What Is the Cost to Build a Safe Room?

Safe rooms are fortified spaces installed in private homes or businesses to give residents a safe haven or hiding place in the event of a home invasion, tornado, terror attack, or other threat. They typically have communications equipment so that law enforcement can be contacted.

Rundown of the Cost to Build a Safe Room

Item	Description
Average Cost	$150 – $350 average cost per square foot or $3,600 – $11,200 average total cost (4×6 – 4×8)
Safe Room	Reinforced space designed to withstand natural disasters or criminal activity.
Common Size	Most common sizes are between 4×4 and 8×8 but can go much higher.
Steel Safe Room Cost	$150 – $350 per square foot installed, $3,600 to $11,200 total.
Concrete Safe Room Cost	$100 to $200 per square foot or $3,500 to $7,000 total.
Minimum Cost	$2,600
Maximum Cost	$500,000
Size Capacity	Example: 4×4 can accommodate 2 – 4 adults.
Cost Table by Size	4×4: $2,400 – $5,600 (2 – 4 adults) 4×6: $3,600 – $8,400 (5 – 7 adults) 4×8: $4,800 – $11,200 (7 – 9 adults) 6×6: $5,400 – $12,600 (9 – 11 adults) 6×8: $7,200 – $16,800 (11 – 13 adults) 6×10: $9,000 – $21,000 (8 – 12 adults) 8×8: $9,600 – $22,400 (12 – 15 adults) 6×12: $10,800 – $25,200 (12 – 16 adults) 8×10: $12,000 – $28,000 (14 – 30 adults)
Material	Most prefabricated safe rooms are made of steel, although some are made from concrete.
Installation Costs	Labor costs vary; prefab safe room companies may include the installation costs or not.
Prefab vs. Custom	Prefab units are less expensive, while custom-built safe rooms can cost up to $200,000.
Relocation Costs	Some companies will relocate your unit for $1,800 to $2,200.
Electricity Costs	Running electricity outdoors costs $10 to $25 per linear foot; total can be $1,200 to $7,100.
Security Features	Security camera: $125 to $450 Full home security system: $199 to $900, plus monthly fees of $25 to $50.
Landscaping Costs	Cost is $4 to $12 per square foot for camouflage of safe rooms.

What Does a Safe Room Consist Of?

In order to contact law enforcement, safe rooms may be equipped with communications devices, such as a landline, cell phone, or amateur radio transceiver. Additionally, there might be an alarm system and a monitor for external security cameras. A peephole in the door may serve a similar function in simple safe rooms.

Basic survival and emergency supplies including a flashlight, blankets, a first aid kit, water, packed food, self-defense equipment, a gas mask, and a basic portable toilet are usually kept in safe rooms. High-end safe rooms can have a panic button that locks down the entire house, a weapons closet, and a biodefense air-filtration system that eliminates biological and radioactive pollutants.

Safe rooms can be hidden behind many household features, such as mirrors, wardrobes, bookcases, sliding bookcases, and even fireplaces.

Conclusion

In this piece, you learned about the cost to build a safe room, what a safe room consist of, and other interesting related information. For more informative guides, stay connected to Buildersviller.