Nowadays, we ended up having more time than we ever hoped ( and asked) for! Some started exercising, others tried their skills in the kitchen, many enjoy reading, and numerous people out there started doing some kind of a DIY project.

So, the one Wayne Martin did, can inspire you, just like it fascinated his neighbors!

Hard work always pays off.

When the neighbors saw this man digging a hole in his yard, they couldn’t even imagine that he would turn it into something magnificent!

They initially thought Wayne was digging a hole to make a swimming pool, but they soon realized they were wrong and believed he was just wasting his time on a project destined to fail.

Once he laid down some gravel, he purchased a 20-foot shipping container for a very affordable price. Wayne’s neighbors were puzzled when they saw the unusual delivery that arrived at his home.

He then sealed it shut and installed a swinging door on the other side, that swings inward and not outward.

At this point, some neighbors started to understand his idea. He measured the hole twice, leaving two feet of space of all sides, and made it deeper than the height of the container.

He lined the bottom by using a layer of pea gravel.

He then called a professional to pick up the 20-foot container and lower it into the hole. He hired a septic company that had its own crane truck.

Wayne then remembered using a sump pump, whose role is to drain out water from enclosed areas.

He laid down a set of concrete steps, with the top stairs at the same level as the top of the container.

To ensure the stability of the bunker, Wayne previously installed two I-beams to support it, and act as a frame.

To support the roof, he used a framework on top and laid down heavy sheets of metal across it.

Wayne’s next step was to create a grand entrance way for his project. He installed two 12-inch air vents to ensure the flow of fresh air, along with some PVC piping for utilities.

He went with concrete along the bunker’s sides to ensure that the ground won’t move and shift in the winter when it freezes. The bunker was supposed to withstand all weather conditions, so he added six inches thick concrete over the top.

When the concrete dried up, he protected the entryway by adding more cinder blocks through the rebar.

He took all necessary precautionary steps to make the bunker absolutely safe.

Next, he removed the support beams that kept the roof secure.

To blend the bunker with the rest of the lawn, Wayne filled the space around the entrance with soil.

Did you expect the bunker to become a cellar filled with wine?

Wine and liquors are best kept underground due to the cold temperature. However, Wayne also used the space to store other things as well, such as non-perishable foods in case of an emergency or a disaster.

He can also use it to spend some alone time there.

With this project, Wayne showed the world that all you need is a little bit of money and resources, dedication, and hard work, and you can do wonders!

He shared the project online in details, to inspire people to recreate it. He added important tips and suggested handrails down the stairs for safety as the stairs might get slippery in cold weather.

Furthermore, he added that it would be a good idea to build a small overhand to keep critters out of the walkway.

Yet, Wayne is not the only one thinking of having a bunker at home.

During the Cold War, the federal government advised people to create fallout shelters and bunkers in their backyards or basements.

Due to the tension in foreign relations, a few years ago, Americans have thought of bunkers once more.

Clyde Scott, an owner of a bunkers building company’s owner, said that the business was at an all-time high in 2016-17, and sales have increased by 400%.

Paul Seyfried, President, and CEO of Utah Shelter Systems adds that the business has been very busy in recent years as well.

He explained:

“The smallest shelters start at around $50,000. The largest shelters we build, a 12 [foot] by 50 [foot] usually runs right around $100,000.”

The coronavirus pandemic has surely persuaded many to build their bunkers as well.

Even though Wayne’s project looks pricey, he spent only $12,500 on it. He worked alone, which reduced the expenses, so you might consider doing it yourself and save money as well.

If you are interested in bunkers, check Vivos xPoint, a South Dakota-based decommissioned army base that still has 1,590 or 2,120 square- feet war-era bunkers which can be utilized and are available on lease for $25,000 for 99 years ($1,000 annually).

One interesting fact is that once Donald Trump took office, California-based Atlas Survival Shelters sold 30 shelters within three days, while they only sell 10 of them in a year!

You can hire professionals to do the entire work for you, or you can get creative and transform your basement into a fascinating bunker, just like Wayne did!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to take a chance?

DIY projects are highly beneficial. First of all, they are a perfect opportunity to switch off for some time.

Doing it yourself will also boost your self-reliance and provide enormous satisfaction. Indulging in a practical activity is beneficial for the brain as well, and makes you more creative.

Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

Sources:
www.kiwireport.com
headcramp.com
www.housebeautiful.com