A blog article about remodelling a ranch house with a safe room. This is a relatively new concept in home construction, but it’s an idea worth considering for homeowners who don’t want to take any chances on their own safety.
What is a Safe Room?
A safe room is a special room in a home that is designed to protect people from disasters such as fires and hurricanes. This type of room can be used for specific purposes like hosting a family meeting place in the event of a disaster or protecting important belongings during an evacuation. Safe rooms can also be used for personal safety, such as a panic room for use in the event of an attack.
How to Plan a Ranch House With a Safe Room
There’s no doubt that a ranch house can be both spacious and comfortable, but what about if you need to protect yourself or your family? A safe room is a great way to do just that, and it doesn’t have to be large or expensive. Here are four tips for remodeling your ranch house to include a safe room:
1. Plan the layout first. It’s important to know exactly where the safe room will be located before beginning any renovations. You’ll need to account for stairs and other obstructions and the amount of storage space required.
2. Choose the right materials. The safest rooms are constructed from strong, durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Look for walls, floors, and ceilings made from thick boards or concrete blocks, and make sure there are no sharp edges or corners.
3. Equip the room with the necessary supplies. You’ll need a sturdy door, flooring, furniture, and lighting fixtures capable of withstanding damage. Also include provisions for food and water storage and emergency evacuation routes.
4. Test the room before you build it. Before you start construction, test the room in situ to ensure everything is working properly. If you’re building a closet or storage space, test the doors to ensure they open and close properly. Test the plumbing for leaks before you fill the sink with water.
5. Build the room in stages. If possible, build rooms one at a time and test each before moving on to the next.
6. Build outside your home; don’t go inside it yet! You still need to be able to access your home if there’s an emergency and you can’t get away easily without leaving everyone behind safely in your safe room.
7. Make certain another method of egress is available if you’re forced out of your safe room by fire or another disaster that precludes the use of this shelter.
Examples of Ranch Houses With Safe Rooms
If you are like many people, the thought of remodeling your house can be daunting. You may be worried about how much work is involved and how much money you will need to spend. However, if you have a safe room, remodeling your ranch house can be a lot safer and less expensive than you might think. Here are some examples of ranch houses with safe rooms:
One example of a ranch house with a safe room is the home of Stephanie and Tim Bowers. The Bowers’ home was built in 2000 and features an extra-long basement that could easily be converted into a safe room. Not only does this provide additional protection in case of emergencies, but it also makes the Bowers’ home more energy efficient since they can use the space for storage or a hobby area.
Another example of a ranch house with a safe room is the home of Kyle and Casey Brown. The Browns’ home was built in 2007 and features two extra-large bedrooms that can easily be converted into a safe room. This provides additional protection for both Kyle and Casey in case of emergencies and their children aged 8 and 10 years old.
Conclusion
If you’re considering remodeling your ranch house, adding a safe room is important. A safe room can provide refuge in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Additionally, it can serve as a secure location for you and your loved ones to take shelter during an emergency. When you are remodeling your home, make sure to include a safe room in your plans so that you and your family are ready for anything.
