Basement bunker/safe/vault/gun room.

[Sdustin]

So we are about to buy our first house. And we think we may have found it. It's kind of a split level/ loft on third floor. So there's a garage that only wide enough for one car but very long. Long enough for at least two cars to fit in bumper to bumper. So I know we will close in and finish the garage. And I also want to be able to build a bunker/safe/gun room. So my thoughts are the back of the garage is concrete on two sides already. I'm thinking about building two cinder block walls with rebarb and poured concrete inside them. Leave an opening for a heavy duty metal door with metal door frame. I was also thinking about building a metal structure and roof out of atleast 1/2" plate steel. Basically an enclosed box inside the basement. I would find some kind of air condintioning, maybe the ductless thing I've heard about. I don't know what's all required. As far as a air entrance the roof would be about at ground level so it wouldn't be hard to pipe something in through the existing walls. Im also planning on walling the rest of the garage and using a bookcase on plywood "door" to hide the entrance to the "bunker"

Has anyone had any experience doing this sort of thing and any advice also I'd like to do a tunnel exit into an outside shed that would be nice but I know that would add so much cost that I wouldn't be able to do that any time soon, but by all means tell me about this if you have any ideas or experience doing that sort of thing.

[Bendersquint]

So we are about to buy our first house. And we think we may have found it. It's kind of a split level/ loft on third floor. So there's a garage that only wide enough for one car but very long. Long enough for at least two cars to fit in bumper to bumper. So I know we will close in and finish the garage. And I also want to be able to build a bunker/safe/gun room. So my thoughts are the back of the garage is concrete on two sides already. I'm thinking about building two cinder block walls with rebarb and poured concrete inside them. Leave an opening for a heavy duty metal door with metal door frame. I was also thinking about building a metal structure and roof out of atleast 1/2" plate steel. Basically an enclosed box inside the basement. I would find some kind of air condintioning, maybe the ductless thing I've heard about. I don't know what's all required. As far as a air entrance the roof would be about at ground level so it wouldn't be hard to pipe something in through the existing walls. Im also planning on walling the rest of the garage and using a bookcase on plywood "door" to hide the entrance to the "bunker"

Has anyone had any experience doing this sort of thing and any advice also I'd like to do a tunnel exit into an outside shed that would be nice but I know that would add so much cost that I wouldn't be able to do that any time soon, but by all means tell me about this if you have any ideas or experience doing that sort of thing.

Preppers is the show you need to watch.

[doubloon]

My concern with adding on to such a configuration is whether or not there is a proper moisture barrier between the ground and the existing concrete walls.

Running a mini-split into the room is all fine and well but moisture management would be my number one concern.

This looks like a good start.

[doubloon]

This looks a little simpler ... you don't need to buy a whole safe, just a door.

http://threeacres.wordpress.com/2010/06 ... -gun-safe/

Then you can go as big as you want.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265883

[arrowshot]

If you live in a tornado prone area you also might look into tax write-offs by calling it a storm shelter.

[Sdustin]

I'm not really so concerned with it being like a "safe" so much. I'd use it as one but I'm not worried with fire or theft. The entrance would be hidden so that would help keep thives out. Id have an alarm system so it's not like they would have much time inside. So I'm going to keep the door simple and just use a really solid metal door with a few good locks on it.

I'm more concerned with storm protection. I live in northern Georgia and we get some twisters every one and then.

What would be a good way to attach the metal plate roof/ceiling to the block walls? Keep in mind it would most likely be just under the floor joists.

Also what's all needed for the ductless heating and air? Would a good dehumidifier be enough for water displacment?

Thanks guys I'll show off the build if we put an offer in. Hell I'm building one of these rooms no matter if it's this house or not but I really like the room and layout of this place.

And thanks for the pics and keep them coming. Again I'll have ins for fire so in not worried about spending all the extra on a safe door. I think a good metal door in a metal door frame will be just fine. And if you guys know s place where I can get some idea or what nit let me know. I've been looking at some preppers forums ect not seeing a whole lot I may join one of them. And I love the show bender. I would like to bury a school bus and make a real out doors bunker. And this property would be very well suited for something like that.

[arrowshot]

I'm more concerned with storm protection. I live in northern Georgia and we get some twisters every one and then.

Over here to the west of you in northern Alabama. Know the feeling very well.

[SER]

Have you considered these? It might be easier than block.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form

[SBR Fan]

I came across this option.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-hom ... r/view-all

[Ramius]

There is a product called Armorcore that you might want to look into for this project. My architect turned me onto a similar product when we discussed building a "safe room."

http://armorcore.com/product-details/