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Kentucky Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) Program

HECS is an approved evaluator for the Kentucky Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) program.

Home Energy & Comfort Solutions Inc. (HECS) — John Sabbak, La Grange, KY — is independently listed on the
official Kentucky SKH Certified Evaluator directory. SKH grant applicants can name HECS as their FORTIFIED evaluator.

Official directory listing — both numbers route to HECS:
(502) 643-7160 (listed on skh.ky.gov)
|
(859) 983-7382 (primary business line)

Last verified: September 07, 2026 · Source: skh.ky.gov/CERTEVALCONTACT.ASPX

SKH Contractor vs Evaluator — Why They Must Be Independent

One of the most important rules in the Kentucky Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) program and the IBHS FORTIFIED Home program is that the FORTIFIED Home Evaluator must be independent of the roofing contractor. The same company cannot both install the roof and certify the FORTIFIED designation. This page explains why the rule exists, what it means in practice, and what homeowners should watch for.

Call (859) 983-7382 — independent evaluator scoping

Red flag: If a roofing contractor offers to “include FORTIFIED evaluation” in their bid, that is a sign they are NOT an approved evaluator. The FORTIFIED Home Evaluator must be a separate, independent party. The contractor’s offer would invalidate the FORTIFIED designation.

Why the rule exists

FORTIFIED designation is a credentialing program. The whole point of the program is that an independent third party verifies the FORTIFIED Roof work was done to FORTIFIED standards. If the same company both installs the roof and certifies that it meets FORTIFIED standards, the certification has no credibility. The insurance carriers that offer FORTIFIED premium discounts recognize this — they would not offer discounts for a self-certified designation.

Per the IBHS FORTIFIED Home program rules and the Kentucky Department of Insurance’s SKH rules, the evaluator must be:

Credentialed by IBHS as a FORTIFIED Home Evaluator
Independent of the roofing contractor performing the work
Approved by the Kentucky Department of Insurance and listed on the SKH Certified Evaluator directory

What the contractor does

The roofing contractor performs the FORTIFIED Roof installation. Specifically:

Tear-off and disposal of the existing roof covering
Installation of the FORTIFIED Roof package:
- Sealed roof deck (seams between roof deck panels taped)
- Ring-shank nails (threaded nails that resist pull-out)
- Drip edge
- Flashing
- Roof covering from the IBHS approved-roof-covering list current at install date
Coordination with HECS for site access at each milestone
Compliance with the Kentucky FORTIFIED Roof Contractor Handbook

The contractor is responsible for the work performed. They warranty their installation. They invoice the homeowner for their scope per their contract.

What the evaluator does

The FORTIFIED Home Evaluator (HECS) performs the independent third-party verification:

Pre-roof site visit + photo documentation
Mid-roof inspection during deck exposure
Post-roof inspection + measurement
IBHS FORTIFIED designation package assembly + submission

The evaluator does not install anything. The evaluator does not warranty the roof. The evaluator does not decide the grant amount. The evaluator signs the FORTIFIED designation form as the independent third-party verifier.

What the homeowner does

The homeowner:

Selects and engages a qualified roofing contractor — separately from the evaluator. The homeowner signs a contract with the contractor for the reroof scope.
Selects and engages an approved FORTIFIED Home Evaluator — from the SKH directory. HECS is on this list. The homeowner signs a separate contract with HECS for the evaluation scope.
Coordinates access — tells both parties about each other so they can schedule the milestone visits.
Applies to SKH for grant funding (if desired).
Receives the FORTIFIED certificate from HECS after IBHS issues it.
Receives the SKH grant per program rules.
Receives the insurance premium discount from the carrier after policy renewal with FORTIFIED designation.

What can go wrong if the rule is ignored

IBHS rejection: if IBHS determines the evaluator was not independent of the contractor, IBHS will not issue the FORTIFIED certificate.
SKH grant denial: if the SKH program determines the documentation was not independently produced, the grant can be denied.
Insurance discount denial: carriers reserve the right to refuse the FORTIFIED premium discount if the certification was not independent.
Liability issues: the homeowner has no third-party verification of the work performed — if the contractor cut corners, there is no independent documentation.

How HECS coordinates with the contractor (without being the contractor)

HECS coordinates with the homeowner’s chosen contractor on the documentation trail. Specifically:

HECS sends the contractor the FORTIFIED Roof compliance checklist before construction starts.
HECS coordinates the timing of the mid-roof inspection with the contractor’s superintendent so the visit doesn’t slow the project.
HECS shares any deficiencies observed during inspection with the contractor so they can correct and request a re-inspection.
HECS does not tell the contractor how to install the roof — the contractor is responsible for the install per their contract and per the FORTIFIED Roof Contractor Handbook.
HECS does not invoice the contractor or receive payment from the contractor. HECS invoices the homeowner.

This is a coordination relationship, not an employment or partnership relationship. HECS is independent.