Welcome! I’m Mike, the creator of the Storm Shelter Calculator website and calculator, a resource to help homeowners make an informed decision about the space needs for a residential storm shelter.
Storm shelters are a significant investment. When I started researching shelters for my own home, the amount of information (and misinformation) was overwhelming. Our family also had an important accessibility requirement: we needed to be able to move our adult son, who uses a wheelchair, into the shelter quickly. As a result, the shelter’s size, layout, and ease of access became primary considerations.
Why I Built It
I created the Storm Shelter Calculator to make those early planning conversations easier. It organizes basic details into a straightforward estimate, giving homeowners and manufactures/retailers a useful starting point for discussion on space needs.
My interest in storm shelters comes from firsthand experience with my own shelter. I wanted a simple tool that could bring the important planning information together in one place without making the process feel overly complicated.
This site will continue to grow as I add more references and resources related to storm-shelters. I will also revise the calculator as ICC/FEMA guidance changes or if new variables need to be considered.
An Important Note
This calculator is intended for preliminary planning and educational purposes. Its results are estimates and should not replace site-specific plans, local building requirements, product specifications, or advice from a qualified design or construction professional.
Thanks for Visiting
Above all, I want the calculator and the resources on this website to be useful. Whether you’re just starting your research, comparing options, or thinking about maintenance after installation, this website is here to help you make decisions with clarity and confidence.
Contact Me
Have questions or suggestions? Let me know. I’d love to hear from you.