• Deployable flood barrier systems Inflatable or water-filled berms about $ 150 per linear foot
• Water-resistant drywall, e. g. Endura Depending on complexity $ 15 / SF and up
These are just a few examples showing the financial impact these flood prevention components can have on a community. It quickly adds up to amounts which need to be carefully planned and should be included in the reserves.
Another important consideration is the very basic insurance coverage for flood events. So far, I have to meet an association which was made whole after a flood event! Therefore, it is more than prudent to plan for the future and install flood preventing measures to protect your community.
Funding Recommendations
Flood-proofing components are capital items with predictable deterioration patterns and should be included in the reserve funding plan. Communities located in FeMA Special Flood Hazard Areas or in repetitive-loss zones should prioritize funding these items at enhanced levels due to higher exposure.
Depending on the size, number of components, and complexity of the community, the flood proofing components can be listed separately( larger associations), or reserved for in a lumpsum under the header“ Flood Proofing”( smaller associations).
If an association has no flood proofing or stormwater management reserves in place, the first step is to reserve appropriate amounts for planned components. once the flood proofing measures are in place, the reserve specialist will need to determine the useful life and set aside funds for eventual future replacement thereof.
The Professional Recommendation
It is advisable for the association to engage a civil engineer or reserve specialist every 3 – 5 years to review flood exposure, drainage capacity, and any new requirements introduced by the applicable building code or local jurisdictions’ ordinances.
Conclusion
A successful flood-proofing strategy for associations relies on a combination of physical improvements, operational readiness, and long-term planning. Associations should work collaboratively with property managers, reserve specialists, engineers, and insurance advisers to evaluate vulnerabilities and design a multi-layered protection system that reduces risk and enhances the community’ s resilience.
Patricia Staebler, RS, SRA, is a reserve specialist, a commercial appraiser and consultant serving the condominium and homeowner’ s association industry specializing in insurance appraisals, 50 % FEMA appraisal, reserve studies, SIRS, and turnover and milestone reports. She has published several articles, wrote multiple CEU seminars and actively teaches for the Appraisal Institute and other organizations.
WWW. CAIWeSTFlorIDA. org community • March 2026
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