UAD 3.6 discussion

[glenn walker]

And here’s the big leap if anyone is paying attention. We currently provide flood zone information for the site only not the improvements, and that information is based on published flood maps. We do not provide information on any elevations (foundation, slab, garage, etc.) because we aren’t qualified to. But flood insurance is based on elevations, so expect pushback from underwriters when your guess doesn’t match up with a licensed surveyors elevation.

There's got to be more to this and I'm sure Fannie will give guidance prior to the final release otherwise it's just going to be a bunch of garbage in garbage out data

 

[J Grant]

And here’s the big leap if anyone is paying attention. We currently provide flood zone information for the site only not the improvements, and that information is based on published flood maps. We do not provide information on any elevations (foundation, slab, garage, etc.) because we aren’t qualified to. But flood insurance is based on elevations, so expect pushback from underwriters when your guess doesn’t match up with a licensed surveyors elevation.

It seems like they are trying to get us to provide ( for free) FEMA risk flood elevations. We will take the liability (or can get a complaint filed )if we are wrong. Incredible.

 

[J Grant]

No one is asking for height, the GSEs are asking for elevation which is based on a benchmark. I get it, you and most others will just guess, which I have no doubt that the GSE talking heads already know. The irony is they are claiming it's used for risk assessment but the data out of the gate is garbage. And BTW we aren't licensed to provide elevations.

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That was my question. What benchmark are we measuring from for a front door threshold? It is being used for front door elevation - elevation from what point A to what point B? Elevation from the landing in front of the door to the bottom of the door?

Do they actually rely on our measurements for climate change or flood risk assessment?

I suppose if the thinking is that they can use non-appraisers to inspect properties for appraisal purposes, the next step is using non-engineers (us) to determine a front door elevation risk for flood and climate risk purposes.

I hope I never need surgery. If things continue along this trend the hospital CEO's wll alow an orderly to put on scrubs, give them a one hour training module and let them operate.

 

[Tom D]

For flood areas, i suppose some of yous have to be carefully measuring heights. The ansi flooding, thru the front door, measuring must be accurate within 1/10th of a foot.
As per my ansi measuring standard, the flooding point of the dwelling is 1.2 feet during any 100 year period.

 

[J Grant]

For flood areas, i suppose some of yous have to be carefully measuring heights. The ansi flooding, thru the front door, measuring must be accurate within 1/10th of a foot.
As per my ansi measuring standard, the flooding point of the dwelling is 1.2 feet during any 100 year period.

What are we measuring from the ground in front of the door up to the bottom of teh door?
WE are not surveyors. Of course, we can be "off." Rising waters do what they are going to do, and they can breach these low heights in a storm.

Will this open appraisers up to a flood of lawsuits? ( pun intended)

It is not always the length of time professionals charge $ for, it is the value of the service and liability for it. Since the argument might be well, it only takes a few minutes to measure the front door elevation, and the appraiser is there anyway. The information must be valuable to them or they would not ask for it.

 

[J Grant]

• 
  
• AI Overview
  
  
  Front door elevation and flood risk measurement
  When assessing flood risk, particularly for properties located in flood zones, the elevation of the lowest floor (which can include the lowest enclosed area) is crucial, not just the front door itself. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is the anticipated height of floodwaters in a major flood, is the key benchmark.
  Here's how this plays out in flood risk measurement and insurance:
  • Elevation Certificate (EC): This document, typically prepared by a licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect, certifies the elevation of your building's lowest floor in relation to the BFE.
  • Determining the "Lowest Floor": The lowest floor's elevation measurement is critical. In A zones (areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding), the lowest floor elevation is measured at the top of the elevated building's floor. In V zones (coastal high-hazard areas), it's measured at the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member that supports the elevated building.
  Note_ the avove pasted from an AI look-up. I bold type itali their statement about a licensed surveyor , engineer or architect - what do they get paid to do measure and report it?
• 
  
  

 

[cashcatz]

We will take the liability (or can get a complaint filed )if we are wrong. Incredible.

If that's true, that's some real BS.

 

[J Grant]

For flood areas, i suppose some of yous have to be carefully measuring heights. The ansi flooding, thru the front door, measuring must be accurate within 1/10th of a foot.
As per my ansi measuring standard, the flooding point of the dwelling is 1.2 feet during any 100 year period.

accurate from what point to what point?
What is the benchmark measured from - the ground before the front porch step up, if there is a front porch, and then to the door bottom?

 

[J Grant]

AI Overview

A surveyor typically charges between $170 and $2,000 for a flood elevation certificate, with an average cost around $600. The exact cost can vary based on factors like property type, location, and complexity of the site.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Average Cost:
  While the average is $600, you might find prices ranging from $400 to $750, depending on various factors.
  
  
• Range:
  The cost can be as low as $170 or go up to $2,000 or more, particularly for complex properties or high-demand areas.

 

[Tom D]

AI Overview

A surveyor typically charges between $170 and $2,000 for a flood elevation certificate, with an average cost around $600. The exact cost can vary based on factors like property type, location, and complexity of the site.

HEY!!! Stop whinning J Gant. We bill a $600 cost approach, a $600 income approach, a $600 marketing time thingeys, a $600 visual inspection of the comps, the new to be soon $600 light uad3 home inspection. Well, why not add on a $600 door flood cert to your invoice. Ehhh, never mind, shoot me now before i do it to me self.