How much does a safe room cost?
How much does a safe room cost?
$150 – $350 average cost per square foot
$3,600 – $11,200 average total cost (4x6 – 4x8)
Average safe room cost
Building a steel safe room costs $150 to $350 per square foot installed on average or $3,600 to $11,200 total. Safe rooms, also called panic rooms, protect against home invaders and tornadoes. Concrete safe rooms are less common and cost $100 to $200 per square foot or $3,500 to $7,000 total.
| National Average Cost | $7,400 |
| Minimum Cost | $2,600 |
| Maximum Cost | $500,000 |
| Average Range | $3,600 to $11,200* |
*For a 4x6 to 4x8 safe room.
A safe room or panic room is a reinforced space designed to withstand natural disasters or criminal activity for a short time. You can install safe rooms in a closet, basement, garage, or yard.
Most safe rooms are prefabricated and made of steel, although some companies make safe rooms from concrete.
Cost of a safe room by size
The most common safe room sizes are between 4x4 and 8x8 but can go much higher. The following table shows the average cost of prefabricated steel safe rooms:
| Size (feet) | Capacity (adults) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 | 2 – 4 | $2,400 – $5,600 |
| 4x6 | 5 – 7 | $3,600 – $8,400 |
| 4x8 | 7 – 9 | $4,800 – $11,200 |
| 6x6 | 9 – 11 | $5,400 – $12,600 |
| 6x8 | 11 – 13 | $7,200 – $16,800 |
| 6x10 | 8 – 12 | $9,000 – $21,00 |
| 8x8 | 12 – 15 | $9,600 – $22,400 |
| 6x12 | 12 – 16 | $10,800 – $25,200 |
| 8x10 | 14 – 30 | $12,000 – $28,000 |
Safe room cost by material
Although most prefabricated safe rooms are made of steel, some companies make concrete safe rooms. A concrete safe room is typically placed underground or outside on a concrete pad. Stamped concrete designs on safe rooms cost extra.
Steel safe rooms come in a wider variety of sizes. Concrete safe rooms are typically between 5x7 and 8x10 but vary depending on the company.
| Material | Average cost per square foot | Average installed cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $150 – $350 | $5,300 – $12,300 |
| Concrete | $100 – $200 | $3,500 – $7,000 |
*For a 5x7 safe room.
Not all safe rooms can withstand a tornado. Make sure your safe room meets FEMA and ICC regulations if you live in an area with extreme storms.
Panic room cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to install a panic room or safe room:
Prefab vs. custom: Most safe room companies manufacture prefabricated units, but you can also hire a contractor to do build it from scratch with concrete walls and bulletproof doors. This option will cost much more, up to $200,000.
Delivery: If you buy a prefabricated safe room, delivery may add $300 to $2,600 to your total cost, depending the company and distance. Some companies offer free shipping or build it into their pricing, but others charge a separate fee.
Finish: Most safe room manufacturers add a coating to the steel to prevent rust. Some companies charge extra for powder-coated steel.
Relocation: If you're moving and want to take a safe room unit with you, some companies will relocate it for $1,800 to $2,200.
DIY vs. professional: You can reinforce an existing closet or room by yourself adding plywood or a bullet-resistant door. However, professional safe rooms are more fortified and safer.
Other shelter types: A storm shelter costs $3,000 to $12,000+ for above ground and $4,000 to $20,000+ to build below ground. An underground bunker costs $40,000 to $80,000 and is designed to withstand anything from tornadoes to nuclear radiation.
You can also install a hidden door that looks like a bookcase. Hidden interior doors cost $600 to $4,500 and are also known as Murphy doors.
Labor
The labor cost for installing a safe room varies depending on your location and the complexity of the project. Some prefab safe room companies include installation costs in their pricing, while others don't. If you choose to outfit your safe room with electricity or other finishes, the price rises:
A concrete slab costs $6 to $12 per square foot and bears the weight of the heavy steel or concrete safe room
Running electricity outdoors costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $1,200 to $7,100 if you decide to add lighting or outlets to your safe room.
Security
Many safe room units come with a security door and air vents, which allow air in while keeping debris out. Adding other security features can help you stay safe in dangerous situations, especially if your safe room is outdoors:
A security camera costs $125 to $450 with installation.
A full home security system costs $199 to $900 for the installation and equipment and another $25 to $50 per month for monitoring fees.
Landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot. This can help camouflage your safe room or the entrance and vents if it's underground.Â
Safe room FAQs
What is a safe room?
A safe room, or panic room, is a structure usually made of steel or concrete that you can go inside during a storm or home invasion. You can build safe rooms inside an existing house, outside, or even underground.
Can I build a safe room myself?
You could build a safe room yourself by reinforcing walls in a closet and adding a security door. However, you could run the risk of creating an unsafe structure that won't stand up to force when you need it most.
It takes a lot of experience and hard work to build a safe room safely and legally. Ask a structural engineer near you to give you advice if you need help following safe building practices.
How long does it take to install a safe room?
It takes about 2 to 5 hours to install a prefabricated steel safe room. Prefab steel units take the least amount of time and effort to install. Concrete safe rooms take longer, especially when you factor in curing times for the concrete slab or excavation for underground units.
Getting estimates from safe room installers
Before hiring a safe room or shelter installer near you, follow these steps:
Compare 3+ similar safe room estimates.
Look for contractors who are members of the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA).
Read customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google to make sure the installers are reputable.
Make sure the safe rooms meet FEMA and ICC regulations for safety and wind resistance.
Select a licensed, bonded, insured, and experienced company.
Avoid estimates that are suspiciously low.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing.
Only pay in full after they finish installing the same room.
Questions to ask safe room companies
Make sure you hire a high-quality safe room installer by asking these questions:
How long have you been installing safe rooms?
Are you a member of the NSSA?
What does this estimate include?
Do you recommend installing the safe room above ground or underground?
Do you offer custom services?
Should I be at home during the installation?
Do you comply with FEMA and ICC protocols?
Can I add electrical wiring to the safe room?
Can I add flooring, shelving, or a bed?
How long will the installation take overall?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.