After dealing with flooding fatigue, a Madeira Beach couple, Phillip Ragan and Mary Barker, have become experts on raising their house to mitigate the constant threat of flooding.

The couple moved into their dream home in 2002, but after years of dealing with flooding, they decided to explore raising their house in 2020. They began the process in 2021.

It took two years and about $400,000, but they believe it was worth it, especially after seeing the damage flood waters caused in their Madeira Beach neighborhood by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Their entire bottom floor is now a garage with walls built to withstand extreme flooding.

“This house is perfect for Mary and me, and we didn’t need a new house because everything about it was sturdy and strong,” Phillip Ragan said. “Now we have new electric, new plumbing, and it’s flood safe. We’re 15 feet, three inches above the ground. I don’t think we’ll get water up here unless my water heater breaks.”

There’s still work to be done, but the couple hopes to have the primary room and bathroom completed in the next few weeks and to move back in soon after.

They recommend the sometimes-stressful project to anyone looking to raise their homes.

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(Image credit: Saundra Weathers/Spectrum Bay News 9)