Help for new and existing homes
Why were some homes in Hurricanes Helene and Milton heavily damaged while others sustained little or no damage? Much of the answer lies with the building materials and techniques used in their construction. I’m thrilled to share some incredible insights from our latest episode of The Florida Insurance Roundup podcast, where we dive deep into the world of resilient home building. If you’re in Florida or any hurricane-prone area, this is a must-listen!
Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety explained the Fortified Program, which provides guidelines for enhancing home durability. Marshall Gobuty of Pearl Homes Developments shared his success with Hunters Point, a Cortez, Florida development that survived Hurricane Milton undamaged. Scott Lindbergh, CEO of NEXGEN Building Products, discussed the benefits of magnesium oxide-based materials that offer superior resistance to impact, moisture, and fire. Our conversation underscores the importance of innovative building techniques and materials for creating safer, more resilient homes. This construction can save money and insurance costs for both new and existing homes.
Fred Malik, Managing Director, Fortified program at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Marshall Gobuty, Managing Partner, Pearl Homes Developments
Scott Lidberg, CEO, NEXGEN Building Products
The podcast contained some detailed explanations on construction alternatives, as well as practical tips. Among those tips:
- Focus on the Roof: Fred explains why the roof is the most critical part of your home to fortify. Simple upgrades can drastically reduce damage during storms.
- Sustainable Features: Marshall talks about integrating solar panels and battery storage systems to ensure power availability during outages.
- Advanced Materials: Scott highlights the long-term benefits of using advanced building materials, even if they come with a slight premium.
Our conversation also underscored the importance of collaboration among builders, manufacturers, and researchers to create homes that are not only resilient but also sustainable. That includes catching the attention of national home builders. My guests expressed optimism about the future of resilient housing, driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainability. They encourage homeowners to take proactive steps in fortifying their homes. You can listen to (or read more about) our conversation in episode 53 of the Florida Insurance Roundup podcast Fortified Homes. Have any questions or thoughts on resilient home building? Hit reply and let’s chat!
See you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 10-28-24
