepare for the survey: Before the surveyor arrives, it’s important to prepare the property. This may include clearing debris, moving furniture, and providing access to the property.
- Conduct the survey: The surveyor will conduct an elevation survey of the property, which may involve taking measurements of the building or structure, as well as the surrounding area. They will also take into account the location of the property in relation to nearby bodies of water, as well as any other potential flood hazards.
- Review and submit the elevation certificate: Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will provide you with an elevation certificate. Review the document carefully to ensure that all the information is accurate. Once you’re satisfied, you can submit the certificate to the appropriate authorities.
- Get a Flood Insurance: The next step is to obtain flood insurance, in case the property is in a flood-prone area. It is very important to have flood insurance as it can protect your property and also be required by lenders or local laws.
- Use the Elevation Certificate: Once you have an elevation certificate, you can use it to determine the flood insurance rate for the property, and also to comply with any local building codes or regulations. This certificate will also be useful when you are selling the property as the new owner will need it for future reference.
It’s important to note that an elevation certificate is only valid for the property it was issued for and cannot be transferred to another property. If you make any changes to the property, such as an addition or renovation, you will need to get a new elevation certificate.
Overall, getting an elevation certificate in Centre, Alabama is a necessary step in order to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program, and it can help protect your property and investment. It is important to hire a licensed land surveyor, schedule the appointment, prepare the property and review and submit the certificate once completed. Keep in mind that Elevation certificates have a expiration date and if any changes are done in the property a new certificate is needed.
Tucker Engineering is a civil engineering and land surveying company with more than 25 years of experience in Alabama. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled surveyors and engineers that will assess you and give you a personalized quote for your property. Ready to get started? Contact us today!
