Can You Buy an Underground Bunker?
If you’re looking for a way to increase your chances of survival in an emergency, you may be wondering if it’s possible to buy an underground bunker. The answer depends on your budget, the type of shelter you want, and where you live.
A bunker can be a great place to hide and escape during an emergency, but it’s also an expensive investment. So it’s important to make sure you do your research before buying one.
During the Cold War, fears of nuclear war caused many Americans to invest in fallout shelters. But now, a new wave of bunker buyers is driven by the fear of all kinds of disasters, not just a single threat.
People like Tom Soulsby, 69, who bought a bunker at Vivos xPoint in Edgemont, South Dakota, are seeking a more permanent home that will provide protection from natural or manmade catastrophes. In 2017, he made a $25,000 down payment on an elliptical-shaped, 2,200-square-foot underground concrete bunker.
He plans to use it as a secure spot for his family to escape to in an emergency. He’s also building a solar power generator to keep it going and has stocked it with food, water, and weapons.
Another option is to build your own bunker, a process that can be relatively inexpensive. But it’s important to remember that bunkers aren’t designed for long-term storage, so you’ll need to add a few extra amenities to make it more comfortable for your family.
You can buy a basic underground bunker for about $52,750. That includes all the materials to build a 200-square-foot shelter, but it doesn’t cover land prep work or installation costs. If you’re ready to spend a little more, you can find luxury bunkers that include everything from swimming pools to shooting ranges.
Prices vary based on size, but some are more than double the price of other types of shelters. Larger bunkers, for example, can run up to $9 million.
These shelters typically have everything you need for a short-term survival situation, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Some even come with NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection.
In addition, many of them have amenities that will help you stay calm and healthy. Among them, for example, are a movie theater and a full-spectrum lighting system to combat stress.
The bunkers are also built to withstand a 500,000-pound internal blast. And they’re insulated against radiation so you can sleep in them without fear of inhaling toxic chemicals, according to the company that makes them.
Some shelters also have a garage or barn attached for added storage. These can be especially useful for carpenters, mechanics, and other professionals who need to store their equipment in a safe location.
If you’re a shopper on a budget, you can build your own bunker for less than $10,000. It will require some excavation and installation work, but it’s easy enough to do with a bit of planning and research.
If you want to get really fancy, you can also hire a contractor to dig your bunker for you. But you should be sure to check with your local building code enforcement agency to see if you need a permit for the project. You might also need to purchase a special license to build one on public land.
