Beyond uniqueness and livability, the most important factors Classic Home Building & Design considers when building a home is safety and durability. That is why we are proud to be the first builder in South Carolina to offer the Fortified…for safer living program©.

What does it mean to have a Fortified home? Following rigorous criteria set forth by key building, safety, business, and insurance agencies throughout South Carolina, the homes we build utilize construction, design, and materials that increase their resistance to natural disaster from the ground up. The Fortified program specifies protection to windows and doors, and requires stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundations, resulting in a greater resistance to high wind and earthquakes.

Classic Home Building & Design is proud to put forth a greater effort to make our homes safe and durable because we know there is nothing more important than protecting your family and your investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Fortified Homes

What does Fortified… for safer living® mean?

A home built to this award-winning standard has incorporated certain disaster-resistant features during construction, enhancing its capability to withstand severe weather events anticipated in that location.

How much will it cost to build a Fortified home?

The costs can vary based on the type of home you build and the quality of the protection materials you choose. Costs usually range between 3 and 10% of the price of the home.

Who decides what to protect, where and how?

The Institute for Business & Home Safety develops the criteria, with the support and guidance of researchers, institutional and technical data. These decisions are measured and not arbitrary. In fact the standards are reviewed and revised as new data warrants.

How do you determine that a home is Fortified?

Qualified trained and experienced building inspectors personally examine the key areas to ensure they have been built correctly and with the appropriate materials.

Does a Fortified home have to look like a bunker or a box?

Not at all! Actually, almost any style home can be Fortified. The key is making sure the things you can’t see – like the connections between the floor walls and roof – are built properly using the right materials, and that doors and windows are properly protected from high wind and/or flying debris.

Who can build a Fortified… for safer living® home and what would my builder have to do?

Any builder can participate in the Fortified program. Prior to construction, builders and their supervisors can attend training programs. The home’s designer can check Fortified guides to make sure all features are incorporated into the plans. The initial site inspection includes a thorough review of the requirements and features and subsequent inspections will reiterate what must be included going forward. There are many forms of assistance throughout construction.

Preview our fortified neighborhood - Highlands at Withers Preserve