Contractors
Master the trade that’s actually in demand
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO
Technical skill is the price of entry. What separates contractors who own the resilience market from contractors chasing scraps is depth: knowing FORTIFIED standards cold, using the tools that multiply your output, and holding a credential that proves it. This guide covers the technical and credentialing side of the business.
What's in this guide
FORTIFIED building standards
The tiered standard that’s reshaping hurricane-resistant construction, and your role in delivering it.
Sustainable & green building
Why a sustainable home is a stronger home, and how to sell the overlap.
Smart jobsite & technology
The tools that let a solo operator with a drone out-assess a four-person crew with ladders.
Grant funding for resilience work
Florida, Alabama, and a growing list of states pay up to $10,000 toward resilience upgrades, usually straight to an approved contractor. Here’s the full program breakdown and how to get positioned.
Certifications & credentials pathway
Silver, Gold, Platinum: what each tier requires and what it’s worth.
Residential certification
The 15-mission curriculum behind your Gold credential.
How to talk to your clients
The empathetic estimate, daily updates, and difficult conversations handled right.
Free app · iOS & Android
Can you survive the first 72 hours?
Most people think they can. The Resilience Game walks you through the preparedness journey, mission by mission, and shows you exactly where the gaps are, before you find out the hard way.
About the author
Andy Kruger
Andy Kruger is CEO of BuildSOS, author of When the Storm Comes, and sits on multiple boards and advisory groups shaping disaster resilience policy and research.
About AndyHomeowners are already looking for the Seal. Make sure they find it on you.
The Seal unlocks your Contractor Finder listing and tells every homeowner you're licensed, insured, and accountable.
Get your BuildSOS Verified seal