How much does a Home Defend Pro storm shelter cost?

The shelter unit costs $4,250. Shipping is $5.20 per mile from Grandview, Missouri to your delivery address. Use the instant calculator at homedefendpro.com/quote for your all-in price.

Is the storm shelter FEMA certified?

Yes. Home Defend Pro shelters are FEMA P-320 certified and ICC-500 compliant, independently tested to withstand EF5 tornado conditions with wind speeds up to 250 mph.

Do you install the storm shelter?

We deliver and crane-place the shelter into your pre-dug excavation. You are responsible for the excavation (approximately 10'×12'×8' deep with drainage). A full installation guide is available at homedefendpro.com/installation.

How far do you deliver storm shelters?

We deliver throughout the continental United States. Shipping is $5.20 per mile from our Grandview, Missouri facility.

Can schools or churches get FEMA grants for storm shelters?

Yes. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs for schools, churches, nonprofits, and manufactured housing communities. See homedefendpro.com/commercial for details.

What is the warranty on the shelter?

Home Defend Pro shelters come with a 10-year structural warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship that affect structural integrity.

How to Install an Underground Storm Shelter in Your Backyard: Complete Guide

By Home Defend Pro Team · 2026-02-10

Step-by-step guide to installing an underground storm shelter, from choosing a location to backfill. What to tell your excavation contractor.

Installing an underground storm shelter is simpler than most people think. Here is the complete process from start to finish.

Most customers have a fully installed storm shelter in about 10 days from deposit.

Step 1: Choose Your Location

Pick a spot in your yard that is:

Within 50 feet of your home (you need to reach it in under a minute)
Away from trees that could block the hatch with fallen debris
Accessible by a delivery truck (12-foot wide clear path)
Clear of underground utilities (call 811 before digging)

Step 2: Hire a Local Excavation Contractor

You need a hole approximately 10 feet by 12 feet, 8 feet deep. The shelter itself is 6 feet 8 inches by 8 feet 8 inches, and 7 feet 1 inch tall, so the extra space is for gravel base, drainage, and backfill room.

Cost: typically $800 to $3,000 depending on soil type and your region. Rocky soil costs more. Tell your contractor to:

Dig to 8 feet deep with straight walls
Place 6 inches of compacted gravel at the bottom
Install perimeter drain tile connected to a sump or daylight drain
Leave the spoil pile nearby for backfilling

Step 3: We Deliver the Shelter

Our flatbed truck delivers the shelter to your driveway or access point. You arrange a crane or forklift to unload it (approximately 12,000 lbs) and lower it into the pit. Many customers hire a local crane service for $200 to $500 for a one-hour job.

Step 4: Set and Level

The shelter sits on the gravel base. Ensure it is level. The slope top should sit at or slightly above grade level so water flows away from the hatch.

Step 5: Backfill and Finish

Your contractor backfills compacted soil around the shelter. Leave at least 6 inches of the door frame above grade. Finish with sod, gravel, or a concrete pad around the hatch area.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Order to delivery: approximately 1 week
Excavation: 1 day
Placement and backfill: 1 day
Total: you can have a shelter installed in about 10 days from deposit

Get your delivered price or read our detailed contractor specs.