When severe weather hits, being as safe as possible is paramount, and your home should be your first priority. The reason behind this is that a lot of homeowners in locations prone to tornadoes or hurricanes construct storm shelters either within or outside their homes. During severe storms and other forms of bad weather, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, these little areas are made to keep people safe.
In the event of a severe storm or other natural disaster, people often seek refuge in a windowless room known as a storm shelter. They can endure a lot, including strong winds and flying objects. Because they don’t have any windows, storm shelters are inherently more protected than other rooms in your house. Even when they’re part of the house, their separate construction ensures that they won’t be damaged in the event of a house collapse.
A wide variety of materials, such as concrete, steel, wood, fiberglass, and others, can be used to construct storm shelters. No matter what you decide to use for your shelter, it is imperative that you adhere to the guidelines set down by the ICC Digital Codes or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each storm shelter is subjected to rigorous missile impact testing by both organizations to guarantee it can endure severe weather conditions.
In the event that your home is leveled, a storm shelter will keep you and your family warm and safe. Most homeowners find that they provide a wonderful level of comfort. In and around your home, you can construct two primary kinds of shelters: those that are above ground and those that are below.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Storm Shelter
Cost Breakdown of Storm Shelters | Details |
|---|---|
Overall Construction Cost | Range: $2,100 – $18,550 |
Contractor Labor Rates | Hourly Rate: $50 – $100 |
On-Site Construction Time | Time Frame: 4 – 6 hours |
Installation Cost Estimate | Installation Cost: $200 – $600 Percentage of Total Cost: 10% – 15% |
Prefabricated Shelter Installation Time | Time Frame: 1 – 3 hours |
Labor Cost for Prefabricated Shelters | Cost Range: $100 – $300 |
Plumbing and Electrical Costs | Plumbing Rates: $45 – $200 per hour Electrical Rates: $40 – $100 per hour |
Size Considerations for Shelters | Important Factors:
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Size-Based Price Ranges | Price Range: $2,800 – $18,000 |
Different kinds of storm shelters
Above-ground storm shelters and Underground storm shelters are the two primary categories of storm shelters. Each one comes with its own individual set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Storm Shelters that are located above ground (for residential dwellings that can accommodate three to seven people): The price range is between $6,000 and $13,000 (taxes included).
The installation of above-ground storm shelters often takes place in a garage, a walkout basement, or on top of a concrete slab that already exists on your land. Because they are less likely to experience problems related to moisture, these shelters are an excellent choice for regions that have higher water tables or that are at risk of flooding.
Shelters for storms that are underground (for residential dwellings that can accommodate three to seven people):
The price range is between $7,000 to $32,000 (taxes included). Underground storm shelters are typically more expensive than their above-ground counterparts since they require excavation, concrete work, and waterproofing in order to prevent the accumulation of moisture. As a result of their superior protection against severe weather, they are the product of choice in areas that are prone to tornadoes.