Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly recommended that homeowners interview contractors before hiring an elevation company, given the serious risks involved in the house raising process. The questions below can help provide information that will assist in that decision.

  1. "Are you licensed in to perform work in Louisiana?"

    Homeowners must require that elevation contractors carry an active Louisiana State Contractors License. Any licensed building contractor can legally go under contract to raise a house, but the actual "elevation" of the structure must be performed by a contractor with a commercial license that has certain classifications on it. Be sure to ask your contractor who will be performing the lifting activity. A list of current licensed contractors is online at the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

  2. "Do you carry insurance?"

    The contractor must carry general liability, rigger's endorsement (or exclude the exclusion of custody, care, and control on the general liability), workman's compensation, and an auto policy. Ask to see certificates before moving forward.

  3. "Who develops your plans for construction?"

    A registered civil engineer is required by law to review, add a stamp of approval, and submit the scope of work to the local government, before the contractor can obtain an elevation permit.

  4. "Can you provide references for prior work?"

    Check into prior work done by the contractor and subcontractors to see the quality of work performed.

  5. "Do you meet all of the new requirements mandated by the HMGP?"

    To give homeowners an extra layer of protection, the HMGP released a multitude of new requirements that contractors now have to meet to participate in the program. These requirements are being able to furnish a bond, more stringent insurance requirements, and being able to furnish a warranty upon completion. Ask your contractor if they can meet all of these new requirements before signing any paperwork.

  6. Are you on the probation, suspension, or disqualified list?

    The HMGP has released a list of contractors that are on a probationary list, are not allowed to receive APO funding, and have been disqualified from the program. Follow this link to see who is currently on it: https://mitigatela.org/

  7. "If you currently have a contractor, is my paperwork up to date?"

    If you currently have a contractor that you have signed with, ask if all of your paperwork and all of the requirements by the contractor have been submitted. Here is a checklist of all of the items that need to be submitted to move your paperwork forward:

    a. Contract (if an APO was not released prior to 9/01/11, an amendment must be signed stating that a warranty will be provided)

    b. Elevation quote

    c. OCD-DRU Covenants, along with APO attachments

    d. Construction contract rider

    e. Promissory note or proof of funds for RHIE

    f. Engineered sketch to verify proper square footage

    g. Elevation certificate

    h. Bonding letter of intent