Past storms have shown that sound design and construction can significantly reduce the loss of life and damage to property. FEMA has developed this design manual with the purpose to provide the community of homebuilders, contractors and local engineering professionals with recommended foundation designs and guidance for rebuilding homes destroyed by hurricanes in the Gulf Coast.

Standard ASCE/SEI 24-05 provides minimum requirements for flood-resistant design and construction of structures located in flood hazard areas.

This manual is for designers, developers, builders, and others who wish to build elevated residential structures in flood-prone areas prudently. Contents: Environmental and Regulatory Factors Site Analysis and Design Architectural Design Examples Design and Construction Guidelines Cost Analysis Resource Materials