Buildings can be realised at a raised level. They can be positioned on piles on raised ground, such as traditional dwelling mounds. Alternatively, the ground floor can be designed to fulfil a function such as storage space or garage, using the water-resistant construction methods described above. After a flood, and once it has been cleaned, the ground level is ready for use once more.
Using raised construction methods on piles, space becomes available at the ground level for other, less vulnerable or temporary functions, such as parking or storage.
Where buildings are realised on a raised area (a dwelling mound or dike), the raised area might be part of the flood protection. In the Netherlands, it is currently not permitted to build on top of floodwalls. However, it is permitted to realise a raised area against a floodwall or dike.
People are very hesitant to build on dikes because in the past, when dike reinforcements have had to be made, this combination has often proven to be technically and financially unfavourable for all involved, including the residents.