The “Fortified” program specifies construction and design guidelines to increase a home's resistance to natural disasters such as hurricane winds, wildfires and flooding, with localized guidelines based primarily on the extreme events that may occur in the region where the home is built.

Each home receives the designation once it is finished and all documentation of compliance is received by IBHS. Aran & Franklin Engineering Inc. in Galveston is the independent third party inspecting our homes on Bolivar, verifying throughout the construction process that “Fortified” standards are being met.

Crown Team Texas is the first developer to build to this code-plus standard in Texas.

The program provides extra attention to areas especially vulnerable to harsh elements, including doors and windows, roof construction, piling heighth and the foundation.

Other “Fortified” construction features include:

* Homes engineered and built to withstand at least 130 mile per hour wind speeds;
* Connections that securely tie the house together from roof to foundation;
* Non-combustible roof materials that better withstand high winds and water penetration; and
* Impact protection for windows and doors.

Bolivars, Audubon Village design concept is unique in disaster resistant coastal living,” said Chuck Vance, IBHS Fortified program manager. “It allows people to enjoy their home and lifestyle while greatly reducing the potential for property loss to their investment.”

The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

Fortified…for safer living®

Every area of North America is vulnerable to some type of natural disaster. For that reason, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) created the Fortified…for safer living® single family residential construction program. The Fortified program offers a package of “code-plus” upgrades that greatly increase a new home's resistance to natural perils, including hurricane, tornado, wildfire, flood, freezing weather, hail and earthquake, as well as to fire and interior water damage. Specifically, Fortified requirements strengthen a home’s outer envelope---notably roof and wall systems, doors, glazed openings, and the foundation.

Currently, over 200 projects in sixteen states have earned the Fortified…for safer living® designation or are in various stages of completion. Please note that the Fortified designation process must be initiated before construction begins.

Key participants in the Fortified designation process:

* Applicant
* Builder
* Design Professional
* IBHS Fortified Staff - Crown Team Texas
* Fortified Project Manager

Seven Steps to the Fortified…for safer living® Designation

If you are interested in a Fortified designation, the process requires completion of many of the following steps prior to construction start:

1. Identify the natural perils that your Fortified project must address.
2. Review the Fortified Builders Guide to confirm design and material requirements for applicable perils.
3. Complete the appropriate self-assessment checklist(s) to verify the project’s readiness to meet Fortified requirements.
4. Send the checklist to the Fortified Program Administrator for review and contact him to discuss the project further.
5. Engage a licensed professional to create a design that meets Fortified requirements.
6. Through IBHS, find an approved Fortified Project Manager you can engage to verify the design, approve the project, supervise inspections, and provide IBHS with necessary documentation.
7. Receive a Fortified designation after final approval by IBHS.

Crown Team Texas is the only IBHS certified builder on Bolivar and the first in the state of Texas. IBHS certification is an upgrade that is available to any of our floor plans.

For additional information on the program, please contact JT Proctor, 409-515-5422