Top-rated shelter or outbuilding builders.

Get matched with top shelter or outbuilding builders in Iowa City, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Find Shelter or outbuilding builders in Iowa City

Avatar for 2T Construction

2T Construction

953 Walter Road
5.00(
7
)
•Approved Pro

2T Construction

953 Walter Road
5.00(
7
)
•Approved Pro
Super Service Award
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
70 local quotes requested

2T Construction is a full service remodeling contracting company. From resurfacing decks to full additions and remodeling we are ready to make your dreams a reality. Please call us at 319-777-6647

"We recently hired Joe & 2T Construction to completely remodel our kitchen, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, the experience was smooth, professional, and stress-free. They began by handling the full demolition of our old kitchen with care and efficiency, making sure to minimize disruption to the rest of our home. Throughout the remodel, their communication was excellent—they kept us informed at every stage and were always available to answer our questions. He help design the new kitchen layout and had really great plans detailing the new kitchen layout. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were outstanding. Everything from the cabinetry and countertops to the flooring and lighting was installed with precision and care. The final result is not only beautiful but also highly functional. The team was punctual, respectful of our space, and cleaned up thoroughly each day. We appreciated their transparency with the budget and timeline, both of which were met as promised. We highly recommend 2T Construction to anyone considering a kitchen remodel. They exceeded our expectations in every way."

Travis Y on June 2025

2T Construction is a full service remodeling contracting company. From resurfacing decks to full additions and remodeling we are ready to make your dreams a reality. Please call us at 319-777-6647

"We recently hired Joe & 2T Construction to completely remodel our kitchen, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, the experience was smooth, professional, and stress-free. They began by handling the full demolition of our old kitchen with care and efficiency, making sure to minimize disruption to the rest of our home. Throughout the remodel, their communication was excellent—they kept us informed at every stage and were always available to answer our questions. He help design the new kitchen layout and had really great plans detailing the new kitchen layout. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were outstanding. Everything from the cabinetry and countertops to the flooring and lighting was installed with precision and care. The final result is not only beautiful but also highly functional. The team was punctual, respectful of our space, and cleaned up thoroughly each day. We appreciated their transparency with the budget and timeline, both of which were met as promised. We highly recommend 2T Construction to anyone considering a kitchen remodel. They exceeded our expectations in every way."

Travis Y on June 2025

Avatar for Parceros Construction LLC

Parceros Construction LLC

2315 Landon Rd
4.92(
13
)
•Approved Pro

Parceros Construction LLC

2315 Landon Rd
4.92(
13
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
388 local quotes requested

We are a family-owned Company, that provides construction solutions for finishing works at a commercial and residential level. Our expertise is solutions based on DRYWALL; interior and exterior painting; coating; installation of ceramics, ceilings and gutters; and exterior cleaning. We are being in the business for more than 6 years.

"Estimate was free and fast. Installation was very good and quick. Crew was very respectful. Floor looks great!"

Colleen C on June 2025

We are a family-owned Company, that provides construction solutions for finishing works at a commercial and residential level. Our expertise is solutions based on DRYWALL; interior and exterior painting; coating; installation of ceramics, ceilings and gutters; and exterior cleaning. We are being in the business for more than 6 years.

"Estimate was free and fast. Installation was very good and quick. Crew was very respectful. Floor looks great!"

Colleen C on June 2025

Avatar for Springsteen Services LLC

Springsteen Services LLC

5.00(
6
)
•Approved Pro

Springsteen Services LLC

5.00(
6
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
286 local quotes requested

Here to help you with Handyman and Honey Do Lists such as mowing, gutter cleaning and more.

"Great! Chase was very low maintenance, came in and helped me with everything I asked him to. Would definitely hire again"

Alexandra N on September 2025

Here to help you with Handyman and Honey Do Lists such as mowing, gutter cleaning and more.

"Great! Chase was very low maintenance, came in and helped me with everything I asked him to. Would definitely hire again"

Alexandra N on September 2025

Avatar for Richards Renovations

Richards Renovations

1925 Plean View Dr
5.00(
11
)
•Approved Pro

Richards Renovations

1925 Plean View Dr
5.00(
11
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1020 local quotes requested

We’re your go-to solution for all your home improvement and repair needs, specializing in smaller, high-impact projects that transform your space. With a passion for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we tackle a wide range of jobs to make your home look and function at its best. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to framing, drywall repair, and painting, our skilled team delivers precision and care in every task. No job is too small for us! We excel in plumbing repairs, tile installation, electrical work, furniture assembly, garbage removal, powerwashing, and more. Whether you need a leaky faucet fixed, a room refreshed with a new coat of paint, or a custom tile backsplash installed, we bring expertise, reliability, and attention to detail to every project. Our goal is to provide hassle-free, professional service that saves you time and stress. Call today to book a free estimate!

"Derrick is an All-Star, All- Pro! He was on time, friendly, and a great overall person. He knew what we were looking for and got to it and completed the task with no problems. He is my new go-to Handy Man now."

Donnie G on August 2025

We’re your go-to solution for all your home improvement and repair needs, specializing in smaller, high-impact projects that transform your space. With a passion for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we tackle a wide range of jobs to make your home look and function at its best. From kitchen and bathroom remodels to framing, drywall repair, and painting, our skilled team delivers precision and care in every task. No job is too small for us! We excel in plumbing repairs, tile installation, electrical work, furniture assembly, garbage removal, powerwashing, and more. Whether you need a leaky faucet fixed, a room refreshed with a new coat of paint, or a custom tile backsplash installed, we bring expertise, reliability, and attention to detail to every project. Our goal is to provide hassle-free, professional service that saves you time and stress. Call today to book a free estimate!

"Derrick is an All-Star, All- Pro! He was on time, friendly, and a great overall person. He knew what we were looking for and got to it and completed the task with no problems. He is my new go-to Handy Man now."

Donnie G on August 2025

Hook Home Renovations LLC

207 North St
5.00(
1
)

Hook Home Renovations LLC

207 North St
5.00(
1
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

The Garage Guys

Unknown
4.00(
1
)

The Garage Guys

Unknown
4.00(
1
)
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

Cedar Rapids Entry & Window

6215 Wayside Cir
5.00(
19
)

Cedar Rapids Entry & Window

6215 Wayside Cir
5.00(
19
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

My name is Gary Tallman, and I am a semi-retired General Construction Remodeling Contractor of 35 years to Eastern Iowa. We are the home of the perfect install. A few years ago I decided to slow down a little and to simplify things a bit. We did this by narrowing our business advertising focus to primarily market for the repair and replacement of residential and commercial doors, windows, and skylights. It's been a perfect match for me because it takes a full skill set to do this work, and it helps to keep me off the taller ladders..and that makes me a happy craftsman :) I'd like to mention that we chose to honor the community by offering senior and military discounts. D.B.A Cedar Rapids Entry & Window.

My name is Gary Tallman, and I am a semi-retired General Construction Remodeling Contractor of 35 years to Eastern Iowa. We are the home of the perfect install. A few years ago I decided to slow down a little and to simplify things a bit. We did this by narrowing our business advertising focus to primarily market for the repair and replacement of residential and commercial doors, windows, and skylights. It's been a perfect match for me because it takes a full skill set to do this work, and it helps to keep me off the taller ladders..and that makes me a happy craftsman :) I'd like to mention that we chose to honor the community by offering senior and military discounts. D.B.A Cedar Rapids Entry & Window.

Auto Transport - United Freight Of America

1844 N Nob Hill Rd
4.84(
920
)

Auto Transport - United Freight Of America

1844 N Nob Hill Rd
4.84(
920
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 96% of Angi customers
Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

United Freight of America is your all inclusive transport solution. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. please include pick up and Drop off locations and vehicle information

"Excellent, no problems. My car was new the first year I used the service and there has never been any damage during the transports. The men picking up and delivering the car have always been pleasant and cooperative. Both Ely and Guy at United Transport has been highly responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend this company."

CLAUDIA H on October 2021

United Freight of America is your all inclusive transport solution. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. please include pick up and Drop off locations and vehicle information

"Excellent, no problems. My car was new the first year I used the service and there has never been any damage during the transports. The men picking up and delivering the car have always been pleasant and cooperative. Both Ely and Guy at United Transport has been highly responsive to my needs. I would highly recommend this company."

CLAUDIA H on October 2021

Capital Construction LLC

No reviews yet

Capital Construction LLC

No reviews yet
1 years of experience

we specialize in interior remodeling, decks, ceramic, wood flooring, painting and window installing. we offer great service with affordable prices and experienced workers.

we specialize in interior remodeling, decks, ceramic, wood flooring, painting and window installing. we offer great service with affordable prices and experienced workers.

Hawthorne Construction & Painting LLC

P.O. Box 343
No reviews yet

Hawthorne Construction & Painting LLC

P.O. Box 343
No reviews yet
19 years of experience

Specializing in stucco and EIFS installation and repair. Custom interior and exterior painting. Drywall installation and patch repair. Tuck pointing and masonry.

Specializing in stucco and EIFS installation and repair. Custom interior and exterior painting. Drywall installation and patch repair. Tuck pointing and masonry.

...
Showing 1-10 of 353
FAQs for shelter or outbuilding building service projects in Iowa City, IA

A bomb shelter is an abode built to withstand disaster. Bomb shelters may refer to a space or bunker that can protect inhabitants through a hypothetical nuclear attack, apocalypse, or any other massive crisis. People usually build bomb shelters underground and stock them to live there a few days to a month at a time. Doomsday bunkers accommodate long-term living rather than just through a short crisis.

Builders construct bomb shelters with reinforced steel, box culvert, concrete, or other durable materials (but many professionals do not recommend shipping containers, as they’re not designed to live underground. If building underground, you’ll first have to excavate land before building the actual structure. You’ll have to implement air and water filtration systems, septic systems, and power supply.

It takes a lot of experience to safely and legally construct a bomb shelter, not to mention make sure it’s fit to live in for extended periods of time. It’s best to talk to a residential structural engineer near you for proper guidance.

The current standard filtration systems require filtering both air and water. For air, you’ll want an NBC filter system, which both domestic and international producers make. NBC stands for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical, which filters out all three. If you’re only building your shelter for natural disasters, chemical attacks, and biological attacks, you may opt for the less expensive HEPA filter system. 

Water filtration requires the same level of care. You’ll likely want to have a large water storage capacity to survive short-term disasters. For long-term living, you’ll want to have a water filtration system.

Rising S bunker prices depend on the size, ranging anywhere from $20,000 to $9 million. Their least expensive model is 96 square feet while their most expensive model has a gym, swimming pool, hot tub, and bowling alley.

  • Mini: $45,500

  • Standard Bomb Shelter: $67,500–$109,500

  • Silver Leaf: $140,000–$182,500

  • Admiral: $180,000–$500,000

  • Xtreme: $450,000–$780,000

  • Xtreme Bunker Complex: $840,000–$1,830,000

  • Luxury Series: $3,800,000–$9,600,000

You almost always need a permit to build a bunker on land with any type of public utilities running through it. You’ll want to check with your local building code enforcement agency to see if this is the case for your area. 

Because you’re building a structural component that often requires electricity, water, and sewage services, you’ll need to apply for permits to attach these utilities to your new property. However, off-grid-only units in rural areas may not need all or any of the permitting you’d normally find in more urban settings.

To survive a nuclear blast, you’ll need to have your bunker at least three feet underground. However, it’s usually advisable to put it further underground. To survive a close strike, you’ll want to have the bunker at least 10 feet down and with five-foot thick reinforced concrete. However, knowing exactly how deep to build depends on the size of the blast you’re trying to avoid. Most bunkers don’t need to be more than 5 feet below the ground. 

The Iowa City, IA homeowners’ guide to shelter or outbuilding building services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles
  • Open door to storm cellar

    HomeAdvisor’s Bomb Shelter and Bunker Cost Guide covers all the costs of a prefabricated doomsday bunker. Find costs and find professional bunker builders near you.

  • light blue shed in a backyard

    Building a shed or playhouse comes with costs for materials, labor, and design choices. Compare DIY vs. professional installation to find the best option for your budget.

  • wooden gazebo recently built in backyard garden

    Learn how to budget for a new gazebo by exploring how factors such as shape, size, materials, permits, and labor affect the total cost.