Will FEMA Pay To Lift My House? What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home (and Your Wallet)

Homeowners across the Mid-Atlantic — from coastal New Jersey to flood-prone parts of Pennsylvania — are asking an urgent question: “Will FEMA pay to raise my house?”

If your home has been damaged by flooding or is at risk of future flood damage, lifting your house might not just be a smart investment — it could be partially or fully funded by federal mitigation programs. The process can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and a trusted contractor like SJ Hauck Construction by your side, you can navigate FEMA’s programs, local floodplain rules, and the construction process with confidence.

This guide walks you through:

• What FEMA will (and won’t) pay for

• The FEMA 50% Rule and how it affects your home

• How house lifting works and why it matters

• The benefits for Mid-Atlantic homeowners

• Step-by-step actions to get started

  
  

So...Will FEMA Pay to Raise My House?

Short answer: Yes — if your situation qualifies.

FEMA offers financial support through two main programs:

1. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

After a major disaster, states can apply for mitigation funding from FEMA. One of the key eligible activities is house elevation, particularly in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). These funds help cover the cost of lifting flood-prone structures to comply with current floodplain regulations and prevent future damage.

⏱️ Timing matters: HMGP funds are only available after a federal disaster declaration. You must work with your state or local mitigation office to apply — homeowners cannot apply directly to FEMA.

2. Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage

If your home carries an active National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy and has been substantially damaged, you may be eligible for up to full coverage of the project in additional funding to comply with local flood ordinances — including elevation.

To qualify:

• Your home must be located in an SFHA

  
  

• The community must participate in the NFIP

  
  

• The cost to repair the home must meet or exceed 50% of its pre-damage market value

  
  

What Is the FEMA 50% Rule?

Also called the Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Rule, this regulation determines when a home must be brought up to current floodplain codes.

Here’s how it works:

If the cost of repairs or improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value (excluding land), the entire structure must be modified to comply with current flood zone regulations. That typically means:

• Elevating the home above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus freeboard (usually 1–2 feet above BFE)

  
  

• Bringing utilities above flood level

  
  

• Using flood-resistant materials for lower levels

  
  

If your home is damaged and located in an SFHA, the 50% Rule can require you to elevate — even if you weren’t planning to.

Why does this matter?

• If you don’t elevate, you may not receive future permits, or you could face fines or removal from NFIP coverage.

  
  

• Elevation can be expensive — but with ICC and HMGP, it may be more affordable than rebuilding later.

  
  

What Does House Lifting Actually Involve?

At SJ Hauck Construction, we specialize in structural elevation, and while every project is unique, the general process looks like this:

1. Planning & Permitting

• Site evaluation, flood zone determination, engineering review

• Local permitting and coordination with floodplain managers

• Documentation for ICC or grant submission

  
  

2. Separation & Utility Disconnects

• Disconnect electric, gas, plumbing, and HVAC systems

• Prepare for elevation without damaging core systems

  
  

3. Hydraulic Lifting

• Steel beams and synchronized jacks lift the entire structure

• This is done carefully to maintain the home’s structural integrity

  
  

4. Foundation Construction

• New or extended piers, pilings, or crawlspace foundations are built

• The house is lowered onto its new, higher foundation

  
  

5. Reconnection & Finishing

• Utilities are reconnected, steps and decks rebuilt

• Landscaping and grading are adjusted to prevent water pooling

  
  

Why It Matters in the Mid-Atlantic

Between the Atlantic coastline, river systems, and increasingly unpredictable storms, Mid-Atlantic homes are under threat. Elevating your home isn’t just about fixing past damage — it’s about future-proofing your largest investment.

Benefits for Mid-Atlantic Homeowners:

• Lower flood insurance premiums

  
  

• Improved property value and marketability

  
  

• Increased resilience against future hurricanes or Nor’easters

  
  

• Code compliance to avoid violations or denied claims

  
  

In places like Atlantic County, Cape May County, Gloucester County, and coastal Delaware, house lifting is becoming a necessity, not a luxury.

What You Should Do Next (Step-by-Step)

Step	What to Do	Why It Matters
1	Find out your flood zone using FEMA Flood Map Service Center	This determines whether you’re in an SFHA, which affects eligibility.
2	Get a cost estimate for repairs or elevation	Helps determine if the 50% Rule will be triggered.
3	Talk to your local floodplain manager	They’ll issue the determination and confirm ICC eligibility.
4	Review your flood insurance policy	See if you’re covered for ICC or if you qualify for grants.
5	Call SJ Hauck Construction for a lifting consultation	We guide you through planning, permitting, and lifting from start to finish.

Pro Tips from the Field

• Don’t wait until it’s too late. Even if your home hasn’t been substantially damaged, voluntary elevation may still qualify for funding in some states.

  
  

• Document everything. Photos, estimates, and permits will be key when applying for ICC or HMGP.

  
  

• Go higher than required. Adding 2–3 feet above BFE may drastically reduce future insurance costs.

  
  

• Work with experts. House lifting isn’t a DIY job. It requires experienced structural movers, engineers, and code compliance professionals.

  
  

Why SJ Hauck Construction?

At SJ Hauck Construction, we’ve spent well over a decade helping Mid-Atlantic families and homeowners protect what matters most. Our house lifting experts are:

• Fully licensed and insured

• Experienced with ICC claims and FEMA compliance

• Known for clear communication and honest pricing

• Local to New Jersey and Southeastern PA — we know the terrain, weather, and regulations inside and out

  
  

Whether you’re recovering from a flood, planning for the future, or trying to understand your options, we’re here to help lift the weight — literally and figuratively.

📞 Get Started Today

Call us at (609) 927-6700 or contact us online to schedule a free elevation consultation. Don’t wait until the next storm — let’s raise your home and your peace of mind.