Storm shelters in Austin, TX
Describe your storm shelters project in Austin, including site access and the ZIP code.
Planning a project in Austin
Austin sits along the edge of the Hill Country, with terrain ranging from flatter areas to rocky slopes. Trees and changes in elevation can affect how a property is accessed and used.
Hiring in Texas: license and permit checks
Texas has no general state contractor license. Certain trades require state licenses: electrical, air conditioning and heating through TDLR, and plumbing through the state plumbing board; check the requirements for the work you need.
Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
What to include in your request
- Number of people
- Yard access for a machine
- Known drainage or water issues
- A view of the slope from the street and from the yard
- Trees and root areas that should remain undisturbed
- Photos of narrow side yards or hillside access
Services in Austin
- Underground shelter. A shelter set below ground in the yard, with a door or hatch.
- Garage-floor shelter. A shelter set into the garage slab so you can reach it from inside the house.
- Above-ground safe room. A reinforced room built inside or next to the house.
Nearby Austin
Austin area
Round Rock, Buda, Pflugerville
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How it works
- Tell us the job, the ZIP code and the size.
- We look for an independent local contractor for your area.
- The contractor contacts you. If we cannot find one, we tell you.
Border Quotes is a referral service, not a contractor. This service is new, so we cannot promise response times or availability.
FAQ
What should I include for a hillside property?
Photograph the route into the property and the work area from different angles. Identify trees to keep and ask the provider to review access and any applicable site requirements.
Which license and permit checks apply in Texas?
Texas has no general state contractor license. Certain trades require state licenses: electrical, air conditioning and heating through TDLR, and plumbing through the state plumbing board; check the requirements for the work you need. Ask the provider for the license or registration number if their trade requires one, and ask about insurance. Confirm city or county permits with the local building department and get a written scope of work.
What should my storm shelters request in Austin include?
For underground shelter, include: number of people; yard access for a machine; known drainage or water issues. For this location, also describe: a view of the slope from the street and from the yard.
Which places near Austin can ask?
Requests from Round Rock, Buda and Pflugerville and nearby Texas communities are welcome. This service is new; provider availability is not guaranteed. If we cannot find a provider for your address, we tell you.
Does it cost anything to ask?
No. Asking is free and you are not obliged to hire anyone.
Who does the installation?
An independent local contractor. Border Quotes is a referral service, not a contractor. We do not own equipment or do the work.
Is a shelter built to a standard?
FEMA publishes design guidance (FEMA P-361) and ICC 500 is the building standard. Ask the installer whether the shelter is designed to them.
Do I need a permit?
Digging and building often need a local permit. Ask the installer what applies and who pulls it.
How soon will I hear back?
These sites are new, so we cannot promise a time. We pass your request to contractors we find for your area. If we cannot find one for your job, we tell you.