There is no need to raise your home if no work is being performed. An existing home may remain at its current elevation. However, if your construction project meets the definition of a “substantial improvement” or “substantial damage”, you will be required to elevate your home to the new elevation standards established by the REAL rules. Additionally, the Uniform Construction Code requires all existing homes undergoing a substantial improvement or that have been substantially damaged be made compliant with the current and most stringent floodplain regulations. Remember, “substantial improvement” and “substantial damage” means that a construction project has exceeded 50% of the improved value of the property or that the total cost of work performed in the prior 10 years exceeds that 50% threshold.