Does a builder know before he builds that the house will be in a flood plain?
Answers:
Yes. You can bet the builder carried special flood insurance during the construction of the home. Insurance Companies are acutely aware of the locations of flood plains and insurance premiums in those areas reflect that knowledge. This is a "caveat emptor" or "buyer beware" situation. Neither the Builder nor his Real Estate Agent (if used by Builder) have to disclose the fact that the home is built in a flood plain. However, if you ask about the possibility of it being in a flood plain before signing a contract, and they knowingly deny that it is, you have grounds to bring suit. Unless your inquiry, and the Builders denial is in writing, proving the denial of prior knowledge can be a very costly legal thing to pursue.
Always Review a Contract to buy a piece of property with your Attorney before you sign it. Many times you can avoid these kinds of costly mistakes.
Other answers:
A builder should know. There are geological maps that show flood plains, earthquake area, etc.
A builder should know. There are geological maps that show flood plains, earthquake area, etc.
In order for a bank to finance construction, the bank will require that information. But, yes, a reputable builder would be familiar with the concept.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is responsible for mapping flood plains in the USA. Go to www.fema.gov and in the navy blue box down the lefthand side of the page, click on FEMA Flood Map Store. That will take you to a page that will guide you to maps for the area you select. Most of their products are $2.50 to $6 plus postage and handling ... some are available as online downloads with no s/h charges. Costs vary greatly, depending on what you are looking for!
Any contractor worth his salt will have checked out this information before he breaks ground for a new construction project!!