Get matched with top storm shelter pros in Sunset, LA

The national average cost for a building permit is around $1,600, a figure that typically includes major renovations. Costs can vary significantly depending on the job. For instance, basic construction, plumbing, or minor electrical permits can cost between $10 and $150, while permits for building a new home can reach $2,000 or more. Overall, homeowners typically spend between $150 and $2,000 for one or more permits for a project. Keep in mind that fees may not be flat rates; they can also be calculated as a percentage of the project's cost or size.

Technically, there isn't a difference between safe rooms and storm shelters. Both are designed to protect you from storms and extreme weather events. People often use “safe room” when discussing a shelter inside a building and storm shelter when talking about a detached unit. 

Additionally, a safe room is understood to have more functions than a storm shelter. You may seek shelter in a safe room when you believe an intruder is in the home or when under another type of threat. 

A storm shelter's size depends on the number of people who will use it and the types of storms it provides protection from. Tornadoes typically only last a few minutes, so you don't need to spend very long in the shelter when one passes by. You'll want a tornado shelter that's big enough to provide 5 square feet of space per person.

Hurricanes usually last much longer than tornadoes, so you may find yourself in the shelter for hours, not minutes, if you’re facing one. If you're installing a hurricane shelter, you'll need at least 7 square feet per person.

If you want to know from the outset how much you’re likely to pay to install an outdoor basketball court, create a budget breakdown that lists the following expenses:

• Labor: How many work hours will you need, and what is the average price of labor in your area?

• Materials: What material do you plan to use, and what is the average price per square foot?

• Drainage, grading, and laying cement slabs: Do you need to level or prep your area? Have a professional evaluate your property to determine what you will need to pay a contractor to do this work.

• Hoops, lighting, fencing, painting lines, and other extras: What extras are non-negotiable? Create a list of all of the extras you want your court to have.