We are already well along in constructing the foundation of the home. Many waterfront home owners are mindful of the flooding that occurred in Ivan and want to get their ground floors well up above any potential reoccurrence of that event. The stem walls and the fill required within can be a major additional cost to building the home and the final slab level should be discussed and agreed upon early in the design process. An elevated home site can also impact the way the exterior elements of the home are approached and you must plan for transitioning in and out of the home.