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Rebuild and Ploodproof When to Floodproof Two projects should be incorporated ioto your repairs: . If your foundation must be rebuilt, you may be able to relo- cate or elevate using the same equipment needed to hold the house up during foundation repairs. Wet floodproofing measures are easy and not very costly. A num- ber of the Rebuilding Tips in this section wili help you as you repair your home. Of course, some of the measures can be implemented after repairs are made. For example, it may be easier to build a floodwall or berm during summer vacation. In the meantime, you should order the floodproofing publications listed at the end of Step 9 and read about how to protect your home with flood proofing. Is Your House Substantially Damaged? Substantially damaged means that the cost to restore your house to its "before damaged" condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the value of your house before the dam- age occurred. 38 done if the walls of your house are strong enough to hold back the floodwaters without collaps- ing. For this reason, dry flood- proofing is not recommended if your flood protection level is more than 2 or 3 feet above ground level. Dry flood proofing is generally not appropriate for houses with basements or crawl spaces. (See pages 8 and 9.) 5. Wet Floodprooftng Wet floodproofing means modifying a building so that floodwaters will cause only mini- mal damage to the building and contents. Building materials below the flood protection levet are replaced with materials that are resistant to water. Flood- waters are allowed into the building to counteract the pres- sure of the water on the outside of the walls. (See drawings, pages 8 and 9.) You should furnish areas that have been wet floodproofed with light, portable furniture that can be easily andquickly moved before a flood. Objects that are difficult to move quickly, such as furnaces, water heaters, appliances, and bookcases, are either put permanently on plat- forms or reinstalled upstairs. Wet floodproofing has one advantage over the other 4 floodproofing types: even the smallest efforts will significantly reduce flood damage the next time. Thousands of dollars can be saved simply by moving furni- ture and electrical appliances out of areas that will flood. If you decide not to use one of the other 4 floodproofing types, you should use wet floodproofing measures as you repair and rebuild. The Rebuilding Tips in this section give more wet flood- proofing ideas. BuildIng Perml, Once you've determined the repairs and floodproofing mea- sures you are going to take, local codes generally require that you get a building permit. Before you make repairs or alterations to your home or property, make sure your plans are reviewed and OK'd by your building department. You may also need to get the OK of your homeown- ers' association or mortgage holder before you make repairs or alterations to your home or property. If you are just replacing items such as carpeting or wallboard, you will probably not need a permit-but you should check with your local building depart- ment before you proceed. You will usually have to get a permit for electrical work and repairs of structural damage, such as bro- ken walls. Most local and state building codes require that a building that is substantially damaged (see box) be treated as a new building. A new residential building must be built so that its