Step 1 of 6 · Property basics

Let's start with the basics.

Address, property type, and your building's value. We'll ask about the actual work in the next step.

Quick check — do you actually need this form?

Two questions. We'll tell you whether to proceed or save yourself the time.

1. Is the property in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?Look it up at msc.fema.gov AND verify with your local building department — local rules sometimes differ from FEMA. Generally: Zones A, AE, AH, AO, V, and VE are flood zones where the 50% rule applies. Zone X (shaded or unshaded, sometimes called X-500) is typically NOT a flood zone for federal purposes.

Project name (so you can come back to it)

Give this project a name you'll recognize. We'll use it on your saved drafts, in confirmation emails, and on your final PDF.

Property address

Start typing — we'll suggest matches and auto-detect your city, state, county, and ZIP.

City

State

ZIP

County

We use this to look up your flood-freeboard requirement.

Property type

This affects which rules apply and the freeboard requirement for your project.

Permit number (optional)

Leave blank if you haven't applied yet.

Approx. project size (optional)

Square footage involved in the renovation.

What is your building worth (not the land)?

We need the value of just the building — your house, the structure itself. Not the land it sits on, and not the total property value.

Quick exampleIf your property is worth $600,000 total — say $200,000 for the lot and $400,000 for the house itself — we want the $400,000 number.

Are you the property owner doing the work yourself?Yes, I'm an owner-builderCheck this only if you'll be doing some or all of the work yourself instead of hiring a licensed contractor.