How much does a bunker cost when made from shipping containers?
A bunker container is typically a shipping container converted into an underground or fortified shelter. This thing is a popular choice for DIY preppers, off-grid survivalists, and even storm shelter seekers.
It is buried underground or partially submerged for emergency shelter, survival, storage, or off-grid living
It combines affordability, availability, and strength if equipped with serious engineering, waterproofing, and safety challenges.
Interested in having one? Find out several factors impacting how much a bunker costs when made out of shipping containers!
Contents
Can We Use a Shipping Container As an Underground Bunker?
Yes, we can bury a shipping container underground and use it as a bunker. However, we should not do so without serious structural modifications.
Shipping containers are designed to handle weight on the corners, not on the sides or roof. When buried, its side walls and roof can collapse due to lateral soil pressure. Moreover, Corrosion from constant soil contact and moisture can quickly degrade steel.
Water infiltration is also a huge risk, especially if the container isn’t waterproofed or the water table is high. Then, a lack of ventilation underground can lead to dangerous air quality and condensation inside.
If you’re serious about using a shipping container as a survival or storm bunker, here’s what’s required:
1. Structural Reinforcement
In this step, you need to reinforce the roof with steel I-beams or pour a concrete slab over the top. For the walls, build retaining walls around the container (concrete or CMU blocks), or use bracing to resist soil pressure. Then, elevate on a concrete slab to reduce water intrusion for the floor.
2. Waterproofing & Drainage
Seal all seams and openings with waterproof membranes or rubberized coatings. Then, install drainage, such as French drains, gravel beds, or sump pumps, to manage groundwater.
3. Ventilation
Add air inlets/outlets with check valves or blast valves. If you want to make it into a survival bunker, consider NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) filtration systems. Passive systems are cheaper but not sufficient for long-term occupancy.
4. Access and Egress
Reinforce the entry point, as standard container doors are not built for underground pressure. Then, install a hatch or stairwell access system with secure sealing and add a secondary escape route if the primary entrance is blocked.
The Impacting Factors
1. Type and Condition of Shipping Container
New containers (one-trip) cost more but have longer lifespans and fewer structural issues. Meanwhile, the refurbished or certified wind and watertight (WWT) ones are cheaper.
Moreover, the size also impacts the container’s cost, as a 40’ container typically costs 30–50% more than a 20’ one.
2. Site Preparation and Excavation
Preparing a site for a buried shipping container bunker is one of the most critical (and expensive) steps. Your container could collapse, flood, or shift over time if done improperly.
Choose the right location before you dig. Rocky or clay-heavy soil is harder and more expensive to excavate than soft or sandy soil.
Also, consider the water table level, as high water tables require advanced waterproofing and drainage systems.
3. Structural Reinforcement
Shipping containers are strong on the corners but weak on the sides and roof when buried. Therefore, reinforcing their roof & walls with steel beams, concrete, or rebar cages is often required.
Also, you might need a concrete slab or pilings for the foundation, depending on the soil.
4. Waterproofing and Drainage
Containers are not designed to be underground, and without proper protection, they can leak, rust, and fail structurally. Therefore, you will need waterproofing and drainage when burying a shipping container for use as a bunker.
This includes the sealing (waterproof coatings or membranes), drainage System (French drains, sump pumps, or gravel layers), and corrosion protection.
5. Security and Blast Protection
Securing a shipping container bunker and protecting it against blast threats or forced entry is essential if you’re preparing it for emergency use, survival scenarios, or high-risk environments.
If you want extra protection from explosions or extreme weather, add blast proofing. However, it will add more cost and make your bunker more expensive.
6. Interior Build-Out
Designing the interior build-out of a shipping container bunker is where functionality meets survival. The interior must be efficient, durable, and livable, especially for a bunker.
Interior build-out of a bunker container includes:
- Insulation: Spray foam, rigid foam board, or rock wool.
- Walls and Flooring: Plywood, drywall, tiles, etc.
- Electrical: Solar or grid-tied
- Plumbing: Water tanks and septic
- HVAC or ventilation
- Living Comforts: Kitchen, toilet, beds, etc.
7. Power and Ventilation
Power ventilation for a bunker made from a shipping container is not inherently expensive, but the cost can vary a lot depending on:
- The level of protection you want (basic airflow vs. NBC/EMP-safe)
- Whether you use off-the-shelf parts or a specialized bunker ventilation system
- Whether you’re DIYing or hiring a contractor
8. Location & Permitting
The cost of a permit for a shipping container bunker can vary significantly depending on your location. Some areas restrict or regulate underground/bunker builds.
9. Labor and Contractor Fees
Doing it yourself (DIY) saves on labor but increases risk if not experienced. It is recommended that you use skilled labor while building your bunker container. However, welders, electricians, and plumbers may charge a premium for specialty work.
Conclusion
With the right modifications, a buried shipping container can be an affordable bunker solution. It can serve as an excellent emergency shelter, storage unit, or even a livable space. But without proper planning, it can become a death trap.
Choose Tradecorp as your trusted solution for your container needs. We offer various containers, from standard units to modified units, to custom-made containers ready for various uses.
We also provide modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!