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 […]
How Drone Surveys Help Redevelop Brownfield Sites
Many old industrial sites in Chicago sit empty. These places are called brownfields. They used to be factories, gas stations, or other businesses. Brownfields can be turned into homes, parks, or shops but only if the land is safe. Drone surveys help developers get fast, safe, and detailed information about these sites. Drones can fly […]
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 […]