How high does your home sit above the flood line?
An Elevation Certificate is the official FEMA document that answers that question with precise, measured numbers. It can lower a flood insurance premium and is often required to build near the water.
A number that can change your premium.
An Elevation Certificate is the official FEMA document that must be completed by a licensed surveyor. We measure your home’s critical heights—like your lowest floor and surrounding ground—and compare them to FEMA's regional flood baselines.
Insurance companies use these precise numbers to calculate your policy; if your home sits safely above the flood line, this document is the proof that can lower your premium. Additionally, local townships usually mandate these certificates both before and after construction in flood zones. Be sure to mention you need an Elevation Certificate when you request your quote!
When you need an Elevation Certificate.
Buying flood insurance, or lowering your premium
Insurance companies use this certificate to calculate your exact policy costs. If your home sits higher than the standard flood map assumes, this document serves as the official proof that can dramatically reduce your annual premium
CommonMeeting lender requirements
If your property sits within a mapped high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender will likely require you to carry flood insurance. To issue that policy, insurance providers will require an official Elevation Certificate before closing.
CommonBuilding or rebuilding in a flood zone
Local building departments typically require an initial certificate during the design phase to approve your construction permits. A second certificate is required once construction is finished to prove the new floor height complies with local safety codes.
Time-sensitiveApplying for a FEMA map change (LOMA)
If you believe your property was incorrectly grouped into a high-risk flood zone, you can apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). This certificate delivers the precise, scientifically measured elevations FEMA requires to officially remove your home from the flood map.
Common
Everything that comes with an Elevation Certificate from ELS.
- 1Certified FEMA Elevation Certificate fully completed and officially signed and sealed by a licensed New Jersey Professional Land Surveyor.
- 2Field-measured elevations of your lowest floor and the surrounding grade.
- 3Photographs of the building as the current FEMA form requires.
- 4Direct delivery to you, your insurance agent, or your lender.
We measure it right so it counts the first time.
An Elevation Certificate is only useful if it is filled out correctly. A misread datum or a missed reference point can send the form back from the insurer or the town. We complete the current official FEMA form in full and a licensed PLS reviews it before it is sealed.
We tie every elevation to a verified field benchmark, ensuring your numbers withstand any inspection by an insurer or floodplain administrator.
If your agent or township contacts you with a question post-delivery, we will respond within one business day to guide you through the paperwork.
From request to a sealed certificate.
Request a quote
Send the address. We confirm the flood zone and reply within one business day with a flat fee.
Field visit
Our crew measures the floor and grade elevations and takes the photographs the form requires.
Form and review
We complete the FEMA form, and a licensed PLS checks all information before it is signed and sealed.
Delivery
The sealed certificate goes to you and, if you ask, straight to your insurance agent or town.
Elevation Certificate questions, answered.
Request a quote in under two minutes.
Send the property address, the type of survey you think you need, and a closing date if there is one. We’ll come back within one business day with a flat fee and a target delivery window.