How a Flood Elevation Survey and 311 Data Guide Planning
When planning a project, one question always comes up: Will this site flood? The answer is not always simple. A flood elevation survey shows how a property sits compared to the base flood level, but that’s only part of the story. Real-world problems often go beyond the official maps. That’s where Chicago’s 311 data comes […]
FEMA Elevation Certificate: How It Affects Flood Insurance Costs
Why Elevation Certificates Matter for Chicago Homeowners Flooding in Chicago is more common than many homeowners expect. Heavy rains, snowmelt, and older drainage systems often overwhelm neighborhoods near the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and low-lying areas such as Albany Park and South Shore. For property owners in these areas, flood insurance isn’t optional. How much […]
Do Renovations Change Your Elevation Certificate?
Home renovations bring excitement—new designs, better spaces, and upgrades you’ve been dreaming of. In Chicago, many homeowners in flood-prone areas forget about one important detail: how the work might affect their elevation certificate. This document is more than a form—it can change your flood insurance costs, help with permits, and affect your home’s value. What […]