Low land and floods

After all this rain it seems appropriate to talk what it would be like to have your house and land in a flood area, and watching the water levels rise.

We have agreed that the land is the most valuable thing provided it can be utilized in all weather, especially for crops, cattle, or for fresh air, views and privacy, etc. If land does get affected by swollen creeks and gullies it does lose some value as crops get spoiled, cows/stock get caught in currents and carried downstream. fences get washed away.  Homes, nevertheless in a "safe spot" can give great views just the same.

A block that has minimal high ground can be difficult to renovate/adjust to cope with the high water levels that seem to come about every few years. However, having a lowset brick house takes time and money to change, though it would definitely be worth it for the peace of mind knowing the property will ultimately be valued heaps higher (a forced saving for the future) plus add many more great features to the home. Personally, adding a top story to a brick lowset home would increase the usable area and give great views over the slopes. A wooden home gives more flexibility when it comes to lifting, and building in underneath, and cheaper in the first instance. Stairs/internally can be a bug-bear to some people though installing a ramp may be possible.

I did not say to demolish the low set brick home, but use it as a car garage, rumpus area, store kids toys, Dad's toys, as well as install shelving/storage at least a meter off the ground. There would be some savings by using the existing roofing, sliding windows, sliding doors, internal doors and cupboards, etc particularly if the upstairs level was a mirror image of the basement.

To me this seems a good project, and one that will give the owner rest and peace of mind when the next flood is imminent.

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