What does a storm shelter cost around Springfield?

There isn't one price. Small prefabricated in-garage and above-ground units commonly cost a few thousand dollars installed. Larger rooms, custom in-home safe rooms, and poured-concrete shelters cost more. Installers set their own prices, so the only number that matters is the written quote for your house.

What moves the price

• Type. In-garage below-slab, backyard buried, steel above-ground, or a built-in room.
• Size. Capacity is driven by floor area. A shelter for two costs less than one for six.
• Rock. Shallow limestone and chert are common around Springfield. Breaking rock adds time and equipment to an underground job.
• Access. Getting an excavator into a backyard, or a crane or truck to the garage, can affect cost.
• Concrete work. Cutting and repouring the garage slab, or adding a thicker pad for anchors.
• Permits and engineering. Where required, permit fees and any engineering are part of the job.
• Extras. Lighting, outlets, ventilation upgrades, benches, and door options.
• Season. Demand spikes after spring storms; scheduling is usually easier in fall and winter.

Is there a rebate or grant in Missouri?

Not for individual homeowners at the moment. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency states that the State of Missouri does not offer financial assistance, grants, or rebates for residents or businesses to buy or build residential safe rooms; its safe room funding is used for community and school district shelters. Some other states run FEMA-funded homeowner rebate lotteries, but Missouri does not. If that changes, this page will be updated.

Getting a fair quote

• Ask for an itemized quote: unit, excavation (and how rock is handled), concrete, permits, and extras.
• Ask what testing the model has (see standards) and for the documentation.
• Ask about the warranty on the unit, the installation, and water intrusion for underground units.
• Ask who pulls the permit, if one is needed where you live.