Certain land characteristics make building in certain areas more expensive and riskier than in others. If you have fallen in love with a piece of land on a floodplain, for example, can you build there? Is it worth it?
Whether or not you can build on a specific floodplain in South Carolina depends on the conditions of that area. If you can build on that floodplain, you must elevate your house on piles or piers to reduce the risk of flooding and damage. When building on a floodplain, picking the right foundation type and building materials becomes even more important.
We have experience building homes on floodplain lots and can help you decide if your lot will accommodate the luxury home you want to build and the best way to build to protect your investment.
You can visit us online to learn more about building a home on a floodplain lot with our custom home builders in South Carolina.
Can You Build Your Home on a Floodplain Lot?
A floodplain lot faces a high risk of flooding because of its proximity to a nearby body of water, such as a river, lake, or stream. This makes some homeowners wary of building on floodplain lots at all, though it’s not impossible to do so safely.
You may be able to build a home on a floodplain lot in South Carolina. If building is allowed, you will need to obtain special approvals and permits for residential construction on the floodplain. To build on a floodplain, you need to follow local elevation requirements for the home, which also pertain to the basement or lowest floor of the house.
If a lot is located in the highest-risk area of the floodplain, known as the floodway, you most likely cannot build there. Not only is the risk of flooding the greatest, but these areas must remain clear to prevent even worse flooding throughout the rest of the floodplain.
Should You Build Your Home on a Floodplain Lot in South Carolina?
Whether you should build your home on a floodplain lot depends on many factors, all of which you should consider before purchasing a lot and committing to building your new custom house there in South Carolina.
You must be prepared to have your new custom house be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE) to build on a floodplain. This is mandatory for safety reasons, but it might not allow for the style of home you want to build, which may be a sign to purchase a different lot that’s not on a floodplain.
Building on a floodplain also means homeowner’s insurance may be more expensive because of the greater risk of water damage from floods, which is also something to consider.
How Can You Safely Build a Home on a Floodplain Lot?
When residential construction is permitted in South Carolina floodplains, extensive preparation and planning are required to ensure the house is safe and stable for homeowners and their families.
Check Local Regulations
Building safely on a floodplain lot is possible, but it requires a thorough understanding of local rules and regulations for building on a floodplain, which our builders apply to your new custom home in South Carolina.
Elevate the Lowest Floor High Enough
Elevating the lowest floor of the house above the floodplain’s BFE keeps your home in line with safety standards and means you’ve done what you can to avoid flood damage. You may even elevate the house above the mandatory minimum elevation to be extra cautious if your area is very prone to flooding.
Choose the Right Foundation Type
Choosing the right foundation type is integral to safely building a home on a floodplain in South Carolina. Our custom home builders can help you decide between piers, posts, pilings, or an elevated slab, depending on the specific location and its BFE.
FAQs About Building a Home on a Floodplain Lot in South Carolina
How High Do I Have to Elevate My House if I Build on a Floodplain Lot?
How high you have to build your house on a floodplain depends on the base flood elevation for the area, which we can confirm when planning your custom build in South Carolina. We may even recommend raising your house above the required height to provide a stronger buffer.
Can I Have a Basement or a Garage if I Build on a Floodplain Lot?
Basements are typically not permitted in residential construction in floodplains due to the high risk of flooding and water damage. You may be able to have a garage below the BFE if it’s exclusively used for parking and storage.
Do I Need Approval to Build a Home on a Floodplain in South Carolina?
You certainly need special approval to build a home in a floodplain in South Carolina, and we can provide the permit-ready plans you need to get the go-ahead.
What Foundation Type Should I Pick to Build on a Floodplain?
Pile foundations are best for the highest-risk areas, while piers and posts are generally sufficient for moderate-risk areas.
What Building Materials Should I Use to Build on a Floodplain?
You should use flood-resistant materials when building a custom home on a floodplain to avoid water damage from floods.
Does Building a Home on a Floodplain Cost More?
Building a home on a floodplain might cost more than building a home where the risk of flooding isn’t as high, mostly because of the elevation requirements. As with all other custom builds, however, the cost of residential construction depends on house size, building materials, land development, and more.
Does Building a Home on a Floodplain Take Longer?
Building a home on a floodplain may take longer, as you need specific permits to develop the land, carefully plan construction to ensure the structure is stable, and go through additional inspection stages.
Plan & Build in South Carolina with Blythe Custom Homes
Visit Blythe Custom Homes online to start planning your new home on a floodplain lot with our custom home builders in South Carolina.
