

There are several brands available for prefab storm shelters. In some cases one of the best home renovation contractors or best handyman services may be able to build a storm shelter, but in general it’s best for the homeowner to hire someone who specializes in this type of job. Homeowners will want to ask if delivery and installation are included in the storm shelter quote. If they don’t, these extra costs can add another $1,000 to $3,000 on top of the cost of the storm shelter itself. Many prefab storm shelters will include the cost of delivery and installation in their quoted price. Below are the costs for a storm shelter to accommodate different numbers of people. This size could cost between $4,000 and $10,000.

An eight-person storm shelter will accommodate large families or a few neighboring households. However, it’s best for a homeowner to plan for about 6 square feet per person in areas with tornadoes and 10 square feet per person for hurricane-prone regions. Some prefab units come as small as 5 feet by 5 feet by 8 feet-small, but big enough to get the job done in a pinch for a few adults.
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While underground shelters are more secure and take up less space, they are naturally prone to flooding, so homeowners are advised to talk to a local installer who knows how to build an underground storm shelter that is flood-resistant.
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These cost more, since they are more difficult to install due to the complexities of building underground. Garage storm shelter cost ranges from $3,000 to $9,000, while the average cost for all types of above-ground storm shelters could be up to $15,000.Īn underground storm shelter costs between $4,200 and $30,000. Many of these above-ground shelters are placed in a garage or basement. UndergroundĪn above-ground storm shelter costs a little less than an underground shelter. Homeowners can expect to pay up to $30,000 depending on the size of the shelter being built.

Granted, a 5-foot by 5-foot by 8-foot shelter might not be large enough, so the cost could be higher if this is the case and the homeowner wants a bigger shelter. A small prefab shelter could cost as little as $3,000 to $8,000, but delivery and installation will add $1,000 to $3,000. As with any custom construction project, it will cost more money, but it can also be built to a homeowner’s specifications. Larger, above-ground structures cost $5,500 to $12,000.Ĭustom storm shelters can be built to suit any area. Inground storm shelter costs for a small prefab model start at $3,000 with delivery and installation. Installing a prefab storm shelter can be a budget-friendly way to have a shelter and still meet standard safety requirements. According to Jim Bell, director of operations at the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA), “The significant cost in making your own tornado shelter is the cost of the materials, which are products that are heavier than standard products because of the severe forces… concrete slab to secure the shelter is also required.” Costs can also vary based on location and the current demand. In general, options include an above-ground or inground storm shelter, or a prefab or custom storm shelter. Some require a lot of construction, while others are fairly simple add-ons. The cost of a storm shelter largely depends on the type of shelter that is being built. During the course of planning this important project, homeowners can use the information below to understand what to expect for storm shelter costs.įactors in Calculating Storm Shelter Cost The benefits outweigh the cost, since this is a matter of life and death in many areas. Storm shelters can be as simple as a basic safe shelter to hold a few people, or they could be decked out with shelving, plumbing, and a power supply. Storm shelter costs are determined by the type of shelter, installation, materials, site preparation, and any special features. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, a storm shelter costs $2,604 to $11,475, with homeowners spending an average of $6,943. A true storm shelter must meet federal safety requirements for withstanding winds and debris from extreme weather. Storm shelters come in a variety of shapes and sizes-even some prefabs-which means they come in a range in prices, too. A destructive storm can pop up at any time, which means it’s wise for homeowners to be prepared rather than caught without safe shelter.
