It can be costly to build a bunker. It is dependent on so many factors, such as size, location, and amenities. A small and plain bunker might only be a few thousand dollars. However, a large, fully equipped bunker might run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A simple DIY bunker could cost a few thousand dollars to create. A more extensive, commercial bunker with air purifiers, water tanks, and electricity will run $40,000 to $200,000. The greater the protection you desire, the more you will pay. Having an idea of what you require will make it easier to estimate the price.
What Is a Bunker?
Primarily the function of building a bunker is safety. Bunkers protect from nuclear fallout, tornadoes, bombings, or any natural calamities like earthquakes. They are built underground, shielded from the outside environment.
The reasons for a person wanting to build a bunker could be varied. Some might make a bunker for emergency preparedness, while others could want a haven for long-term residential purposes. Nevertheless, cost analysis is the first step in building your bunker.
Average Bunker Costs
| National Average Cost | $60,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $20,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $9,000,000 |
| Average Range | $40,000 to $80,000 |
Bomb shelter cost by size
Constructing a bunker is very costly. The average cost of building an underground bunker is between $200 and $400 per square foot. For a 200-square-foot bunker, you would pay between $40,000 to $80,000.
The cost, however, varies with many factors, such as the size, materials, and other features like plumbing, electricity, and security systems of the bunker.
Here’s a straightforward summary of the costs depending on the size of the bunker:
Size (square feet) |
Average installed cost |
| 100 (square feet) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| 200 (square feet) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| 300 (square feet) | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| 400 (square feet) | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| 500 (square feet) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 1,000 (square feet) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
Fallout shelter cost factors
To determine the price of building a bunker, you will have to take into consideration several factors that might affect the price:
- Size of the Bunker: The more spacious the bunker, the greater the cost. You need to measure the space you want to occupy and times it by the cost per square foot, usually between $200 and $400.
- Materials Used: Basic bunkers are usually constructed using steel or shipping containers. If you want to include added strength, you can opt for concrete walls, which will range from $15 to $40 per square foot. Luxury bunkers can employ high-end materials such as stone or reinforced steel.
- Location: The whereabouts of your bunker can influence the price based on excavation, shipping, and logistics needs. In the case where you reside where there is lots of rocky landscape, excavation and building the bunker will cost more.
- Customization: Pre-built bunkers cost less, yet specially designed homes with custom add-ons (such as air filter systems and solar energy) add to the bill.
- Other Features: Items such as plumbing, electricity, security systems, and ventilation can easily add to the total cost. High-end upgrades like a home theater, indoor pool, or sauna will drive the cost even higher.
Labor Costs for Bunker Construction
Any construction project demands professional labor contributions since bunker building requires the same. Labor costs will differ according to the bunker’s complexity and the contractors’ experience along with their region of operation. When building a bunker, you will encounter multiple essential labor costs, which are specified below:
1. Excavation Labour
Extensive digging work during the bunker construction phase directly affects labor costs because the process combines the size of the bunker addition with the characteristics of the ground. The specific costs for excavation labor fall between $1,100 and $5,600, depending on the overall size of the construction project.
2. Construction Labour
Constructing the bunker structure along with its foundation walls and roof requires extended labor efforts. Appropriately reinforced and weatherproof bunkers require experienced labor personnel to perform the work. The hourly rates for skilled construction personnel differ according to location yet fall between $50 to $100 based on the specific construction type.
3. Plumbing and Electrical Labor
The installation of both electrical and plumbing requirements needs specialized workers to perform the tasks. Professional plumbers, along with electricians, charge between $45 and $200 for each hour based on the intricate nature of the installed systems.
4. Security and Custom Features
Rates for installing security systems with advanced features and high-end custom designs will be higher when labor services are accessed. The cost of security professional services ranges from $100 to $150 per hour, including camera and safety system installation.
5. General Labour for Final Touches
After building the framework of the structure, general laborers complete the final installation work, which includes flooring application alongside painting and insulating the structure before implementing fixtures. The hourly rate for this service ranges from $25 to $75 based on the specific task at hand.
6. Total Labour Costs
The final expenses of a bunker project become substantially increased through labor costs. The labor expenses account for between 30-40% of the total cost to construct a bunker unless the build involves extensive features or preparations.
Security
A secure bunker design is vital because it shields the structure from outside threats and creates calmness inside for those residing there. Right security systems function to protect inhabitants during crises. Detailed analysis of crucial security components that should be included during bunker construction follows below.
- Security Cameras: Security cameras assist you in monitoring your bunker. They range from $125 to $450 to install.
- Full Home Security System: A full security system comes with alarms and cameras. Installation will cost $199 to $900 and $25 to $50 monthly for monitoring.
- Security Door: Your bunker is protected by a security door. Installing one will cost $400 to $800.
- Landscaping: Landscaping conceals the bunker entrance. Its price ranges from $4 to $12 per square foot.
- Privacy Fencing: Privacy fencing makes your bunker inconspicuous. Installation ranges from $25 to $60 per linear foot.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Building a Bunker?
Actors may affect the price of constructing a bunker, apart from the general size and framework. These are:
- Prefab or Custom Bunkers: Prefabricated bunkers are less costly compared to custom-built bunkers. Custom bunkers are designed based on your specifications but are costlier.
- Reinforcement Options: Steel or concrete-reinforced walls are more expensive than plain shipping containers, but they provide more protection. Reinforced concrete is particularly well-suited for nuclear fallout shelters.
- Above-Ground vs. Underground: An above-ground bunker will cost less than an underground bunker but will not be as safe from radiation or bombs. Underground bunkers cost more because of the excavation and additional safety features.
- Luxury Features: The inclusion of a greenhouse, home cinema, sauna, or pool can add substantially to the price of a bunker. For example, a cinema at home will cost $10,000 to $60,000, and a sauna will add $3,000 to $10,000.
Ongoing Costs of Maintaining a Bunker
The cost of creating a bunker constitutes a major financial expense, though homeowners must estimate ongoing upkeep costs. Some ongoing expenses include:
- Utility Bills: Monthly costs for electricity, water, and gas.
- Security System Monitoring: Fees for monitoring services.
Regular maintenance of your bunker involves several tasks, which include system updates, filter changes, and thorough cleaning in addition to keeping it in good working condition.
Conclusion
Constructing a homemade shelter requires a major financial commitment, which results in protective benefits during unstable periods. A typical bunker with average dimensions requires between $40,000 to $80,000 for construction, yet luxury-sized shelters will significantly increase the construction costs. Ascertain your shelter requirements along with essential features with protection levels and select which bunker best fulfills your needs.
Through careful analysis of the bunker cost element, you can obtain an educated decision leading you toward an affordable survival shelter that maintains its effectiveness.
FAQS
Q1) How many people can a bunker fit?
The size of a bunker varies, but usually, it can fit a small family (4-6 individuals) to larger numbers, with 20+ or more people being designed for.
Q2) How deep should a bunker be to be safe?
To be safe, a bunker ideally should be 10 feet below ground level, although deeper bunkers (20-30 feet) are safer from radiation, blasts, and other dangers.
Q3) How many bunkers are you allowed to own?
There is no fixed number of bunkers you are allowed to own, but you may be subject to local zoning regulations and building codes in terms of ownership and construction.
Q4) Can you legally build a bunker on your land?
Yes, you can legally build a bunker, but you need to comply with local zoning ordinances, building codes, and permits to meet safety and environmental regulations.
Q5) Is a bunker a sound investment?
A bunker is a good personal safety investment in the event of emergencies, but it might not be a strong financial one. It’s mostly a security measure, not an investment for returns.
