How Much Does a Tornado Shelter Cost in 2025?
An average tornado shelter costs $7,643
A tornado shelter costs $7,643 on average, with a normal range of $2,892 to $13,281, depending on size and complexity.
Storm shelter cost factors include size, materials, and soil conditions.
Labor costs $250 to $2,000, or 10% to 20% of the project total.
Above-ground shelters tend to cost less than in-ground shelters, with reduced protection.
Hiring a professional ensures that your tornado shelter meets all safety standards for life-saving protection during severe weather events.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A tornado shelter costs $7,643 on average, with most people paying between $2,892 and $13,281. Your final tornado shelter cost will depend on the shelter’s size, installation complexity, the type of shelter, and your geographic location. Hiring a pro ensures adherence to structural safety standards and safe construction techniques.
Tornado Cellar Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of installing a tornado shelter, including size, materials, and soil conditions.
Size
According to FEMA, you should plan on having at least six square feet per person for a tornado shelter and 10 square feet per person for a hurricane shelter. The larger the shelter, the higher the cost.
| Size (Maximum Occupancy) | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 6 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 8 | $4,500–$8,500 |
| 12 | $5,500–$15,000 |
| 16+ | Up to $30,000 |
Materials
The type of material you choose changes the price, with steel and Kevlar costing more than fiberglass and concrete.
Steel is lightweight and durable.
Fiberglass is only viable underground.
Concrete is affordable yet heavy and resistant to strong winds.
Kevlar is intruder-resistant.
| Material | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Steel | $4,000–$30,000 |
| Fiberglass | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Concrete | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Kevlar | $5,000–$30,000 |
Brand
Costs also vary depending on the manufacturer or provider of the storm shelter. Call multiple companies to get quotes for prefab units to find the best option for your budget. Popular brands include:
Atlas Survival Shelters
Hausner’s
Storm Safe Shelters
FamilySAFE Shelters
Valley Storm Shelters
Ground Zero
Oklahoma Shelters
Survive-A-Storm
SafePorch Storm Shelters
Excavation and Leveling
Preparing your site can significantly impact your tornado shelter cost. If your soil is rocky or difficult to dig through, land excavation costs $100 to $300 per hour. For the best underground tornado shelter location, the cost to level land ranges from $1,000 to $3,300
Position
When choosing a location for your storm shelter, place it close enough for easy access but far enough to avoid falling debris from your home. Ideally, it should be at least as far from the house as the height of your exterior walls. Alternatively, consider a shelter with a sloped door to allow debris to slide off.
Concrete Pouring
Pouring concrete costs $6 per square foot. Manufacturers recommend installing concrete around most in-ground tornado shelters. This keeps it from floating out should the surrounding soil become saturated with moisture.
Prefab vs. Custom
For a smaller structure, a pre-built storm shelter costs an average of $8,000, including installation. The average cost of an 8-by-10-foot above-ground, prefabricated structure is between $5,500 and $12,000. This includes delivery, installation, and a range of features, such as a welded steel box and steel planks.
Custom tornado shelters will cost more than a prefab shelter. For example, a 5-by-5-by-8-foot in-ground shelter costs $3,000 to $8,000, plus an additional $1,000 to $3,000 for delivery and installation. If you want a larger size or additional features like electricity, expect to pay as much as $30,000 or more for a large, custom shelter.
Labor
Labor is a key cost factor for building a tornado shelter, accounting for $250 to $2,000, or about 10% to 20% of the project total. Hiring a general contractor costs $50 to $150 per hour, whereas structural engineers charge $100 to $220 per hour and excavation specialists charge $40 to $150 per hour. Labor costs may vary based on your region and local market conditions.
Accessibility
Adding accessibility features, like wheelchair ramps, can increase the overall cost of your tornado shelter. If you or a family member have limited mobility, consider these features when planning your shelter to ensure quick and safe access during emergencies.
Add-Ons and Other Features
Just as homeowners pay for security features like a camera system in a safe room, you can add safety features to a tornado shelter. Some common add-ons to budget for include:
Beds with mattresses: $300–$400 each
Handrail: $50–$100+
Emergency exit: $500–$2,000
Enhanced air ventilation or filtration: $100–$3,000
Plumbing: $100–$5,000
Electricity or internet access: $100–$1,500
Storm Shelter Cost by Type
When installing a storm shelter, your largest choice—and largest cost factor—is determining where you'll put it. Your two main options are above-ground or in-ground (or underground). Keep reading to find out more in-depth information about each type and which works best for your space.
Above-Ground
An above-ground tornado shelter costs $2,600 to $15,000, with most being installed in garages or basements. Though a basement is located underground, "above-ground" refers to the installation above a concrete surface.
The advantages of an above-ground storm shelter are the lower cost and easier installation. In addition, they're more easily accessible for people with mobility challenges, less likely to have bugs, and ideal for properties with a high water table (locations that flood more easily). If you don't want to alter your landscaping, above-ground hurricane or tornado shelters may make more sense.
In-Ground
An underground tornado shelter costs $4,200 to $30,000 on average, with many homeowners installing in-ground shelters below their garages or in their yards. In-ground units are more effective against extreme weather, as they’re more resistant to falling debris and strong winds. Opting for an in-ground unit also means you won’t take up any square footage within your home.
However, in-ground units are prone to flooding. If an in-ground shelter floods, expect to pay for water damage restoration.
Storm Shelter Cost by Location
Garages and basements are the most common locations for tornado and hurricane shelters, but you can also build under-bed shelters and safe rooms in locations like under the stairs or a closet.
| Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Garage (above-ground) | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Garage (in-ground) | $10,000–$15,000 |
| Basement | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Bed shelter | $2,100–$4,500 |
| Safe room | $3,000–$10,000 |
Garage
Garage storm shelters can be above-ground or in-ground. A tornado shelter on a garage floor costs $3,000 to $9,000. These tend to be smaller than other above-ground shelters because of limited square footage.
You can install an in-ground garage shelter if you pay to excavate beneath the garage. Tornado shelter prices under the garage floor range from $10,000 to $15,000. Expect to pay more for options with a staircase or one that can hold more than eight people.
Basement
Above-ground basement tornado shelters cost between $6,000 and $15,000. Basements are ideal for a shelter because the basement is already underground. However, you need to be willing to give up square footage you might otherwise use for storage, a home gym, or a laundry room.
Bed Shelter
Installing a storm shelter under a bed costs approximately $2,100 to $4,500. An under-bed storm shelter is ideal for homeowners without ample space or the budget for a larger storm shelter.
An under-bed storm shelter can typically fit two people and meets Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for EF5 tornadoes. However, these shelters are small. If you’re claustrophobic, it might not be the best option.
Safe Room
The average cost to build a safe room in your home ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. If you want extra features like cameras or security, expect to pay up to $15,000.
Safe rooms—also called panic rooms—are typically built for your family to hide during a home invasion, but if your safe room is built with walls that can withstand hurricane-force winds, it can double as a storm shelter. Closets and under-the-stairs are common locations for safe room builds.
Does Building a Tornado Shelter Increase Home Value?
Yes, a tornado shelter can increase the value of your home, provided you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather. If you add a storm shelter to your home in a region known for tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme climate events, it can add as much as 3.5% in value to your home. This can be higher if you invest in a very large or luxurious shelter.
Budgeting for Building a Tornado Shelter
While storm shelters can be expensive, they provide invaluable protection for your family. Here are a few ways to reduce the expenses of this project:
Consider a prefabricated shelter instead of a more expensive custom one.
If you have an existing space for an above-ground shelter, such as a garage, consider converting it rather than building an all-new structure.
If space and funds are limited, consider under-the-bed shelters for protection at the lowest possible cost.
Avoid expensive materials where possible—most options are equally suited to storm protection.
See if you qualify for financial assistance from FEMA to build your storm shelter—they may cover as much as 75% of project costs.
If your area isn’t prone to very dangerous storms, consider installing storm-resistant windows and doors instead—a storm shutter contractor can help you understand the costs of hurricane windows and storm door prices, which might make more financial sense than a full shelter.
DIY Tornado Shelter vs. Hiring a Pro
While you might consider building a storm shelter yourself to save money, hiring a professional is the safer choice. DIY shelters can lack the necessary structural integrity and might not comply with local building codes or FEMA guidelines. Professionals ensure your shelter is built correctly and safely, providing peace of mind during severe weather.
Though DIY construction may reduce labor costs, mistakes or oversights can lead to expensive repairs or modifications in the future. DIY builders encounter other challenges such as improper installation, inadequate ventilation, or structural weaknesses that compromise the shelter's effectiveness.
Given the importance of reliable protection during severe weather, investing in professional construction with a general contractor near you is often the safer and more practical choice, ensuring your shelter is built correctly, safely, and efficiently.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to secure a permit for a tornado shelter when local building codes require it. A permit confirms that your shelter meets safety and construction standards to withstand extreme weather events. FEMA guidelines P-361 and P-320 establish these safety requirements. Permit costs range from $430 to $2,240. Contact your local building department to verify the necessary permits and ensure full compliance with all regulations.
Yes, FEMA will fund up to 75% of your storm shelter installation if all eligibility conditions are met. FEMA allocates funds to state authorities where strict guidelines determine approval and disbursement. Contact your State Hazard Mitigation Officer to determine your funding options and initiate the required process. Secure the necessary documentation to access this financial support.
Tornado shelters add significant value to a home by enhancing both safety and market appeal. A secure storm shelter not only increases the resale value by up to 50% of the unit cost but also provides multifunctional benefits in areas prone to severe weather. Homeowners who integrate features like a gun safe or wine cellar maximize their investment and overall home desirability.
A pre-built storm shelter delivers distinct benefits by reducing overall costs and installation time. A pre-built unit eliminates extensive on-site construction expenses and comes in a variety of sizes and materials to suit different family needs. This design flexibility provides robust protection, ensures rapid installation, and secures your home against extreme weather conditions.
The installation time for a tornado shelter depends on the type chosen. Pre-built shelters are installed in four to eight hours, providing a rapid and secure solution. Custom-made shelters or those that require land excavation demand significantly longer time, taking days or weeks due to extensive preparation, structural assembly, and precise installation to fully meet safety standards.
Space is a critical factor in a storm shelter. FEMA mandates a minimum of six square feet per person for tornado protection and ten square feet per person for hurricane safety. For example, a 5-by-6-foot shelter meets the needs of a family of five in a tornado-prone area. Extra room accommodates emergency supplies and ensures safe, comfortable movement during severe weather events.
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