Q&A for How to Build an Underground Bunker

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What are the major concerns for a bunker, safety-wise?

Andrew Peters
Architecture & Construction Specialist
Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professional. He served as Project Manager for the international-award-winning “Refract House,” Team California’s entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a project featured in over 600 online and print articles.

Andrew Peters

Architecture & Construction Specialist

Expert Answer

Waterproofing is a nightmare. Water is especially dangerous when it come to building integrity, and it's very hard to waterproof spaces underground if there isn't a building on top of it to divert water away.

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Question

Can I build a house underground?

Andrew Peters
Architecture & Construction Specialist
Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-Accredited Professional. He served as Project Manager for the international-award-winning “Refract House,” Team California’s entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, a project featured in over 600 online and print articles.

Andrew Peters

Architecture & Construction Specialist

Expert Answer

It depends on where you live, but it's typically illegal to do this. Homes usually have to have windows, which means you can't put an entire house underground. For a regular building, you wouldn't be able to build it out underground to be especially large, but again, it's a moot point since you won't be legally allowed to build it.

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Question

I have a crawl space under my house. Can that space become my underground bunker?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

If you know how to access it from your crawl space, it will be protected and hidden there. But you should still do some digging, as your crawl space will not be tall enough.

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Question

Why would it be illegal? I mean, if you build it underground, it can’t be messed up in a storm and mess up some one else’s house. Also it can’t fall over.

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

You may have a faulty design that was not considered safe, or you could need a better cover for it. Your city probably doesn't want a dangerous structure or one that looks bad from the surface. Your best bet is to redesign it and ask again.

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Question

Can't I build it and call it a deluxe root cellar?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes, you can call it a deluxe root cellar as it is underground. Just make sure to follow the restrictions for that structure type.

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Are these bunkers meant for natural disasters and nukes?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Concrete and metal are great radiation blockers and can survive other disasters.

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Question

Can I bury a small house?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes, you can make a small overground mudroom with windows, then a hatch to your real house underneath. Just properly ventilate your space and it should be legal.

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Question

Is it safe to build a bunker at your house?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes. It is the safest and easiest location to access. You won't run into property restrictions either.

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Question

Where would I find information on building an underground barn/fallout shelter?

Community Answer

See Build an Underground Bunker , Build a Bomb Shelter and related articles.

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Question

What happens if I dig below 100 feet?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

It would need extreme reinforcing and could exceed $500,000. It could be prone to cave ins if you build it wrong.

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Question

How much money does it cost?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

As cheap as $10,000 to as expensive as you want. A good one might cost $25,000-$50,000.

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Question

Why does the government steal my stuff, but not say/do anything to stop me?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

It is not the government, but robbers. The government would fill it in. Remember to keep your tools and materials safe.

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What if I can’t afford it?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

You can save up for a cheaper version. You could probably build one for $10,000, if you build it right.

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Can I still build this legally?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes, just get the right permits and stick to your plans. Shelters are legal types of structures.

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Question

How long would it take to build an underground bunker?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

It might take a few days if you do it by hand, or hours with friends and an excavator.

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Question

When might I need an underground bunker?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

During natural (tornadoes, parasites, etc.) or manmade (bombings, nuclear fallout, etc.) disasters.

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Question

What if I were to make a bunker half-submerged, Hobbit style? Would it make waterproofing easier?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

That is not optimal as enemies can find your bunker easier, but you would need less waterproofing.

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Question

I am an 11-year-old. Should I ask for adult help to build my bunker?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

Yes, it would be hard -- even dangerous -- for an 11-year-old. See what your parents think and show them your design. They may offer to build it for you.

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Question

Can I convert my basement to a emergency bunker?

Panda Man

Community Answer

Yes, you absolutely can. How you do this depends on your basement, but it's a good idea.

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Question

I have an old basement foundation. Its building burnt down years ago. It’s just a square pit lined with cinder blocks, about 12x12 and 7 feet deep. Could I turn this into a bunker?

Community Answer

That could make a very good bunker, especially if you could use all the utilities from the old building. Here are some steps: 1. Assess your space. 2. Create a design for your new bunker. 3. Check for damage in the basement. 4. Seal any cracks. 5. Divide it into rooms (optional). 6. Reinforce the walls. 7. Install a new roof. 8. Redo all the utilities. 9. Cover it up. 10. Put in your furniture and supplies. 11. Check for anything else that needs work. 12. Enjoy your refurbished bunker.

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Question

What if I had a $5,000,000 budget. What is the best filtration for long-term use?

Peyton Schmiege

Community Answer

HEPA air filters are used in nuclear power plants and hospitals. That would be your best bet. $5,000,000 would provide you with a pretty good bunker!

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What if I don’t have a lot of money?

Community Answer

The materials shown above should help you keep the costs down.

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Question

What is the best and strongest material to build a bunker if money is not an issue?

Blue Monkey Mason

Community Answer

Reinforced concrete and a lot of steel. You will need to make the wall quite thick.

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