Container home in a flood zone: raising the house and planning drainage

Flood risk is one of the first things to check for any site. A container home can be raised on a foundation, which protects the living space, but the design must follow local flood rules.

Check the flood map

Look up the official flood map and the design flood level for the site. Ask the local office whether the lot is in a regulated floodway.

Raise the floor

Raising the house on piers or a raised platform keeps the living level above the expected water. Plan the access steps and ramp at the new height.

Flood-resistant materials

Use materials that tolerate water below the flood line, such as concrete, sealed steel and treated timber. Keep electrics high.

Drainage

Keep the ground around the house graded away and avoid blocking the flow of water across the lot.

Check the floor height in the UnedPod configurator, which lets you raise the foundation in the 3D view, and read the foundation guide.