If your house is structurally sound, you may be able to have the house moved. One option is to have it moved to a higher elevation on the existing lot or raised if that reduces the risk. Or you may be able to move the house to another location outside of the flood-prone area.

• If you are choosing a new lot location, pay attention to the lot drainage, urban runoff, drainage ditches, and maps that indicate elevations, soils, and rock beds in the area. Consider dams that could affect the property.
• Consult the city, county or parish zoning or building department offices to obtain information about flood- and hurricane-prone areas of the community or region and local building requirements. A survey of the properties you are considering should be on file. Ask to see a map of the lot and area.
• Consult a structural engineer and qualified moving professionals to decide if a home is structurally sound and whether moving it is possible.
• Discuss insurance, liability, bonding, and previous house-moving experience with the house-moving company.
• Consider obtaining legal advice and a review of any house-moving contracts.
• Estimate total costs. The cost may include, among other things, a new lot and changing or adding electrical, plumbing, and sewer connections along with other utilities. A basement, slab, or other type of foundation is needed. Obtain estimates for securing and moving the home, lot costs, grading, foundation work, adding utilities, and adding landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways. Estimate repairs that may be needed for cracked plaster or other possible damage to the structure or to another property during the move. Contractors can provide estimates of costs. Compare the costs of all the expenses to that of buying another home outside the flood- or hurricane-prone areas.
• Before finalizing a decision about a lot or location, be sure the house can be moved via the roads and bridges and under or around utilities in the area. Check weight limits of bridges and roads. House movers should consider these items in preparing their estimates.
• The lot you are vacating in the flood- and hurricane-prone area must be sold or disposed of in some manner. The old foundation should be disposed of and the land leveled. Check local requirements. Zoning and codes may restrict the future types of uses for the lot.

There are many factors to consider in addition to those listed here. Before making a decision, seek information from engineers, local or area housing and code officials, others who may have had a house moved, and those in the moving business.