Riverside Builders LLC | The Piling People

Riverside Builders, known as "The Piling People," is a third-generation family business specializing in piling construction for elevated homes in Eastern North Carolina. Established in the mid-1960s, the company began as a response to the need for raised homes in flood-prone areas near the Pamlico River. Over the years, they have refined their techniques, using advanced equipment to ensure precision and durability in their projects. Riverside Builders has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of elevated coastal homes in the region.

FROM THE FIRST CONVERSATION

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1. Site Evaluation & Flood Zone Review We start by reviewing your property’s flood zone, Base Flood Elevation (BFE), soil conditions, and access. This ensures your foundation design meets NC coastal codes and FEMA requirements. 2. Engineering & Foundation Planning A structural engineer determines: piling depth spacing load requirements elevation height needed to meet or exceed BFE This step ensures your home is designed to withstand storms, surge, and wave action. 3. Permitting & Compliance We handle the required permits with: the local Floodplain Administrator building inspections zoning and environmental approvals (if needed) This keeps your project compliant from day one. 4. Piling Installation Pilings are driven deep into stable soil using specialized equipment. This creates a strong, elevated foundation that resists: flooding erosion wave impact shifting soils This is the core of coastal‑safe construction. 5. Beam & Floor System Installation Once pilings are set, beams and floor framing are installed to create the elevated platform your home will sit on. This step locks in your final elevation height. 6. Inspections & Elevation Verification Before moving forward, inspectors verify: piling depth structural connections elevation height compliance with BFE An Elevation Certificate is issued if required for insurance. 7. Home Construction or Placement With the foundation complete, your home is built or set on the elevated platform. From here, construction continues like any other home — just safer and higher. 8. Final Review & Insurance Documentation We provide the documents homeowners need for: flood insurance compliance future resale long‑term protection This ensures your home is fully covered and code‑compliant.

PERFORMANCE & SAFETY

Pilings are designed to last for decades, but like any structural system, they benefit from routine checks and simple maintenance. When homeowners know what to look for — and when to call a professional — their home stays safer, stronger, and compliant with coastal building standards. 1. Inspect Pilings Annually (Or After Major Storms) Homeowners should visually check for: exposed piling tops shifting soil or erosion loose hardware or brackets signs of impact from debris If anything looks unusual, they should call the installer for a professional inspection. 2. Watch for Soil Erosion Around the Pilings Coastal soils shift naturally. Homeowners should look for: washouts settling scouring around the base If erosion is visible, the installer may need to add protection or reinforcement. 3. Keep Hardware Tight and Corrosion‑Free Metal connectors, bolts, and brackets should be: rust‑free tight properly aligned If homeowners see rust or loose hardware, they should schedule a service visit. 4. Maintain Proper Drainage Around the Home Standing water can weaken soil over time. Homeowners should ensure: gutters drain away from the foundation downspouts are extended the yard slopes properly If drainage becomes an issue, the installer can recommend solutions. 5. Never Modify Pilings Without Approval Homeowners should avoid: drilling into pilings attaching heavy loads enclosing areas improperly adding decks or stairs without guidance Any modification should go through the installer to protect structural integrity and code compliance. 6. Schedule a Professional Inspection Every 2–3 Years A full inspection includes: checking piling depth stability verifying structural connections reviewing elevation compliance assessing storm or wave damage This keeps the home safe and maintains insurance eligibility. 7. Call the Installer After Any Major Storm Even if the home looks fine, a storm can: shift pilings loosen hardware cause unseen structural stress A quick post‑storm inspection protects the homeowner and prevents long‑term issues.

Where to begin starts with the owner

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Before we come out for a site evaluation, homeowners only need a few basic items ready. These help us understand the property, confirm compliance, and make sure the evaluation is accurate and efficient. 1. Their Flood Zone Information Homeowners should know (or be ready to check): their flood zone (A, AE, VE) their Base Flood Elevation (BFE) whether elevation or pilings are required If they don’t know this yet, we help them look it up during the evaluation. 2. Property Address & Lot Details They should have: the correct property address any parcel or lot information access to county GIS if available This helps us verify the site and confirm boundaries. 3. Any Existing Surveys or Site Plans (If Available) Not required — but helpful. If the homeowner has: a previous survey a plot plan a soil report an elevation certificate we can review it during the evaluation. 4. Knowledge of Utilities & Septic Locations Homeowners should know (or point out): where the septic tank and lines are where the well or pump is where underground utilities may run This prevents damage and helps plan piling placement. 5. Access to the Property Before the evaluation, homeowners should ensure: gates are unlocked driveways are clear pets are secured the site is accessible This allows us to inspect the area safely. 6. Any Questions or Concerns They Want Addressed Homeowners should think about: elevation concerns insurance questions foundation preferences timeline expectations This helps us tailor the evaluation to their needs.