How Much Does a Storm Shelter Cost to Build?
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Protecting family, pets, and valuables is of utmost importance during a dangerous storm. The typical range of storm shelter costs is $2,604 to $11,475, with customers spending $6,943 on average.
Highlights
- The typical range for storm shelter costs is $2,604 to $11,475, with homeowners nationwide paying an average of $6,943.
- The most significant cost factors for building a storm shelter include the cost difference between custom and prefab structures as well as between inground and above-ground structures, the shelter size, delivery and installation costs, brand, and shelter material.
- Storm shelters can be a worthwhile investment, as they provide emergency protection, increase home value, can be easy to install, offer the potential for extra storage, and protect valuables.
- Some prefab kits can be installed by homeowners, but in order to have peace of mind that a shelter will provide adequate protection in a storm, it’s a good idea to have a professional build a storm shelter.
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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. Storm shelters come in a variety of shapes and sizes—even some prefabs—which means they come in a range in prices, too. A true storm shelter must meet federal safety requirements for withstanding winds and debris from extreme weather. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, a storm shelter costs $2,604 to $11,475, with homeowners spending an average of $6,943.
Storm shelter costs are determined by the type of shelter, installation, materials, site preparation, and any special features. 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. The benefits outweigh the cost, since this is a matter of life and death in many areas. During the course of planning this important project, homeowners can use the information below to understand what to expect for storm shelter costs.
Factors in Calculating Storm Shelter Cost
The cost of a storm shelter largely depends on the type of shelter that is being built. Some require a lot of construction, while others are fairly simple add-ons. In general, options include an above-ground or inground storm shelter, or a prefab or custom storm shelter. According to Jim Bell, director of operations at the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA), “The [most] 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… [A] concrete slab to secure the shelter is also required.” Costs can also vary based on location and the current demand.
Prefab vs. Custom
Installing a prefab storm shelter can be a budget-friendly way to have a shelter and still meet standard safety requirements. Inground storm shelter costs for a small prefab model start at $3,000 with delivery and installation. Larger, above-ground structures cost $5,500 to $12,000.
Custom storm shelters can be built to suit any area. As with any custom construction project, it will cost more money, but it can also be built to a homeowner’s specifications. 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. 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. Homeowners can expect to pay up to $30,000 depending on the size of the shelter being built.
Above-Ground vs. Underground
An above-ground storm shelter costs a little less than an underground shelter. Many of these above-ground shelters are placed in a garage or basement. 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.
An underground storm shelter costs between $4,200 and $30,000. These cost more, since they are more difficult to install due to the complexities of building underground. 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.
Shelter Size
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. 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. An eight-person storm shelter will accommodate large families or a few neighboring households. This size could cost between $4,000 and $10,000. Below are the costs for a storm shelter to accommodate different numbers of people.
| Shelter Occupancy | Cost |
| 6 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| 8 | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| 12 | $6,000 to $20,000 |
| 15+ | $10,000 to $30,000 |
Delivery and Installation
Many prefab storm shelters will include the cost of delivery and installation in their quoted price. 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. Homeowners will want to ask if delivery and installation are included in the storm shelter quote. 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.
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Brand
There are several brands available for prefab storm shelters. They all meet federal safety regulations, and many companies have a variety of options available or they specialize in one type of shelter. It’s important for homeowners to research them carefully to make sure they service the area and offer important features such as long-term warranties, specific safety ratings, and different sizes and customizations. Below are some of the top prefab storm shelter brands and their prices.
| Shelter Brand | Cost |
| Atlas Survival Shelters | $5,000 to $15,850 |
| FamilySAFE | $3,600 to $13,050 |
| Fiberglass Creations | $4,800 to $6,500 |
| FlatSafe | $4,000 to $10,050 |
| Ground Zero | $2,950 to $11,950 |
| Hausner’s | $4,450 to $13,350 |
| Oklahoma Shelters | $2,600 to $11,000 |
| SafePorch | $3,400 to $12,250 |
| Southern Illinois | $3,750 to $12,050 |
| Storm Safe | $3,150 to $12,350 |
| Survive-a-Storm | $3,300 to $12,100 |
| Valley | $3,800 to $10,950 |
Shelter Material
A storm-safe shelter is built with durable materials, often with reinforcement to withstand the battering of debris and wind in severe storms. Many shelters are made of lightweight, durable steel and cost $4,000 to $30,000. Fiberglass is also popular, but it can only be used underground and comes at a cost of $3,000 to $10,000. Concrete shelters are heavy and durable with a price of $3,000 to $7,000, and they can be precast or poured. Kevlar storm shelters are the most expensive and durable at $5,000 to $30,000. This is a unique material that can even be added to an existing room, or it can be added to a prefab steel shelter for extra reinforcement. Below are the costs for each type of storm shelter material.
Additional Costs and Considerations
It’s recommended for a homeowner to consult with a pro to understand what type of shelter is best for their home and the area where it is located. The cost to build a storm shelter usually requires a few other budgetary considerations. Most locations will need some site preparations before installation, and there are often permits to obtain and local building codes to meet. These and other factors are explained below.
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Site Preparation
Prefab units are designed to be easier to install with little extra preparation compared to a custom inground storm shelter. Still, it’s wise for a homeowner to consider what area is best for the shelter and to make sure there is no landscaping, garage equipment, or other objects in the way. The ground might also need leveling first, which costs $2,000 on average, and all prefab units must be anchored to a concrete pad or foundation.
Inground storm shelters typically require the most site preparation, since excavation will be required. Excavation costs an average of $3,200. This also means checking for underground utilities first. If any electricity, plumbing, or other utilities are added, those will need to be installed as well. It’s a good idea for a homeowner to ask whether the cost of site preparation is included in the total price of storm shelter installation.
Permit Requirements
In many areas, there are permit requirements to build a storm shelter. This might depend on the type of shelter being built. Permit costs could be as low as $50 to $100, but these could increase with the addition of utilities and other custom features.
Local Building Codes
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has standards that storm shelters must meet in order to be considered safe. The NSSA (National Storm Shelter Association) also has a thorough approval process for storm shelter brands. To be eligible for NSSA membership, companies must be evaluated by an approved third party and deemed compliant with a long list of criteria. According to Bell, “Not all shelters are alike. [Due to a] lack of proper inspections by building departments, a lot of shelters being sold do not meet the building code and shouldn’t be used. If you follow the FEMA requirements in FEMA P320 and use a tested door, you would be safe.” Reputable businesses will have shelters that meet or exceed FEMA and NSSA requirements. But beyond these, local or state governments might have additional requirements that apply to specific geographic, geological, or other situations for the area. Homeowners can speak with a local building inspector or municipality to learn about local building codes.
Accessibility
A key point to remember when planning a storm shelter is how accessible it is. Ideally, a storm shelter will be inside a homeowner’s property—or, at the very least, close by. Some tornadoes happen so quickly that there just isn’t time to get to a shelter that’s even 50 feet away. Beyond proximity, it’s important for a homeowner to consider how easily it can be accessed by a person with a wheelchair or someone who has limited mobility. A garage storm shelter or add-on is often the best choice in these cases, as it’s usually on the same level as the house.
Additional Systems and Features
Some storm shelters are built just to keep people safe during a short storm, while others are intended to remain a safe space for many hours to days. In the latter case, it may be necessary to install mechanical and HVAC systems to make sure the area is as livable as a house, in addition to being spacious enough. It’s even possible to include internet service, plumbing, extra ventilation, shelving, beds, and a secondary emergency exit. All of these will require custom construction and will come with a higher price.
| Feature | Cost |
| Beds | $300 to $400 each |
| Electricity or internet | $100 to $1,500 |
| Emergency exit | $500 to $2,000 |
| HVAC/filtration | $100 to $3,000 |
| Plumbing | $100 to $5,000 |
Types of Storm Shelters
The question of how much a storm shelter costs is largely determined by the type of storm shelter that is chosen. The following information can help homeowners understand each type of shelter and its associated costs while deciding which is the best fit.
| Storm Shelter Type | Cost |
| Above-ground | $2,600 to $15,000 |
| Basement | $6,000 to $15,000 |
| Bed | $2,100 to $4,500 |
| Garage | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Inground | $4,200 to $30,000 |
| Secure room | $3,000 to $10,000 |
Above-Ground Shelters
Above-ground shelters are less costly than inground storm shelters, and they are fairly versatile in terms of where they can be placed. These are often prefab units that can be installed in a basement or garage, added onto the house, or installed in a bedroom. They’re also great for people with accessibility considerations. The main construction requirement is that they have space for a concrete pad under them. Homeowners can expect to pay $2,600 to $15,000 for an above-ground shelter.
Basement Shelters
For homes that have basements, building a basement storm shelter is a convenient and cost-effective way to go. Basement shelters need to be anchored to the concrete foundation, and homeowners will want to avoid placing them under anything excessively heavy on the main floor, such as a piano, refrigerator, bookcase, or safe. Basement shelter costs range from $6,000 to $15,000.
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