Residents Hire Company to Raise Their Home
In response to increasing flood threats and sea-level rise, a group of homeowners in Key Largo, Florida, has taken proactive measures by hiring a Tampa-based company to lift their home over 20 feet. This large-scale home elevation is a growing trend in flood-prone coastal areas where residents are facing the dual challenges of extreme weather and shifting environmental conditions.
The Decision to Lift
Homeowners in Key Largo have been increasingly impacted by floods in recent years, with storm surges and rising tides pushing seawater further into neighborhoods. For some, the risks have reached a point where raising their homes, while costly, is seen as a worthwhile investment in both safety and long-term property value.
The Tampa company hired for the project specializes in home elevation, using hydraulic lifts and reinforced materials to secure properties several feet above ground level. For these Key Largo residents, the lift to 20 feet provides a significant buffer against potential floods and meets local building code updates focused on climate resilience.
The Process: Raising a Home
The home-lifting process requires engineering expertise, including a detailed assessment of the home’s structure and the surrounding soil. Hydraulic lifts then elevate the home in stages, ensuring stability. Once the structure reaches its new height, the home is secured on an elevated foundation, and utilities like plumbing and electrical connections are updated to match the raised height.
This kind of project typically spans weeks and requires close coordination with local authorities and utility companies to ensure the home remains accessible and compliant with regulations. Costs for such an operation can range widely, but Key Largo residents are willing to invest, citing the importance of preparing for the area’s rising flood risks.
A Growing Trend in Florida
With climate change driving a rise in sea levels and intensifying storms, more Florida homeowners are choosing to lift their homes. Government initiatives, including grant programs and insurance incentives, are now available to support these preventative actions, especially in areas like the Florida Keys, where flooding is becoming a yearly concern.
While lifting homes is no small investment, the trend highlights a shift in how coastal residents are adapting to new realities in storm-prone regions. By taking proactive measures, homeowners in Key Largo are setting an example for climate resilience that could soon become the norm across vulnerable coastal communities.
