I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on finding out how much it would
cost to raise a parcel of land, without having to pay too much just to
find out. I'm considering trying to build a house, and there's a
particular piece of land I like. However, it currently lies in a flood
plain (and thus can't get a building permit) and would need to have fill
brought in to raise it (at least in some parts of the parcel) by
probably 4-5 feet or so. I would consider doing this, but would need
some estimate of what it would cost. Preferably, I'd like to avoid
paying hundreds of dollars just to find out that it would be so
expensive that I'd rather buy something else.

Does anyone know:
a) Who I would ask to get such an estimate? I'm not ready to select an
architect/builder or anything.
b) If there would be any problems getting such an estimate without
actually owning the land (i.e. would I have to get some type of
agreement from the seller)?
c) What the rough cost for getting such an estimate might be?

Thanks for any help, or even pointers to some other location that might
help.
- John Keyser