IBHS Fortified Home Professional Certification

Tom Rhodes certified as a Fortified Homes professional

As architects in a hurricane and disaster prone area, we are keenly aware of the importance of designing to withstand harsh conditions and high winds. Tom Rhodes, AIA, has completed the training and testing offered by the Institute for Business & Home Safety’s “Fortified” program. As a Fortified service provider, Tom can ensure that our designs meet the rigorous resiliency standards of the program. Along with the tangible benefits of building or upgrading to the Fortified home level of protection, homeowners benefit from financial incentives. Home insurers provide significant discounts to homeowners, some cite 50% savings on wind portion. A client of ours is an insurance broker, and in her professional opinion, building a Fortified certified home is a no-brainer. In South Carolina, tax credits for costs incurred to make a home more resistant to hurricanes and windstorm event are available. Read more about resiliency and the Fortified Home program here.