Case Studies
J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida
Read MoreFollowing a severe storm, a home sustained significant flood damage, including ruined flooring, walls, and electrical systems. This single-story home is in a special flood hazard area (SFHA). The repairs were estimated to cost about $80,000, prompting the owner to submit a permit application to the local building department. After review, the local building department denied the permit because the repair costs exceeded 50% of the home’s market value of $150,000, triggering FEMA’s 50% Rule. According to this rule, these repairs were classified as “substantial improvements,” meaning the construction also needed to bring the house into compliance with the floodplain management requirements of the area before the permit would be approved.
J.S. Held was retained to provide expert guidance and support to revise the repair plans to ensure permit approval. Our team conducted a thorough assessment of the property to determine the necessary elevation above the base flood elevation (BFE) plus any required freeboard. We developed a comprehensive repair plan that incorporated flood-resistant materials, elevated the structure, and relocated utilities to elevated areas. We also ensured that lower-level enclosures were limited to parking, storage, and building access, and eliminated basements or below-grade areas. Additionally, we coordinated with local authorities to ensure all regulatory requirements were met and facilitated the permit approval process.
Mike Rimoldi, MPA, CBO, CFM, CBC
Senior Project Manager,
Forensic Architecture & Engineering
+1 813 676 1050
[email protected]
> Code Upgrade & Compliance
J.S. Held’s team of licensed and certified code professionals assist clients on matters involving local, state, and national code upgrade/compliance requirements. We determine or establish compliance by researching, collecting, and assessing information on existing configurations, proposed configurations, or work performed.
> Forensic Engineering
J.S. Held’s forensic engineering experts include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, and biomechanical engineers. Our forensic engineering analyses address what happened, why it happened, when the incident occurred, extent of damage, repairability, and applicable code upgrade/compliance requirements.