Hurricanes and strong storms cause billions in home damage every year and roofs take the brunt of that impact. FORTIFIED™ standards go beyond typical building codes to deliver superior performance during severe weather (such as hurricanes, strong thunderstorms, and lower-level tornadoes).
Still, many homeowners don’t know where to start when it comes to protecting their homes or choosing the right professionals. One major gap? Knowing how to find a qualified FORTIFIED™ evaluator.
These experts are essential to getting a home certified under FORTIFIED™ standards, which are much stricter than standard building codes. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose the right FORTIFIED™ evaluator and contractor, and what to expect from the process.
Table of Contents
- Understanding FORTIFIED™ Evaluators vs. Contractors
- What is a FORTIFIED™ roof evaluation?
- Qualifications to Look for in a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator
- How to Find and Vet FORTIFIED™ Professionals
- Understanding Costs and Fee Structures
- Recent Changes and Stricter Standards
- Conclusion and Next Steps
Understanding FORTIFIED™ Evaluators vs. Contractors
A FORTIFIED™ evaluator is an independent third-party professional trained and certified by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). They do not perform construction work. Their role is to document and verify the specific construction needed to meet FORTIFIED™ standards, so the homeowner can qualify for official designation. The certified evaluator works with the homeowner, contractor, and IBHS in every aspect of the process. These professionals also complete training that certifies them to assist homeowners in getting the FORTIFIED™ designations.
A FORTIFIED™ contractor performs the actual construction. They install materials and complete upgrades based on the evaluator’s documentation requirements. Contractors must follow FORTIFIED™ standards and undergo specialized FORTIFIED™ Wise™ training. Working with a trained contractor helps ensure a smoother, faster process.
What is a FORTIFIED™ roof evaluation?
A FORTIFIED™ roof evaluation is a verification process conducted by a certified third-party evaluator to ensure a roof meets the stringent IBHS standards to hold up to wind and hail damage.
The evaluation verifies specific construction techniques, such as the use of stronger fasteners for the roof deck, a sealed roof deck, and enhanced roof edge details. This certification can lead to lower insurance premiums and is valid for five years, requiring a simple renewal evaluation to maintain status.
RELATED: How to Renew Your FORTIFIED™ Roof Certification
A FORTIFIED™ roof evaluation consists of three phases:
- Pre-construction: The evaluator inspects the current roof and writes a Current Conditions Report (CCR).
- During construction: The evaluator checks that FORTIFIED™ methods are being used and gathers evidence (photos, documentation).
- Post-construction: The evaluator submits final documentation to IBHS for review.
Every five years, homeowners must go through a simpler exterior-only evaluation for redesignation. (There is a fee associated with missing the recertification deadline on your paperwork.)
Key structural enhancements the FORTIFIED™ evaluator checks:
- Roof deck attachment and sealing
- Edge protection
- Ventilation systems
- Impact-resistant materials (in hail zones)
- Locked-down edges
- Chimney bracing
- Gable end bracing and sheathing
- Load path connection
RELATED: How to Extend the Life of An Asphalt Shingle Roof With the FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards
It’s strongly recommended to upload architectural, structural, and drawings during the application process. Your certified evaluator will provide submission deadlines for additional required documents.
Qualifications to Look for in a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator
Professional Background: Look for a certified, FORTIFIED™ evaluator with a minimum 3–5 years of experience in a related field (e.g., home inspector, architect, ICC code official, engineer, contractor). A FORTIFIED™ evaluator holds special credentials and training and can make the process go more smoothly providing a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Certification:
- Completed FORTIFIED™ training
- Passed the final exam with at least 85% (minimum score)
- Signed the FORTIFIED™ Home Evaluator Agreement
- Verified active status with IBHS
- General liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Familiar with document handling, photo submission, and electronic file systems
Red Flags:
- Unlisted or expired certification
- No proper insurance
- No verifiable experience in the field
Only a certified FORTIFIED™ evaluator can verify compliance and submit to IBHS.
How to Find and Vet FORTIFIED™ Professionals
FORTIFIED™ evaluators are qualified professionals who can help with your home’s FORTIFIED™ designation with structural upgrades. Having a trusted provider on your side can make the process less stressful.
Official resources:
- FORTIFIED™ Provider Directory
- Smart Home America’s list
- State grant programs (refer to Understanding Costs and Fee Structures)
Vetting process:
- Verify certifications through official websites
- Get multiple quotes: 2–3 evaluator quotes
- Ask for references and past projects
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Ask about experience: Have they worked on homes similar to yours?
Questions to Ask:
- What is your fee/pricing structure?
- Do you handle the IBHS documentation?
RELATED: Top 10 Questions to Ask Your FORTIFIED™ Home Evaluator
You can start with either a contractor or evaluator. A good evaluator will often recommend a trusted contractor.
Understanding Costs and Fee Structures
Working with a FORTIFIED™ evaluator makes the process easier. Their fees should be broken down and easy to understand. The costs typically include materials and labor to upgrade to a stronger home that can better withstand wind, hail, and other severe weather events. Working with a certified evaluator and contractor is a good idea because they understand the process and the exact steps needed to complete the process (without adding any extra, unnecessary steps that could be costly).
Evaluator Fees: There is a cost for a third-party verification by a FORTIFIED™ evaluator for the upgrades to ensure the homeowner receives insurance discounts and mitigation credits including tax credits.
- Vary by home size, location, complexity, and travel
- Redesignation costs are usually lower (fewer site visits)
- Always get quotes from multiple evaluators
These costs can be offset with the help of various state grants. In Alabama, visit Strengthen Alabama Homes; in Mississippi, visit Strengthen Mississippi Homes; in Florida, visit My Safe Florida Home; and in Oklahoma, visit Strengthen Oklahoma Homes.
Contractor Costs: The upgrade costs will vary depending on your home’s individual design or specific building codes in your area.
- FORTIFIED™ upgrades are an added cost to traditional roofing (For example, the typical cost increase for a newly constructed FORTIFIED™ Gold home can be $1,000 to $3,000.)
- Insurance discounts and better storm protection often balance the upfront investment
Recent Changes and Stricter Standards
As research unfolds and lessons are learned, updates are always positive and help promote the industry. The updates and improvements, put in place on November 1, 2025, ensure certified and FORTIFIED™ evaluators are writing evaluations and qualified contractors are providing structural upgrades to homes. In addition, homeowners gain more confidence in the process with stricter standards and recertifications for the process.
Updated requirements include:
- Stricter evaluator recertification.
- Recertification requirements to maintain credentials.
- More detailed photo and report documentation.
- Stronger alignment between IBHS, evaluators, and contractors.
- Updated training programs reflecting the latest research.
Positive Impact on Homeowner Selection:
- More rigorous vetting of professionals
- Higher confidence in qualified evaluators
- Improved consistency across projects
These changes improve project consistency and homeowner confidence. For a complete listing of updates, visit FORTIFIED™ Home Updates.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a certified FORTIFIED™ evaluator with active credentials
- Verify credentials through official sources
- Get multiple quotes
- Submit architectural and structural plans early
- Understand the full evaluation and documentation process
Ready to begin the process of fortifying your home before the next storm arrives? That is a smart idea! With so many incentives, from grants and insurance discounts to tax credits, 2026 could find you (and your family) in a home better built to withstand high winds, driving rain, and other damaging elements from a catastrophic weather event. With the investment of your home and the safety of your family at risk, the additional peace of mind that comes with fortifying your home may be just what you need.
- Use the FORTIFIED™ Provider Directory
- Start with a Current Conditions Report
- Consider FORTIFIED™ upgrades during roof replacement
- Take advantage of available incentives (insurance discounts, state grants, etc.)
For more information about documentation, take a look at the FORTIFIED™ Technical Documents.
Our experienced evaluators at FORTIFIED™ Inspections can help walk you through the process. Reach out to us and we’ll make sure your home and family are better protected.