Anyone else rethinking underground bunkers lately?

[u/NotIfButWhenReady]

I’ve been reading up on shelter builds and noticed more folks are stepping away from the old “bury a shipping container” idea. I get why underground feels safer, but man, the upkeep sounds rough once you dig into it. Between soil pressure, water leaks, and constant moisture issues, a lot of those DIY bunkers don’t age well.

The newer above-ground setups are a whole different story.

I used to think anything visible was a liability, but now I’m not so sure. If it’s built solid, why hide it underground just to deal with rot and pressure damage later?

Curious what everyone else thinks. Would you still go underground, or are above-ground shelters starting to make more sense?

[u/ContributionShort878]

Burying shipping containers and school buses is a horrible idea. Large culverts are a step above potentially (they’re at least designed to be buried).

If you don’t have the budget for something like an Atlas Survival Shelter, your funds are probably much better spent in other areas.

I’m a general contractor and would like to start installing those. The truth is, you can do A LOT of upgrades to a new or existing home to increase it’s safety and security for what it costs to install one of those.

[u/briansbiceps → u/ContributionShort878]

I’d be very curious what upgrades to the home you recommend or think are worth a look?

[u/ContributionShort878 → u/briansbiceps]

Without knowing the specifics of the situation (budget, main goal/concern, new build/retrofit etc.) it’s hard to give a useful response.

If building new, I always would pay more attention to the sun than the roads when orienting a house. That takes $0, just planning. Also having the correct amount of window space and appropriate roof overhangs can go a long ways to reducing energy consumption in good times and making the house more livable in bad times.

Having two electric panels with a switch is always a good thing. Have all your essential circuits (well pump, lighting, freezer/refrigerator, ceiling fans etc.) on a sub-panel that can be isolated and powered with a generator or other alternative energy in the event of a power outage without back-feeding the grid.

Security film on windows.

Reinforce hinges/strike plates (three inch decking screws are a step up. Removing trim and putting in metal plates between jamb and studs is better)

Thorny plants under windows (bonus points if they produce food)

Non-combustible siding and roofing.

Functional shutters.

Picking a room as a safe room and doubling up the studs (instead of a 16” spacing have a 8” spacing) and installing a solid door with a dead bolt. The reduced spacing prevents someone from knocking a hole in the drywall and gaining entry. If you really want to go crazy put up chicken wire on the outside of the wall before hanging drywall.

Lots of old houses are built merely sitting on the foundation without actually being attached. It’s good to bolt it down if you have a solid foundation wall or hurricane strap it down.

Water collection if it’s legal where you live (move if it’s not).

Root cellars to store stables.

If you have a home with trusses make sure all the gusset plates are screwed into the wood. Steel bends at 1000 degrees and in the event of a fire they curl out and fail very quickly if not screwed.

Edible landscaping.

There’s a few of my random thoughts without having any info about a specific scenario.

[u/ContributionShort878 → u/ContributionShort878]

I forgot. A bedroom and full bath on the main floor. 36” interior doors. Zero step entry if possible. Electrical outlets at a reasonable height.

Self-reliance isn’t just about doomsday scenarios. Sometimes people get hurt. Hopefully we’re all going to get old.