Whether your building a new house or want to ensure the longevity of your existing one, find out how to flood proof your house!

Whether you’re building a new house or want to ensure the longevity of your existing one, understanding how to flood proof a house is essential. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, flood protection is no longer just a precaution — it’s a necessity.

Flood-proofing your home not only protects your property and possessions but also adds peace of mind, reduces insurance costs, and helps maintain property value. From construction tips to landscaping ideas, this ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your home for potential flooding.

Assessing your property’s vulnerability to flooding

Before you can effectively flood-proof your home, it’s important to understand the level of risk your property faces. Start by checking whether your home is located in a designated flood zone using tools such as your local council’s flood overlay maps or national resources like Geoscience Australia’s Flood Study Web Portal. These maps highlight areas at risk of riverine, coastal, and flash flooding.

If you’re unsure, your local council or a licensed surveyor can provide a detailed flood risk report for your specific block of land. It’s also worth talking to neighbours or reviewing historical flood data in your suburb. Past flooding events are often a reliable indicator of future risk.

In addition to location, look at your property’s elevation, drainage, and soil conditions. Low-lying homes, homes built at the base of a slope, or properties with poor drainage are naturally more susceptible. Properties near rivers, creeks, or the coastline may also face higher risks due to rising water levels during storms or heavy rainfall. Check how water flows across your land during a downpour. Does it pool near your home’s foundation? Does it drain away quickly or stick around? Understanding these site-specific factors can help you and your builder plan targeted flood mitigation strategies that truly protect your home, rather than relying on generic solutions.

Key flood-proofing strategies for your home

There are two main approaches to flood protection: keeping water out of your home (dry floodproofing) and allowing water in while minimising damage (wet floodproofing). The ideal strategy usually involves a combination of both, depending on the structure of your home and the level of risk in your area.

Investing in prevention early—whether you’re renovating or building from scratch—can save you thousands in repairs and recovery costs in the future.

Elevation and grading

One of the most effective ways to flood proof a house is to elevate it. Raising your home above the base flood level can significantly reduce the chance of water entering during a flood. For new builds, this can be incorporated into your design. For existing homes, solutions like raising the floor level, installing raised foundations, or building on stilts may be possible.

In addition, proper grading around your property ensures that water flows away from your home, not towards it. Sloping the ground away from the house and creating swales or drainage channels can help divert water.

Installing flood barries and flood gates

Flood barriers and gates are excellent for temporary or permanent protection. There are several types available, including removable flood panels, inflatable barriers, and automatic flood gates that rise when water levels increase.
You can also install barriers over doorways, garage entries, and windows. These systems are especially useful for homes that have limited elevation options or are located in high-risk flood zones.

Creating Flood Proof House Plans

If you’re building a new home in a flood-prone area, the design phase is your best opportunity to incorporate flood resilience into your home’s structure. Working with an experienced building designer or architect, like our team at Concept Design Construct, ensures your plans meet local flood zone regulations while also protecting your investment long-term. Key design features might include raising the home above the base flood level using stilts, piers or elevated slab foundations, and avoiding building below-grade rooms such as basements, which are extremely vulnerable to water ingress.

Other considerations include locating key infrastructure, like electrical systems, hot water units, and air conditioning systems, on upper levels or high up on walls to prevent damage. Open-plan layouts, water-resistant internal finishes, and garage placement are all part of a thoughtful flood-resistant design. Importantly, your builder should understand the specific flood risks in your area and design a home that not only meets code but is tailored to your property’s terrain and exposure.

Materials and techniques for waterproofing your home

Selecting the right building materials can significantly reduce flood damage. In areas likely to experience flooding, it’s essential to use water-resistant materials for walls, floors, and insulation.

Materials to include in your waterproof home:

  • Concrete
  • ceramic tile
  • Brick
  • fibre cement sheeting
  • marine-grade stainless steel.

Materials to avoid:

  • Plasterboard
  • untreated timber
  • carpet at ground level.

Effective waterproofing techniques also include applying sealants and waterproof membranes to foundations, external walls, and floors. Installing flood vents or smart drainage systems can help equalise water pressure during a flood, reducing structural damage. Don’t overlook important mechanical systems either. Make sure to elevate electrical outlets and switchboards, and install sump pumps with backup battery power. Ensuring your waterproofing is up to code and inspected by professionals can make a huge difference if your home is ever affected by rising waters.

Landscaping tips for effective flood management

The way your outdoor space is designed can be a powerful line of defence against flooding. Strategic landscaping doesn’t just add curb appeal, it can also redirect and absorb stormwater before it becomes a problem. One of the most effective methods is using permeable surfaces like gravel, permeable pavers, or reinforced turf instead of solid concrete or asphalt. These materials allow water to soak into the ground rather than pooling on the surface.
You can also incorporate rain gardens, swales, and dry creek beds to capture runoff and guide it away from your home. Adding vegetation with deep roots helps improve soil structure and prevent erosion. Retaining walls and berms (raised barriers) can also be used to redirect water.

And don’t forget to regularly maintain your gutters, downpipes, and drains—clogged systems can quickly lead to overflowing water that damages both your landscaping and your home. When done correctly, landscaping becomes a natural, beautiful, and effective way to manage floodwaters.

Dealing with insurance for flooding

Flood insurance can be a complex topic in Australia. Some policies cover flood damage, while others may exclude it or have very specific definitions. It’s important to understand exactly what your insurance covers — and exactly what it doesn’t.

Keep an up-to-date inventory of valuables, take photos of your property, and review your policy regularly to make sure you’re protected.

Best australian home insurances for flooding

When it comes to protecting your home from the financial aftermath of flooding, choosing the right home insurance is just as important as physical flood-proofing measures. Not all policies include flood cover as standard, so it’s essential to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully and ask your insurer specific questions about the extent of their flood protection.

AAMI
AAMI offers comprehensive flood cover. Both AAMI Home Building Insurance and AAMI Home Contents Insurance include cover for damage caused by floods.

Find out more about this insurance here

Bendigo Bank
Bendigo Bank offers three tiers of building insurance, with each of them offering flood cover at varying degrees. You can choose the cover level that is right for you and your home.

Find out more about this insurance here

Youi
Youi covers flood in their house insurance policy. It also offers extra benefits such as counselling services in the face of an event like a flood.

Find out more about this insurance here

Picking the right insurance for you is more than just flood-proofing, however. This is just a guide and your own research should be done before choosing a home insurance policy.

Is your home in a flood zone? Check here!

If you’re looking to buy a new home, block of land, or if you’re worried you might be in the path of a potential flood, it’s important to know exactly the risks your home may face. Use the following Flood Risk Tracker to see if your home is at risk.

You can also contact your local council for flood overlays and planning information for the most up to date flood details for your zone.

Hire a flood-proofing builder

When it comes to protecting your home from flooding, the expertise of your builder matters more than you might think. Hiring a builder with proven experience in flood-proofing construction ensures that your home isn’t just compliant with local building codes—but that it’s built to withstand the unique environmental challenges of your property. From choosing flood-resistant materials to designing effective water diversion systems, a specialist builder understands how to integrate flood mitigation into every stage of your build or renovation.

At Concept Design Construct, we work closely with homeowners in flood-prone areas to deliver customised flood-resilient homes that don’t compromise on style or comfort. We assess your site’s elevation, drainage, and overall flood risk before developing tailored strategies such as raised slab construction, pier-and-beam designs, and integrated water redirection landscaping. Whether you’re starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing property, having the right team on your side makes all the difference in the long-term performance and safety of your home.

Our team is also well-versed in local council requirements, ensuring a smooth approval process and helping you navigate any complexities when building in designated flood zones. By choosing a flood-smart builder, you’re investing in peace of mind, reduced maintenance costs, and a future-proof home that can stand up to whatever the elements bring.

Flood Proof Your House Today

Whether you’re building a brand-new home or upgrading your existing property, taking proactive steps now can save you from heartache, costly repairs, and the emotional toll that often follows a flood event. From understanding your property’s flood risk to designing smarter house plans, using durable waterproof materials, and implementing clever landscaping, there are many ways to reduce your home’s vulnerability. And just as importantly, the right home insurance and expert building team can provide added protection and peace of mind.

At Concept Design Construct, we specialise in flood-resilient homes that are both practical and beautiful. Our team is ready to help you plan, build, or renovate with confidence—knowing that your home will be ready for whatever comes its way.