In recent years, extensive hurricane damage to high-rise and mid-rise buildings has created major challenges for owners and developers of office buildings, multi-family condominium and apartment complexes throughout the southeastern part of the United States. This has included major code changes to create building exteriors that are more weatherproof and more impact resistant.

Insurance companies, saddled with extensive damage claims costs, are increasing premiums or cancelling policies altogether, particularly on older buildings that do not meet current code requirements.

IBA Consultants can provide consulting services on how to retrofit and harden older buildings in a cost-effective manner so that they comply with new codes. Building hardening will provide greater protection for the building and its residents, and add the benefit of qualifying the building for insurance premium discounts. In many cases, the insurance discount alone will pay for the cost of the retrofit.