Construction & Building Newsletter

A non-fortified home is typically constructed to minimum state-mandated codes, which do not always incorporate advanced mitigation features. In contrast, homes certified under the fortified program integrate additional structural reinforcements designed to withstand severe weather conditions. These enhancements come at an added cost, which varies based on the level of certification pursued.

At the FORTIFIED Roof level, improvements such as sealed roof decks, enhanced attachment techniques, and impact-resistant materials result in an estimated cost increase of approximately 1% relative to a standard non-FORTIFIED home. While this cost may seem marginal, it provides significant benefits in terms of reducing roof damage and water intrusion during storms. The FORTIFIED Silver level introduces further reinforcements, including braced gable ends, improved attic ventilation, and upgraded window protection, leading to an estimated cost increase of roughly 3% (+/- 1.4%). Finally, the FORTIFIED Gold certification requires a fully integrated continuous load path from the roof to the foundation, ensuring maximum structural integrity but at an increased cost of approximately 5-6%, including the associated engineering costs.

Industry reports regarding FORTIFIED cost differentials have ranged from 1-3%. Meanwhile, construction professionals, as well as the Program Director for FORTIFIED, Fred Malik, have indicated that cost increases are more in the 3-7% range. Independent findings calculated as part of this research show that the price increase on the low end is close to most sources (0.82% [Bronze/Roof]), while Silver and Gold, which are 4.38% and 6.38%, respectively, are firmly in line with what is seen in practice. The two most impactful factors swaying pricing are windows (Silver & Gold), and the continuous load path upgrades and engineering (Gold). These calculations assume a $450,000 home sale price on a 2,000 SF single-level property.

These upfront cost increases must be weighed against potential financial savings over the life cycle of the home. One of the most immediate economic benefits of FORTIFIED certification is the reduction in homeowner insurance premiums. Insurance providers typically offer policy discounts for homes meeting resilience standards, with reductions ranging from 3% to 42%. The extent of these savings is directly linked to the certification level, with FORTIFIED Roof homes generally receiving more modest reductions compared to fortified Gold homes, which incorporate the most comprehensive structural reinforcements. These premium savings, when accumulated over time, can contribute significantly to offsetting the initial construction cost increase.

Additionally, homes built to FORTIFIED standards tend to incur lower repair and maintenance costs over their lifespan. Non-FORTIFIED homes are more vulnerable to wind uplift, structural failure, and water infiltration, often requiring costly post-disaster repairs. In contrast, the enhanced structural integrity of FORTIFIED homes results in reduced susceptibility to damage, lowering long-term maintenance expenditures. This effect is particularly pronounced in high-risk areas where severe weather is recurrent, making resilience-based construction a potentially cost-effective choice.

Further financial considerations include potential increases in property value. Research suggests that homes incorporating disaster-resistant construction features are often more attractive to prospective buyers. In certain markets, FORTIFIED-certified homes have demonstrated appreciation rates of up to 7% compared to standard homes. This value increase is attributable to both the tangible structural advantages of FORTIFIED certification and the perceived benefits associated with lower insurance costs and reduced risk exposure.

FORTIFIED upgrade costs for the Bronze category (roof only) are firmly observed at 1% of sale price. Silver and Gold upgrade costs are roughly calculated at 4% and 6% of sale price, respectively, with a heavy influence from window upgrade costs (Gold & Silver) and continuous load path and engineering costs (Gold Only).