Understanding the FORTIFIED home designations and the importance of renewals.

In this Blog, Nathan Lippincott, owner and founder of Knockout inspections provides information about the FORTIFIED home program which can provide you with significant savings when buying a fortified home or replacing a roof.

As extreme weather becomes more common, FORTIFIED designations are an increasingly valuable investment for homeowners. These designations, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), strengthen homes to withstand hurricanes, high winds, and other severe conditions. But a FORTIFIED designation isn’t permanent—it must be renewed every five years to maintain its benefits.

Knockout Inspections is here to guide you through the importance of keeping your home’s FORTIFIED status up to date and making the renewal process easy and accessible.

What is a FORTIFIED Home™?

A FORTIFIED Home™ is built or retrofitted to specific standards that improve its resilience. This program offers three levels of designation:

  • FORTIFIED Roof™: Reinforces the roof structure against water and wind damage.
  • FORTIFIED Silver™: Builds on Roof protection by securing connections between the roof and walls.
  • FORTIFIED Gold™: The most comprehensive level, fortifying the roof, walls, and foundation to withstand severe weather.

Each level requires meeting strict guidelines verified by a certified FORTIFIED evaluator, like those at Knockout Inspections, who ensure your home meets IBHS standards.

Why Are FORTIFIED Renewals Necessary Every Five Years?

FORTIFIED designations are a powerful investment in your home’s resilience, but they require renewal every five years. Renewals are essential for several reasons:

  1. Continuous Protection: Environmental wear and tear can impact structural integrity over time. Renewing your designation ensures your home is up to current FORTIFIED standards.
  2. Insurance Savings: Many insurers offer discounts for homes with an active FORTIFIED designation. Keeping yours current can help you maintain these savings.
  3. Preserving Resale Value: A FORTIFIED designation adds value to your property. Renewal keeps your designation active, which is attractive to future buyers.
  4. Peace of Mind: In areas where extreme weather is a concern, like Baldwin County, a renewed FORTIFIED designation provides lasting protection.

How to Easily Request Your FORTIFIED Renewal

At Knockout Inspections, we understand the importance of a smooth renewal process. We offer a FORTIFIED Home Renewal Request Form that makes it simple for homeowners to request a renewal evaluation from our team of certified FORTIFIED evaluators. Once you submit the form, we’ll take care of the rest.

What Does the Renewal Process Involve?

The renewal process ensures that your home continues to meet the IBHS FORTIFIED standards. Here’s what to expect:

  • Inspection by Certified Evaluators: Our certified evaluators will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home, focusing on key areas such as the roof and wall-to-roof connections, depending on your FORTIFIED level.
  • Documentation Update: We verify that all FORTIFIED components are in place and update necessary paperwork.
  • Certification Renewal: Once all criteria are met, we submit documentation to IBHS to officially renew your designation.

Partner with Knockout Inspections for Your FORTIFIED Needs

At Knockout Inspections, we’re committed to helping you protect your home. Whether you’re new to FORTIFIED or ready for a renewal, we’re here to make the process straightforward and effective. Visit our Renewal Request Form or call us at 855-GO-FOR-KO.

Keep your home resilient, prepared, and FORTIFIED with Knockout Inspections.

Safer Living from Start to Finish.

Thanks to Nathan for providing this valuable information.

Carl Gustafson – Real Estate Broker

251-533-8028

carl@thegustafsonproperties.com