Free referral service · Huntsville, AL

How to pick a good storm shelter company

A shelter is only as good as the company that puts it in. Check these before you sign.

Free. No cost to you.

The checklist

License. Alabama's home builder law requires a license for residential work over $10,000. Ask for the license number and check it with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
Insurance. Ask for a copy of their liability insurance.
Permit. Ask who gets the permit. The City of Huntsville says to make the contractor get it, and warns that a contractor asking you to get it can be a sign of a license problem.
Standard. Ask: "Is it built and tested to ICC 500?" Ask for the test report or engineer-sealed drawings.
More than one quote. Get several written quotes and check references.
Written contract. It should list the size, type, anchors, door, who gets the permit, and what is not included.
No pressure. Be careful with anyone who rushes you, often right after a storm.

We are a referral service, not a contractor. We plan to only refer requests to companies that say they hold the licenses and permits the job needs. Still, always check for yourself.

Sources

What questions should I ask a shelter company?

Are you licensed for this job? Can I see your insurance? Will you get the permit? Is it built and tested to ICC 500? What is not included?

Should the company or I get the permit?

Usually the company should. The City of Huntsville warns that a contractor asking you to get the permit can be a sign of a license problem.

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