With the world under threat from various incidents, now may be the ideal time to be aware of the steps for building a bunker. There’s no telling when disaster may occur, is there? And while some disasters sound warning bells ahead—like the jingles of Santa & his reindeers—I’m not sure anyone wants to leave a bunker’s construction so late. I mean, who builds a Christmas tree at 03:pm on the 25th? 

Here are the most critical steps to follow to build a bunker that’ll hold firm when the grim reaper comes seeking. 

5 Overall Critical Steps for Building a Bunker

 

Select the Ideal Spot

 

If you think selecting a location doesn’t matter, you may as well close your eyes to make a pick. It is necessary to realize how important a bunker’s location is in safely going incognito when SHTF. The basic consideration is space — so I’m recommending that you pick a place with sufficient space to contain you & yours — supplies & essentials included.

You may build your bunker inside your home (if you’d like to go there for some alone time often), or you may have it in your backyard (if you’d like to play out some horror on Friday nights. Your bunker can be above the ground or underground. If you’re going for the former, just pick a good spot on your property & if it’s the latter, you need to consider surfaces for possible blockages. 

Secure Your Permits

 

There are a handful of permits to acquire to build a bunker — except if what you’re building is a tiny room to run to when you panic due to a football game or whatever. These typically include building, electrical & plumbing permits. To secure them, visit the local building office to inform the appropriate offices about your plans. You may also choose to come with the engineer who’ll handle the construction to answer other questions that may be pertinent.

Note that the paperwork extends past the permit. There’s a lot more to sort out, especially if you’re going for something noteworthy. Take notes. Your manpower lists, blueprints, requisition forms & many more are to be prepared & submitted to the right places. To make things easier & faster, check for the complete checklist of needed docs with your local building official.

Your blueprint is an essential piece of your construction. It may be the “m” in “manna,” in fact. Your blueprint has to be well prepared. Work in tandem with your engineers to create an excellent layout. You can check prepping resources for blueprints of how bunkers should look. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for your bunker to have unique features!

Tie Down Utilities

 

A crucial thing to sort out when putting up your bunker is the availability of fundamental utilities in the building. Basically, these include air supply, electricity & water. Install all necessary groundworks to fix heaters, pipes & wires. It may be an ordinary bunker, but I bet you’d be obliged to send me a gift in the future for recommending that your bunker is convenient enough. I don’t think you’d like to wear uncomfortable shoes while bugging out — so, why live in an inconvenient place when you could make it better?

If you’re the hitman yourself (that is, handling the entire construction process), then it’s necessary to pick your equipment. You would need to complete some research to ensure you don’t make poor decisions. Materials are to be considered too. The typical bunker is a lot of wooden materials, but reinforcements have to be made too. You can make your hideout a 220lbs wrestler if you use concrete & steel. In fact, if you can afford it, I see no reason not to include bulletproof panels & walls.

Emphasize Safety

 

When you’ve got to this stage, it is most important to take note of your safety & who else is working with you. You need to tick off every item in your safety checklist. Lists like this are compulsory for all types of constructions & are typically demanded by building offices before your permits are granted. 

If you’re heading the project, you must make adequate preparations for everyone’s safety. Any accident that happens due to inadequate preparation will be attributed to your negligence & your permits can be revoked. If you’re working alone, too, ensure you have all the necessary protective gear in place. A hard hat, protective goggles & sturdy boots are the first items to begin with. 

If you’re building underground, you need to have your mind on the possibility of a collapse. Remember to check the weather forecast, so you don’t have to deal with flying debris & wet wood.

Excavate, Build Structure & Passage, and Reinforce Bunker (If you’re handling the entire process)

 

If you’re your engineer, it is time to get to work. 

First off, excavation is not meant only for underground bunkers. Even a hideout above the ground has to be dug in about a foot or two to maintain some level of privacy from others. It is always best to keep things concealed. A trusty shovel will do the job, but I wouldn’t advise that except you’re Dwayne Johnson (there is always a rock to dislodge). You can go for the appropriate machinery to save yourself a lot of time & effort. 

Next is to construct your structure & passages. Remember to test the equipment & materials to be used before doing so. Ensure they are not rusty or bent anywhere. Wood should not be wet or rotten too. You can dig your passages anywhere you deem fit (they are your hidden entrances, remember?) You may decide to have a hallway that leads directly to your bunker from your closet — classic Argo. 

Concluding the Steps for Building a Bunker

 

These are not the technical steps to construct a storm shelter, but they pretty much are what you have to do. The above steps for building a bunker are more than enough to guide you on what to do, don’t you think? Let’s hear from you: have you built a bunker yourself?