Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Buying a house in the flood zone

OldDutch · 09-30-2013, 11:34 AM

I'll give my 2 cents as well.

If you are looking to do an infill or even in general, I would think about Bigtimes advice on building design. It probably will help you with insurance and the Bank, although that is not a guarantee.

I live down the block from him and ours was one of the few that actually was pure sewer backup. Our house sits only 4.5 feet into the ground and the windows are 1.5 ft above grade. No water came in via door, window, or wall/floor cracks. It all cam through the floor drain and bathroom plumbing.

We had no back flow or sump, so I just got those installed. Total bill for both was $3800, but I got an upgrade on the sump (battery backup) so you could put both in for $3300.

Now the question is if this will actually do anything. That I cannot answer until the next time. In theory my walls should hold again, and the back flow should work. Sump is there just in case.

For Sunnyside, it is a good question. However, I think it is a case by case in how the home flooded, and what has been done since to prevent future flood. Another very good question to ask is if it flood once or twice or more since 2009. If it basement flooded in July 2013 a second time (when outfalls were closed) it is in a much more risky spot. We didn't, but homes just down the street did. Really it is your topography mixed with what sewer line you are on. The sewer system in our community that needs upgrading/redesign, and although the city says they understand, well 2009 they said the same thing.

So, am I saying don't buy in Sunnyside? Of course not, but realize that it is not a simple answer. There are a few homes there not even in a floodway to start. I would look at the maps, then ask if the home was ever flooded. Second ask how many times since 2009 the home has flooded. Then ask how the water entered the home. Then see what steps have been taken to protect the home in future. Maybe even look at the water table around the home if possible. That should give you some confidence.

So on its face that may scare off some folks, however if you do buy into Sunnyside, especially our area of Sunnyside, you buy into something pretty special (not Oilers special). Anyways, I have been there 4 years and would not think living anywhere else. It really is a hidden gem in Calgary, and my wife and I are looking of ways to make it work here instead of leaving. It is just too good.

09-30-2013, 11:34 AM	#11
OldDutch #1 Goaltender Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North of the River, South of the Bluff Exp:	I'll give my 2 cents as well. If you are looking to do an infill or even in general, I would think about Bigtimes advice on building design. It probably will help you with insurance and the Bank, although that is not a guarantee. I live down the block from him and ours was one of the few that actually was pure sewer backup. Our house sits only 4.5 feet into the ground and the windows are 1.5 ft above grade. No water came in via door, window, or wall/floor cracks. It all cam through the floor drain and bathroom plumbing. We had no back flow or sump, so I just got those installed. Total bill for both was $3800, but I got an upgrade on the sump (battery backup) so you could put both in for $3300. Now the question is if this will actually do anything. That I cannot answer until the next time. In theory my walls should hold again, and the back flow should work. Sump is there just in case. For Sunnyside, it is a good question. However, I think it is a case by case in how the home flooded, and what has been done since to prevent future flood. Another very good question to ask is if it flood once or twice or more since 2009. If it basement flooded in July 2013 a second time (when outfalls were closed) it is in a much more risky spot. We didn't, but homes just down the street did. Really it is your topography mixed with what sewer line you are on. The sewer system in our community that needs upgrading/redesign, and although the city says they understand, well 2009 they said the same thing. So, am I saying don't buy in Sunnyside? Of course not, but realize that it is not a simple answer. There are a few homes there not even in a floodway to start. I would look at the maps, then ask if the home was ever flooded. Second ask how many times since 2009 the home has flooded. Then ask how the water entered the home. Then see what steps have been taken to protect the home in future. Maybe even look at the water table around the home if possible. That should give you some confidence. So on its face that may scare off some folks, however if you do buy into Sunnyside, especially our area of Sunnyside, you buy into something pretty special (not Oilers special). Anyways, I have been there 4 years and would not think living anywhere else. It really is a hidden gem in Calgary, and my wife and I are looking of ways to make it work here instead of leaving. It is just too good.