In April of 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 256, creating the Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program and appropriating $5 million in grant funds for Kentucky homeowners. This program is scheduled to start on March 1, 2026. So what does this mean for Kentucky homeowners? To fully understand the benefit, it’s important to first understand the problem. So let’s look into the context.
The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program (SKH) is being launched at a time when the property insurance market is under significant strain, following several consecutive years of extreme weather events that have driven historic levels of home insurance claims and payouts. Windstorms, hail, flooding, and severe convective weather have caused widespread damage across the region, forcing insurers to absorb mounting losses and reassess risk at the neighborhood and individual home level. Rather than continuing a cycle of rising premiums and reduced coverage, SKH represents a proactive shift—focused on strengthening homes before storms occur—so communities, homeowners, and insurers alike can reduce future losses and build long-term resilience in a changing climate.
Cue the FORTIFIED Home program. Instead of waiting for the next big storm and dealing with the damage afterward, FORTIFIED focuses on strengthening homes upfront using proven building methods that actually work in real storms. By reinforcing the areas most likely to fail—especially the roof—homes are better able to stand up to high winds, hail, and severe weather. The result is less damage, fewer insurance claims, and more peace of mind for homeowners. Over time, this kind of prevention helps insurers reduce losses and gives communities a practical path toward safer homes and more stable insurance costs.
The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program (SKH) provides grants up to $10,000 for qualified homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) by way of the FORTIFIED Home program. This program will help Kentucky homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand high wind and hail damage.
Who is eligible?
- Homeowners applying for a grant should wait to see if they are approved to participate before contacting an Evaluator or Contractor as the process for selecting professionals is managed through the SKH grant program. Homeowners who select a Contractor and begin work on the project before receiving approval from SKH are not eligible for the grant.
- Homeowners selected to receive a grant will be responsible for paying evaluation fees for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator.
- The applicant must be the owner of the property to be mitigated and must also be a resident of Kentucky.
- Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
- Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible to participate in the program.
- Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are not eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.
- The completed project must meet the FORTIFIED Roof Standard for the grant to be issued. Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.
Insurance Benefits
Another added benefit of the FORTIFIED Home program is the potential for lower insurance premiums. Because FORTIFIED standards are designed to reduce storm-related damage, many insurance companies recognize these features as a lower risk and reward them with premium discounts. By strengthening key areas of the home—especially the roof—homeowners may not only reduce the likelihood of costly repairs after severe weather, but also see ongoing savings on their insurance costs. It’s a win-win: a more resilient home today and potential financial savings year after year.
What does the process look like?
Here’s the basic steps:
Hire a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator: The process begins with a trained evaluator who assesses the home and determines which FORTIFIED Home upgrades are appropriate.
Review recommended improvements: The evaluator explains the findings and outlines the specific upgrades needed, most often focused on strengthening the roof and other vulnerable areas.
Hire a qualified contractor: A licensed contractor is then selected to complete the recommended FORTIFIED improvements.
Complete the work: The contractor performs the upgrades in accordance with FORTIFIED standards.
Verification and designation: After the work is finished, the evaluator verifies compliance and submits documentation so the home can receive its FORTIFIED designation.
As extreme weather continues to impact homes across Kentucky, programs like FORTIFIED Home offer a practical, proactive way for homeowners to protect their investment, reduce storm damage, and potentially lower insurance costs. Building resilience isn’t just about meeting a standard—it’s about making smart improvements that pay off long after the next storm passes. Rosie Home Inspections is proud to be a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator serving Central Kentucky, helping homeowners understand their options and guiding them through the process of strengthening their homes with confidence.
Kari Cheek has been a licensed Home Inspector in the great state of Kentucky since 2014.
Need a FORTIFIED Evaluator or other Inspection Services in Central Kentucky? She’s your gal – schedule your appointment today!
Kari Cheek (KY HI #103786)
Rosie Home Inspections
(859) 227-1780