What is the cheapest tornado shelter?

With tornado season fast approaching, many homeowners are considering investing in a tornado shelter to protect their families. A tornado shelter can provide life-saving refuge when a tornado threatens, but shelters can be quite expensive. For homeowners on a budget, price is often the determining factor when selecting a tornado shelter. So what is the most affordable tornado shelter option currently available?

What should you look for in an inexpensive tornado shelter?

When evaluating budget-friendly shelter options, you’ll want to look for designs that offer protection along with minimal costs. Key features to look for include:

• Strength and durability – An affordable shelter still needs to be constructed from tough materials like steel or concrete that can withstand extreme winds.
• Small size – More compact shelters take less material to build.
• Underground installation – Below ground installation provides the greatest protection.
• Basic amenities – Keeping amenities like benches or electricity to a minimum reduces costs.
• DIY options – DIY shelters are cheaper than purchasing pre-fabricated shelters.

Prioritizing these attributes can help identify the most economical shelters that still provide safety.

What are the cheapest types of tornado shelters?

Here are some of the most budget-friendly tornado shelter options on the market today:

Underground storm shelters

Prefabricated underground storm shelters installed in a backyard make one of the most affordable and protective options. These shelters are installed below ground, covered with a lid, and provide safety through their depth underground. Basic models with minimal size and features can cost as little as $2,500 to $3,000.

In-ground shelters

For the most budget conscious, installing a basic in-ground shelter yourself can be the cheapest DIY option. These pared down designs are literally just a hole dug in the yard with a lid made from wood or steel. While lacking amenities, a basic in-ground shelter provides life-saving protection at costs starting under $1,000.

Safe rooms

Some homeowners convert an interior room or basement into a safe room for under $1,000. By reinforcing walls and doors and adding a steel protective door, these rooms create a budget-friendly shelter. Safe rooms don’t provide underground protection but give homeowners an inexpensive option.

Concrete box shelters

Prefabricated concrete shelters like storm sewers or culverts buried underground can also create an economical tornado shelter for between $1,500-$3,000. While not designed for this purpose, their concrete construction provides good wind resistance when installed below ground. Creative do-it-yourselfers can save money using these basic pre-made structures.

Steel shipping containers

Some innovators have transformed used steel shipping containers into underground tornado shelters. The sturdy steel containers can be placed in a trench and covered with dirt to create an inexpensive shelter for under $2,500. Steel shipping containers provide budget-conscious protection when installed below ground.

What is the absolute cheapest tornado shelter?

Of all the economical options for tornado shelters, the most affordable choice is an in-ground shelter. For homeowners with construction skills, an in-ground shelter can be created for under $1,000.

To create an ultra-low cost in-ground tornado shelter:

• Dig a hole 3 feet wide by 6 feet long by 6 feet deep.
• Reinforce the walls with wooden planks or steel beams.
• Install a lid using 3/4 inch plywood topped with steel sheets or beams.
• Create an escape hatch from the inside.
• Pile dirt or gravel on the lid for extra weight.

This bare bones design provides life-saving protection at extremely low cost. While lacking amenities, this basic earthquake-resistant shelter can be affordably created by resourceful do-it-yourselfers. For homeowners willing to trade luxury for savings, this is likely the cheapest tornado shelter option currently available.

What should you avoid when looking for an inexpensive tornado shelter?

While saving money is the goal, there are certain things you’ll want to avoid when selecting an affordable tornado shelter:

• Avoid shelters with designs that are not wind or impact resistant – Stick with proven underground options constructed from steel, concrete, or other robust materials.
• Avoid DIY shelters without construction experience – Improperly reinforced shelters can collapse and trap occupants.
• Avoid above ground shelters – Ground level shelters are more vulnerable to extreme winds and debris.
• Avoid shared community shelters – The safest shelters are accessible from your home.
• Avoid shelters with complex features – Simple is better to keep costs low.
• Avoid shelters that take shortcuts on safety – Don’t remove safety features simply to save money.

Selecting the cheapest shelter that compromises protection could prove tragic. Keep these precautions in mind as you search for the most economical shelter within your budget.

How can you save money on tornado shelter installation?

Beyond selecting an economical shelter design, there are also ways to control costs when having your shelter installed:

• Install the shelter yourself – DIY installation saves significantly on labor.
• Have a small shelter installed – Larger shelters require more materials and longer installation.
• Install above ground if possible – Below ground installation costs more for excavation needs.
• Choose basic features – Eliminate unnecessary amenities to reduce costs.
• Install during off-peak times – Contractors may offer discounts on installation during their slower seasons.
• Get multiple quotes – Compare rates between companies before selecting an installer.

Being flexible on when the installation occurs and who performs the work can help you find additional savings.

How much does a tornado shelter typically cost?

Tornado shelter costs can vary greatly depending on the design, size, features, and installation options selected. Some typical price ranges include:

• Pre-fabricated underground shelter – $2,500 to $5,000+
• Reinforced safe room – $1,000 to $3,000
• In-ground shelter: $500 to $2,000
• Concrete box culvert shelter: $1,500 to $3,000
• Steel shipping container – $1,500 to $2,500

More customized or luxurious shelters with amenities can cost $10,000 or more. But opting for smaller, DIY, and underground options can reduce costs to under $2,500 in many cases.

Conclusion

Selecting an affordable tornado shelter comes down to choosing a pared-down design focused on protection over luxury. For the most safety conscious on a tight budget, creating a basic in-ground shelter is likely the cheapest tornado shelter option at under $1,000. But several other basic shelters like pre-fab steel units, concrete boxes, or repurposed shipping containers can all offer budget-friendly life-saving protection as well. With some smart planning, homeowners can identify economical shelters that still provide reliable refuge.