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The Kentucky Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) program follows a defined process from homeowner application through FORTIFIED designation. This page walks through each milestone and the typical timeline. Always confirm current process at insurance.ky.gov — program rules change annually.
Call (859) 983-7382 — process scoping
The homeowner submits the SKH application through the Kentucky Department of Insurance at insurance.ky.gov. The application captures property address, homeowner info, insurance carrier, and project details. SKH reviews eligibility per current program rules. You do NOT need a contractor or evaluator engaged at this step. You do need to know which approved evaluator you intend to name — HECS is on the official directory at skh.ky.gov.
SKH notifies the homeowner of grant decision per current program rules and timing. Do not begin reroof work until you have the grant decision in writing (or have decided to proceed without grant funding for the insurance-discount path).
After grant approval, the homeowner engages HECS as the FORTIFIED evaluator and separately engages a qualified roofing contractor to perform the FORTIFIED Roof installation. HECS is independent of the contractor per IBHS rules — see SKH contractor vs evaluator.
HECS performs the pre-roof visit: photographs existing deck condition, measures roof slope and square footage, records visible structural concerns. Photos from this visit are required for the IBHS submission. Schedule HECS before shingles are removed — skipping the pre-roof visit is the most common cause of incomplete FORTIFIED packages.
The roofing contractor performs the FORTIFIED Roof installation. HECS performs the mid-roof inspection during deck exposure (after tear-off, before underlayment) — the most critical visit. HECS photographs the deck attachment pattern, sealed-deck taping, and nail type/spacing at this visit. The contractor coordinates timing with HECS so the inspection does not slow the project.
After the new roof covering is installed, HECS performs the post-roof inspection. HECS verifies the roof covering product (must match the IBHS approved-roof-covering list current at install date), measures drip edge, photographs final attachment. HECS then assembles the FORTIFIED designation package: photos, measurements, contractor coordination notes, designation form.
HECS submits the FORTIFIED designation package to IBHS. IBHS reviews and issues the official FORTIFIED certificate (typically within a few weeks). SKH then reviews the package per its own grant rules. Homeowner receives the FORTIFIED certificate and the SKH grant funds per program rules. Insurance carrier applies the FORTIFIED premium discount on the homeowner’s next renewal.
| Milestone | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Step 1: SKH application | Homeowner-controlled; submit when ready |
| Step 2: Eligibility decision |
[VERIFY: confirm current SKH review SLA at insurance.ky.gov]
|
| Step 3: HECS + contractor engagement | 1-2 weeks (HECS proposal within 24 hours; contractor selection separate) |
| Step 4: Pre-roof visit | 1-3 weeks after Step 3 (depends on contractor schedule + weather) |
| Step 5: Reroof + mid-roof inspection | 1-3 weeks of construction (typical residential reroof) |
| Step 6: Post-roof inspection | Within 1 week of reroof completion |
| Step 7: IBHS FORTIFIED certificate + SKH review | Several weeks (IBHS processing + SKH program review) |