With so many unfortunate events happening without any warning, now may be the right time to learn how to build a bunker. Here are some of the most important steps you need to remember when you start building!
11 Things You Should Know on How to Build a Bunker
1. Find a Spot
Depending on your plans, the location of your bunker is a vital factor in going incognito. As long as you pick out a spot with enough space to fit your family members and provisions, it should be fine.
Some people prefer placing them inside their homes, while others would rather build them in their backyards. If you’re going for an underground bunker, you’ll have to consider the surface and surroundings where there could be blockages.
2. Acquire the Permits
Unless you’ll be making a tiny panic room, there are a lot of necessary permits you have to secure beforehand. These may include building, plumbing, and electrical permits.
Go to your local building office and inform them about your plans. You can also bring the engineer you’ll be working with to further explain any details that need to be reviewed.
3. Get All the Documents Sorted
The paperwork doesn’t stop with the permits—there are plenty more that need to be settled, especially if you’re eyeing a major construction.
Prepare your requisition forms, blueprints, manpower lists, etc. Always ask your local building office for the complete checklist of required documents for easier and faster processing.
4. Create a Blueprint
For small-scale projects, a simple floor plan can be a very helpful guide to refer to. However, bigger bunkers are likely to demand professional blueprints.
Working with an architect and engineer you trust is a must if you plan to keep the secrecy of your future bunker. They can even recommend other features that might be useful for your new hideout!
5. Secure Access to Utilities
If there’s one thing you need to prioritize when you start learning how to build a bunker, it’s securing your access to basic utilities. These include your air supply, water, and electricity.
Lay down all the groundwork that needs to be done to install your pipes, wires, and heaters. Even if it’s just a bunker, you’ll be thanking yourself in the future for making the place more convenient!
6. Choose Your Building Equipment
Doing everything yourself? You might have to do some research before picking out all the materials and equipment you need to build. While the typical bunker is usually made of wood, you also have to invest in reinforcements.
Concrete and steel are also great for making the place a lot more sturdy and durable. If you have the budget, you can even consider going for bulletproof walls and panels!
7. Prioritize Safety
Before you proceed with the construction, make sure you have everything ticked off in your safety checklist. This list is a must for any type of project and it’s usually required by most building offices.
Even if you are doing it alone, having a hard hat and protective goggles will make your bunker building experience a lot safer. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast to avoid having to deal with wet wood and flying debris!
8. Start the Excavation
It doesn’t matter if you aren’t trying to learn how to build an underground bunker—you need to do a bunch of excavating if you want it to be hidden from other people.
Going for the trusty shovel can help you control what you dig, but the right machinery can save you a lot more effort and time. Depending on your schedule and budget, renting out a backhoe might be worth the investment!
9. Build the Structure and Passages
Now it’s time to begin building the structure! As you go through the construction, it’s important to test out the materials you’ll be using before hammering them down. Check for rust and bent surfaces in steel, and look out for wet spots and rotten marks in wood.
Creating the passages is one of the best parts of the building process; you can decide where your secret doors and hidden entrances will be placed. You can even make hallways that can be accessed from your house to your bunker!
10. Reinforce the Bunker
You may be satisfied with how your bunker turned out, but are you sure it’s strong enough to withstand unexpected disasters? You should never finish your project without doing any sort of reinforcement.
If you can install stronger panels and pillars, your bunker should be sturdy enough to survive heavy rainstorms and earthquakes. Don’t forget to apply a protective coating on everything that can be fortified!
11. Prepare Your Provisions
After learning everything you need to know on how to build a bunker, you can finally focus on preparing your provisions. Stocking up on supplies is the last step you have to accomplish before utilizing your bunker.
Your food storage should be stuffed with canned goods, instant food packs, and other snacks with long shelf lives. Assemble a survival kit that includes flashlights, spare batteries, walkie talkies, and first aid necessities.
Lastly, you need a place in your bunker to store extra clothes and important documents. A vault may also come in handy for when you need to hide some cash!
There are a lot of precautions you have to take, especially when you’re a beginner who’s learning how to build a bunker. Even if you’re planning to do a simple DIY job, preparedness will help you finish your project without any worries. Just remember to file the necessary paperwork before you start building!
Planning to build your bunker out in the forest? Watch this video by 100% to see how they built a DIY underground shelter in just 11 days:
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