Tornado safe room cost by size
HomeGuide puts a prefab steel safe room at $150 to $350 per square foot installed. For the common 4x6 to 4x8 sizes that comes to $3,600 to $11,200, and its national average is $7,400. Concrete costs less per square foot, at $100 to $200 (HomeGuide, safe room cost guide). Nobody publishes Jonesboro-only prices, so these national figures are the best yardstick for a local quote.
How much room each person needs
The National Storm Shelter Association's rules for a shelter at a one- or two-family home call for at least 3 square feet of floor space per person, and a residential shelter holds 16 people or fewer. NSSA also wants the shelter within 150 feet of an exterior door of the house, and it doesn't recommend putting a below-ground shelter below the design flood elevation (NSSA, residential tornado shelters).
By that rule a 4x4 room, at 16 square feet, covers five people. HomeGuide's chart below is roomier and lists a 4x4 for 2 to 4 adults. If anyone in the house uses a wheelchair or walker, or you want space for a bag and a chair, size up.
Cost by size
| Size | Floor area | Adults (HomeGuide) | Most people at 3 sq ft each | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 4 ft | 16 sq ft | 2 to 4 | 5 | $2,400 to $5,600 |
| 4 x 6 ft | 24 sq ft | 5 to 7 | 8 | $3,600 to $8,400 |
| 4 x 8 ft | 32 sq ft | 7 to 9 | 10 | $4,800 to $11,200 |
| 6 x 6 ft | 36 sq ft | 9 to 11 | 12 | $5,400 to $12,600 |
| 6 x 8 ft | 48 sq ft | 11 to 13 | 16 | $7,200 to $16,800 |
| 8 x 8 ft | 64 sq ft | 12 to 15 | 16 (residential limit) | $9,600 to $22,400 |
| 6 x 12 ft | 72 sq ft | 12 to 16 | 16 (residential limit) | $10,800 to $25,200 |
| 8 x 10 ft | 80 sq ft | 14 to 30 | 16 (residential limit) | $12,000 to $28,000 |
Sizes, adult counts and installed costs from the HomeGuide, safe room cost guide. The 3 square feet per person minimum and the 16-person residential limit are from NSSA, residential tornado shelters.
Steel or concrete
| Material | Installed, per sq ft | 5 x 7 ft room |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $150 to $350 | $5,300 to $12,300 |
| Concrete | $100 to $200 | $3,500 to $7,000 |
From the HomeGuide, safe room cost guide.
Either one can be built to ICC 500 or FEMA P-361. The standards page explains what those mean and what paperwork to ask for.
Add-ons and fees
| Add-on or fee | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Delivery | $300 to $2,600 |
| New concrete slab, if there isn't one | $6 to $12 per sq ft |
| Outdoor electrical run for a light or fan | $10 to $25 per linear ft ($1,200 to $7,100 total) |
| Moving an existing safe room | $1,800 to $2,200 |
| City of Jonesboro storm shelter permit | $50 |
Add-on costs from the HomeGuide, safe room cost guide. Permit fee from the City of Jonesboro, Inspections and Planning fee schedule.
Before you hire anyone
HomeGuide's hiring advice comes down to a short list (HomeGuide, safe room cost guide):
- Get at least three estimates for the same size and type.
- Ask whether the installer or the maker is an NSSA member, and which standard the model meets.
- Check that the installer is licensed, bonded and insured.
- Be wary of a bid far below the rest.
- Get a written contract and warranty, and don't pay in full until the room is installed.
The price guide has costs by shelter type and an estimator. The installation guide covers the Jonesboro permit and the Arkansas 811 call.
Quick answers
How much does a tornado safe room cost?
HomeGuide puts the national average at $7,400. A prefab steel safe room runs $150 to $350 per square foot installed, or $3,600 to $11,200 for the common 4x6 to 4x8 sizes. Concrete runs $100 to $200 per square foot.
How big should a safe room be for a family of four?
NSSA's residential rule is at least 3 square feet of floor space per person, so four people need 12 square feet. A 4x4 room has 16. HomeGuide's chart is roomier and lists a 4x4 for 2 to 4 adults and a 4x6 for 5 to 7.
How long does a safe room install take?
HomeGuide says a prefab steel safe room takes about 2 to 5 hours to install.
Sources: HomeGuide, safe room cost guide; NSSA, residential tornado shelters; City of Jonesboro, Inspections and Planning fee schedule. National figures, not quotes.
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