How do you rebuild in a way that protects you next time?
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO5 min read
The short answer
Rebuilding is a rare opportunity to fix the vulnerabilities that caused your damage in the first place, not just replace what was lost. Ask your contractor about the FORTIFIED standard, look into hazard mitigation grants that can offset the cost of resilient upgrades, and prioritize the specific risk that caused your damage this time.
Why “rebuild the same way” is a missed opportunity
In Hurricane Sally, FORTIFIED homes were about 70% less likely to have an insurance claim than conventional homes (University of Alabama study for the Alabama Department of Insurance, 2025). If your home was damaged once, the same vulnerability is likely to cause the same damage again unless you address it during the rebuild.
What to consider, step by step
- Ask about the FORTIFIED standard. It’s a tiered system (Roof, Silver, Gold) for hurricane-resistant construction, and it’s worth discussing with your contractor even if you don’t pursue full certification. See the FORTIFIED upgrade bridge for more.
- Prioritize the vulnerability that actually caused your damage. If it was roof failure, focus there. If it was flooding, look at elevation and floodproofing options.
- Ask about funding options. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants, SBA disaster loans, and HUD Community Development Block Grants can all help offset the cost of resilient upgrades during a rebuild. Your contractor or a public adjuster may be able to help you navigate these.
- Use a verified contractor who understands resilient rebuilding, not just standard replacement.
- Check whether your upgrades affect your insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for documented resilience improvements.
Frequently asked
Does rebuilding to a higher standard cost significantly more?
It varies by upgrade, but many resilience improvements have a modest cost premium relative to standard rebuilding, especially when done during a rebuild that’s already underway rather than as a separate retrofit.
Will my insurance cover code-upgrade costs?
Only if you have code upgrade coverage, which is often missing from standard policies unless added separately. Check your policy specifically.
How do I find a contractor who understands this?
Look for a verified contractor with experience in resilient construction for your specific hazard type.
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 Andy