Send us a text

Flooding is a harsh reality for communities across Florida and the U.S. Rising tides, storm surges, and unpredictable weather have left many searching for solutions beyond sandbags and hope. But what if you could physically lift your home—or even an entire building—out of harm’s way?

In this episode of Take It To the Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Wayne Fairley, founder and managing director of Planet 3 (P3) Elevation, to explore the groundbreaking work of structural elevation. This innovative flood protection method quite literally raises homes and buildings above flood levels, providing a long-term safeguard against water damage.

The process may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s real—and remarkably effective. Skilled teams tunnel beneath structures, creating a network of passages to access the structural supports. Using hydraulic jacks and strategically placed concrete blocks, they gradually lift entire structures, slab and all, to safer elevations.

What’s even more surprising? The disruption to homeowners is minimal. Most families only need to leave for about a week during the lifting phase, with no need to move furniture. When they return, their home is exactly as they left it—just several feet higher. For residents of flood-prone areas like Houston’s Meyerland, where some have endured multiple remodels after repeat flooding, this solution has been life-changing.

Beyond flood protection, elevation restores property values, slashes insurance premiums, and delivers priceless peace of mind. For many, lifting their home isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. While the cost—typically $200,000–$280,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home—is significant, it often proves more economical than repeated flood repairs. Plus, FEMA grants may help offset expenses.

As climate change drives more frequent and severe flooding across the United States, structural elevation offers a possible solution that works with nature rather than against it. Whether you're dealing with coastal storm surges, river overflows, or drainage issues from nearby development, lifting your home might be the most reliable way to rise above the water—literally.

Conversation Highlights Include:

• The ins and outs of the elevation process
• Grants available to homeowners who want to elevate their homes
• Height or weight limitations on the structures
• Minimum and maximum elevation heights
• Elevation for multifamily buildings
• The Slab Variable
• Potential downsides to elevating a structure
• What’s next for P3?

Related Links:

• Online Class: Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
• Article: Rising Sea Levels Bring a Wave of Risk — Even in Unexpected Locales
• Podcast: Navigating the Negative Impacts of Sea Level Rise with Professor Harold R. Wanless and Dr. Esber Andiroglu