Sir:
I have 40+ acres, all wooded. I want to build a shelter. There are plenty of hills that I can dig in to, build the shelter and then cover it up. but I don’t know a thing about building a shelter. I need to know everything. From making it water tight to air venting. Where can I go. I do not want to buy a shelter. I want to build it my self. Thank you, – Buddy
JWR Replies: Building an underground house, a retreat, or just a simple below ground cache that doesn’t become an underground cistern is not a simple task. In general, I do not recommend underground construction for first time do-it-yourself home builders. The nation’s experts on underground residential construction is the firm Davis Caves [1]. They been at it for nearly 30 years and they really have underground construction down to a science. To be done right, even in a dry climate, an underground house needs to be situated in a well-drained area. An unconnected (“freed standing”) small hill with southern exposure is ideal. [2] Simply digging into an existing hill without creating a drainage system [3] is an invitation to disaster, especially if you live where there is any significant precipitation. A proper underground house needs to have an extensive drainage system and excellent water barriers. [3] If you are on a very tight budget and you definitely want to do it yourself, then I’d recommend that you look for an unpaid or low wage summer internship with a company like Davis Caves. Working with experts for a few weeks will teach you what you need to know to build an underground house that will be dry and tight and that will last for generations.