Why a Certified Fortified Builder is Important on the Gulf Coast.
Living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast means enjoying beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a strong coastal community — but it also means living with the reality of hurricane season. From Biloxi to Gulfport to Ocean Springs, we know that tropical storms and hurricanes are not just possible — they’re expected.
That’s why when it comes to building or renovating a home here, storm resilience isn’t optional — it’s essential. At Benfatti Construction, we’re proud to be a certified FORTIFIED™ home builder, helping our neighbors build stronger, smarter homes that are ready to weather the storm.
What Is the FORTIFIED™ Program?
Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the FORTIFIED™ Home program is a nationally recognized standard designed to protect homes from hurricane-force winds, wind-driven rain, and other severe weather common along the coast.
FORTIFIED homes are built to go beyond standard building codes and focus on key vulnerabilities such as:
Roof damage
Window and door failures
Structural uplift during high winds
The program offers three levels of protection:
FORTIFIED Roof™ – Focuses on keeping your roof sealed and secure in high winds and heavy rain.
FORTIFIED Silver™ – Adds extra protection to openings like doors and windows and secures attached structures like porches and carports.
FORTIFIED Gold™ – Reinforces the entire structure, connecting roof to walls to foundation.
Why It Matters on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Our coast is no stranger to powerful storms. Names like Katrina, Zeta, and Ida remind us of the damage that hurricanes can bring. The Mississippi Gulf Coast regularly faces:
Category 3+ hurricanes
High wind and rain events
Storm surge and flooding
Tornadoes spawned from tropical systems
A home built to minimum code may not be enough. FORTIFIED standards are designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage — keeping your family safer and your investment more secure and while most contractors are capable of building to this standard, many won’t.
Why Choose Benfatti Construction as Your Certified FORTIFIED Builder?
At Benfatti Construction, we’re not just licensed builders — we’re certified FORTIFIED professionals, trained to build and renovate homes that meet the highest standards of coastal resilience. This means at the end of your build, YOU GET THE FORTIFIED CERTIFICATE.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✔️ Certified by IBHS to follow all FORTIFIED Home protocols
✔️ Local expertise — we understand the specific risks and challenges of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
✔️ Experienced with evaluations and documentation to help you qualify for potential insurance discounts
✔️ Trusted craftsmanship and a proven track record of quality coastal construction
When you work with us, you’re not just building a house — you’re building peace of mind.
The Benefits of a FORTIFIED Home
✅ Lower Insurance Premiums
Homeowners on the Gulf Coast can save up to 55% on wind insurance premiums with a CERTIFIED FORTIFIED designation.
✅ Fewer Repairs After Storms
FORTIFIED homes are designed to resist damage, meaning you can avoid costly repairs and long rebuild timelines.
✅ Higher Resale Value
Buyers on the Mississippi coast increasingly value storm-ready homes — and a FORTIFIED designation sets your home apart.
✅ Confidence During Hurricane Season
You can’t stop the storm, but you can protect your home and your loved ones by building smarter.
Ready to Build Stronger? Let’s Talk.
At Benfatti Construction, we’re committed to helping families along the Mississippi Gulf Coast build homes that are resilient, reliable, and ready for the future.
Proudly serving Waveland, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach and surrounding areas.
Don’t just build — Fortify. Contact Benfatti Construction today to get started!