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What Goes Into The Cost of Panic Rooms and Storm Shelters

A lot of people ask us what goes into the cost of panic rooms and storm shelters. The truth is that there are a lot of factors that go into the cost, so if you want a true quote, you’ll have to contact us and let us go over everything that you need. There are things that make Valley Storm Shelters stand out from the crowd, and here we go over everything that goes into the cost of building and installing a top-quality shelter.

Your Guide To The Cost of Panic Rooms and Storm Shelters

Keep reading as we go over why we’re different from the competition and discuss the difference between aboveground panic rooms and below ground shelters.

We’re Different Than Our Competition

At Valley Storm Shelters, having the best safety shelters in the nation is everything to us. We work hard to build the best products for our clients. We’ve been in business for over 12 years and have been accredited with an A+ rating from the BBB since 2011. We also have a state-of-the-art showroom that is like no other in the country. You can see a full-scale model of each of our storm shelters. 

In addition, we have our own manufacturing plant that includes a highly trained crew to do our own installations. A lot of our competitors have their shelters built by third-party manufacturers and installed by independent contractors. At Valley Storm Shelters, our installers are company employed and have years of experience. We even make sure they go through an extensive background test and are drug screened before they are hired.

Another thing that helps us stand out from the competition is that our products have a lifetime warranty that is even transferable if you sell your home. 

Construction-wise, our shelters are created with ¼” plated steel that includes a full floor with ¾” reinforced corners. The door weighs in at over 300lbs and has three 1 ¼” stainless steel locking pins with an industrial deadbolt that is both pick and drill resistant. We even anchor our shelters with ¾” x 7” concrete and use our patented CoreLock installation system that includes 4 additional carbon steel bolts. Click here to see The Valley Difference between our shelters and the competition.

The Difference Between Aboveground Panic Rooms and Belowground Shelters 

As technology advances and we learn more and more about how to build the safest shelter for you and your family, we know that there is a much greater risk involved with belowground shelters. Fallen debris is much more likely to trap inside your shelter when it’s placed belowground. Even though our hydraulic doors can lift an incredible amount of weight, there will always be a risk that the door can malfunction and prevent the door from opening.

Additionally, belowground shelters also have a high risk of flooding. Tornadoes and storms have much greater amounts of rain, even if your home is not located in a flood zone. It is also more common to have pest problems or mold in a belowground shelter. Most of us aren’t using our shelters very often, so treating them for insects, spiders, and snakes aren’t something that we think about often. 

Over time, a belowground shelter will inevitably corrode and develop leaks. Plus, the stairs required in an underground shelter make it inaccessible for the elderly and handicapped. 

The bottom line - aboveground shelters are the way to go. They are just as functional and can be used as either storage or even temporary living quarters should a devastating storm hit. With aboveground shelters, you have the option to relocate your storm shelter to your new home. 

Indoor Vs Outdoor Installation

Another factor that goes into the cost of panic rooms and storm shelters is that our shelters can be installed both indoors and outdoors. You can install your shelter in your garage, you don’t have to worry about going out in the weather to get to your shelter. One thing to note about a garage installation is that in order to install the patented CoreLock System, we do need an additional 6” of clearance between the wall and your shelter. However, if you want your shelter flush with the wall, we will replace our CoreLock anchors with 4 additional concrete cutting anchors.

Rather have an outside shelter? You’ll need to make sure your concrete slab is poured at least 28 days before installation. The slab should total 4’ more than the dimensions of your shelter. For example, if your shelter is 4’x6’, then your slab should measure 8’x10’. Regardless of whether you choose to install your shelter or panic room indoors or outdoors, the concrete should not contain rebar and it shouldn’t be more than 6” thick. Outdoor shelters will need additional primer and topcoat of paint specifically designed for outdoor conditions. 

Contact Us For A Cost Estimate

When you’re ready to secure your family’s safety, give us a call today. We’d love to answer your questions and help you get exactly the panic room or storm shelter option that works best for you. There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of panic rooms and storm shelters but you can trust that safety is our first priority.

Go through our website, watch our videos, and let us prove to you that we’ve gone the distance when it comes to testing and engineering the strongest storm shelter available. All of our products are made in-house and use only the best materials available - plus they are in compliance with FEMA 361, FEMA 320, and ICC 500 standards. Do your research and reach out to us today, we are confident that you’ll see “The Valley Difference.”