Fortified for Builders

Build Stronger, Build Safer.

Stronger, Safer, and More Resilient Homes

Homebuyers are no longer just looking for square footage and curb appeal—they want homes that will last. In today’s market, buyers are increasingly prioritizing storm resilience, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings when choosing a home.

By building to Fortified™ standards, you’re not just constructing homes—you’re creating stronger communities, higher-value properties, and a competitive advantage for your business.

Build to withstand the storm—and stand out in the market.

Why Builders Choose Fortified™ Construction

  • A University of Alabama study found that Fortified homes sell for nearly 7% more than comparable non-Fortified homes. Buyers recognize the value of a home built to withstand severe weather, and they’re willing to pay more for long-term security.

  • More homebuyers are looking for homes with built-in storm protection. With increasing hurricane activity, tornadoes, and high-wind events, today’s buyers prioritize safety and durability just as much as aesthetics.

  • Homes built to Fortified™ standards qualify for major insurance discounts—sometimes up to 35% lower premiums in states like Alabama and North Carolina. Lower insurance costs make homeownership more affordable, which makes your homes even more attractive to buyers.

  • Fortified upgrades cost as little as 1%–3% of the total construction budget but offer significant long-term savings in avoided repairs and maintenance.

    Building to Fortified Roof™ standards adds only $1,000–$3,000 to the cost of a 2,000-square-foot home—a small investment for a huge competitive advantage.

  • Stronger homes mean fewer callbacks for repairs after storms. Fortified standards prevent costly damage from hurricanes, high winds, and hailstorms—protecting both your buyers and your reputation as a builder.

How Fortified™ Works for Builders

Three Levels of Fortified Certification

Fortified™ is a practical, scalable approach that fits any building type or budget. Whether you’re building custom homes, subdivisions, or multifamily properties, Fortified offers flexible options.

Fortified Roof™

Fortified Roof™ is the foundation of Fortified™ construction, designed to protect homes from severe weather events such as hurricanes, high winds, and hailstorms.

It focuses on strengthening the most vulnerable part of a home—the roof—by implementing advanced building techniques that reduce wind uplift, prevent water intrusion, and improve overall durability.

Fortified Silver™

Fortified Silver™ is the next level of storm resilience after Fortified Roof™, offering enhanced protection against high winds, hurricanes, and severe weather.

This level of certification builds upon Fortified Roof™ standards by reinforcing windows, doors, attic vents, and the home's overall structure to prevent damage from extreme weather events.

Fortified Gold™

Fortified Gold™ is the highest level of Fortified™ construction, providing maximum protection against extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds.

It builds upon Fortified Silver™ by reinforcing the entire home’s structure through a continuous load path, ensuring that the roof, walls, and foundation work together to withstand powerful storms.

Getting Started with Fortified™ as a Builder

Step 1: Learn the Fortified™ requirements (We can help with training!).

Step 2: Work with a certified Fortified Evaluator to integrate standards into your builds.

Step 3: Consider starting with Fortified Roof™—a low-cost, high-value upgrade for any new home.

Step 4: Market your homes as stronger, storm-ready, and insurance-friendly.

Step 5: Use Fortified™ as a competitive selling point to attract more buyers.

Resources

  • A 2020 study conducted by the University of Alabama’s Center for Insurance Information and Research (CIIIR) found that:
    ✔ Fortified homes sell for nearly 7% more than comparable non-Fortified homes.
    ✔ The price premium for Fortified homes is driven by buyer demand for safety and long-term value.
    ✔ Buyers are willing to pay extra for homes with proven resilience against extreme weather.

    Source:

  • Homebuyers actively search for properties that lower their insurance costs. Many states (including Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina) require insurers to offer premium discounts for homes with Fortified certification. These discounts can be as high as 35%, making a Fortified home more affordable over time and more attractive to buyers.

    Source:

Have a question about the Fortified™ program?

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