Structure Fortification: What’s in It for Property Owners?  

• December 3, 2025

By Mark Berven 

For the past few years, I’ve been advocating for stronger building codes that require structures to be built to Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED standards. I’ve seen firsthand how buildings constructed or retrofitted to these specifications fare better in severe weather. These benefits aren’t just theoretical—they’re real, measurable and increasingly essential. 

For those of us in the industry, it’s easy to view enhanced building standards as a policy issue or a construction guideline. But for homeowners and business owners, updating their structures comes down to one key question: Is it worth spending the extra money to achieve a FORTIFIED designation?

The short answer is a resounding yes. And U.S. homeowners agree. If they were to purchase another home, 70% of homeowners would be more likely to buy a home with a weather-resistant roof, according to Nationwide’s latest survey of American homeowners. Additionally, 77% of homeowners would pay more for a home with weather-resistant features. 

These numbers reflect a growing awareness among consumers that resilience isn’t just about surviving the next storm—it’s about protecting their investment and ensuring continuity in their lives. When a roof holds, when water stays out and when the power stays on, families can stay safe, avoid displacement and recover faster. That’s the real value of fortification.

There are also emotional benefits to strengthening a home. Nearly 9 in 10 homeowners (88%) say they are confident in their home’s ability to withstand severe weather in their area. This demonstrates that homeowners can be empowered to have some control over a world that isn’t always predictable. 

Unfortunately, acceptance of this mindset has been slow to take hold. A Nationwide survey showed that, while 75% of homeowners say they’re willing to invest in weather-resistant features, only 18% have actually reinforced or replaced their roof to withstand severe weather. Why? Often, it comes down to awareness and perceived cost. 

Agents can play a crucial role in helping homeowners and business owners understand that building or re-roofing their structures to the FORITIFIED standard, or adding other weather-resistant features, doesn’t have to break the bank. Building a new home to meet the requirements of IBHS’s FORTIFIED Home Gold program will only add around 3% to the cost of construction, according to IBHS.

Letting homeowners know that simple upgrades—like sealing a roof deck, installing impact-rated windows or upgrading to wind-rating garage doors—can dramatically reduce their risk is key. Agents can also educate clients about smart home technology that can alert them to a small water leak or electrical issue, allowing them to take corrective action before a minor issue becomes a major problem. 

In fact, smart home adoption is another area where agents can lead. While 85% of insurance agents recommend smart home products to manage risk, only 27% of homeowners currently own smart water sensors. That gap represents an opportunity not just to reduce claims, but to build trust and demonstrate value. Agents deliver peace of mind when they help clients prevent damage before it happens.

Weather-related claims are on the rise. Among independent agents surveyed by Nationwide, 71% reported an increase in weather-related claims over the past year. That is a clear call to action for agents. The more you can do to encourage proactive upgrades, the better positioned your customers will be to protect their homes when the next storm hits.

Our industry needs to remind homeowners they have control in the face of severe weather events. By investing in resilience, they can take an active role in protecting their homes, their valuables and their memories—giving them the peace of mind they’re looking for. 

Mark Berven is president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty.