Family Owned Since 1999  ·  No Contracts  ·  No Deposits  ·  Call or Text 214-417-4340
Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to
the questions we get most.

If your question isn't here, just call us. We like questions.

Pricing & Payment
01How much does an underground storm shelter cost?
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Both the 6×8 Original and the 7×10 Jumbo underground concrete storm shelters start at $4,500 fully installed. That price includes the shelter itself, delivery to your property, excavation, placement, backfill, and all labor — the whole job.

The only potential upcharge is if we hit solid rock during excavation and need to bring out a jackhammer, billed at an hourly rate. It's rare but possible in certain parts of the region.

02Do I need to pay a deposit?
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No. We don't require deposits and we don't make you sign a contract. You say "put me on the schedule," we get you on the books, and you pay the quoted price when the job is finished. That's the whole transaction.

03How do I pay?
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Payment is due when the job is finished. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. No deposit is required to get on the schedule.

The Shelters
04How many people does a storm shelter hold?
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Our 6×8 Original shelter is rated for 8 to 10 people. Our 7×10 Jumbo shelter is rated for 12 to 14 people.

These are adult-standing capacities. Actual comfort depends on how many children, dogs, and emergency supplies you've got with you. If you're on the fence between the two sizes, we generally tell folks to go bigger — you can't un-buy the smaller one.

05What are the shelters made of?
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The shelters are constructed from 6000 PSI concrete with fiberglass strands mixed directly into the slurry — what we call "Fibercrete." The fiberglass provides a secondary water barrier and adds tensile strength throughout the entire structure.

Rebar reinforcement is placed on 12-inch centers through the walls, floor, and lid. The concrete cures around it to form a monolithic vault with the tensile strength of steel.

The door is heavy-gauge steel with a 3-point locking system that engages into the steel frame, plus a spring assist that makes it open easier.

06Are these shelters FEMA compliant?
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Our shelters are designed and tested to meet the structural criteria established in FEMA Publications P-320 (Taking Shelter from the Storm) and P-361 (Design and Construction Criteria for Community Safe Rooms), as well as ICC-500 standards for residential storm shelters.

All underground and above-ground units are tested to withstand EF5 conditions — sustained winds over 200 mph, the highest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

07Will an underground storm shelter get water in it?
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The 6000 PSI Fibercrete construction is specifically designed to minimize water penetration. The dense concrete is naturally water-resistant, and the fiberglass component mixed throughout the concrete adds a secondary moisture barrier.

In extreme rain events, minor seepage around the door or ventilator can occur — this is normal and is excluded from the warranty. Proper site drainage, which we assess during your free site visit, prevents most water issues.

08Do you offer shelters for people with mobility issues?
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Yes. Both our 6×8 and 7×10 shelters can be ordered with the EZ Entry option for an additional $300. The EZ Entry model features a taller door opening so you don't have to bend over when entering, and a less-steep staircase angle.

It's designed for folks with bad knees, bad backs, walkers, wheelchair users, or anyone who wants an easier way in.

09Do you offer above-ground storm shelters?
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Yes. We install a 6×8 concrete above-ground safe room, as well as a variety of custom-fabricated steel safe rooms in different sizes. All above-ground units are tested to withstand EF5 conditions.

Pricing on steel safe rooms varies by size and configuration. Give us a call and we'll talk through what fits your property.

Installation
10How long does installation take?
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A typical underground storm shelter install takes less than four hours from start to finish. That includes excavation, lowering the shelter into place, leveling and seating, backfill, and a walkthrough with you.

You can leave for work in the morning and come home to a finished shelter. It's not a week-long project.

11What if you hit rock during the dig?
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If we encounter solid rock that requires a jackhammer to break through, there's an hourly upcharge for that work. This is rare but does happen in certain terrains — parts of the region have shallow bedrock or limestone shelves.

We tell you immediately if we hit rock so there are no surprises on the invoice.

12How deep are the shelters buried?
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The shelter sits below ground level with only the entrance door and vents visible at the surface. Typical excavation depth is around 6 to 7 feet, depending on the shelter size and your finished grade preference.

13Can the shelter be installed in my garage?
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We primarily install our shelters in yards rather than garages. Garage installations require special consideration for concrete cutting, equipment access, and ceiling clearance.

Call us to discuss your specific situation — we'll tell you honestly whether it's a fit.

Service & Coverage
14What areas do you serve?
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We serve a 150-mile radius from Durant, Oklahoma. That covers most of South Oklahoma including the Oklahoma City metro, the entire DFW metroplex, North Texas, and parts of East Texas and Southeast Oklahoma.

See our Service Area page for a full county list. If you're just outside that radius, call us anyway — we can sometimes make it work.

Warranty
15What warranty do the shelters come with?
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All concrete underground shelters include a 10-year limited warranty covering substantial water leakage caused by defects in material or workmanship in the concrete structure or in the seal between concrete subunits.

Steel safe rooms come with a 10-year fabrication warranty.

Full warranty terms, exclusions, and claim process are on our Shelters page.

Didn't Find Your Answer?

Ask us yourself.

If you've got a question that isn't covered above, the quickest way to get an answer is the phone. We actually like questions — it means you're thinking carefully about a decision that matters.

Call or Text 214-417-4340