Free referral service · Jackson, TN
How to pick a good storm shelter company
A shelter is only as good as the company that puts it in. Check these before you sign.
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The checklist
- License. In Tennessee, jobs of $25,000 or more need a state contractor license. Look it up at verify.tn.gov. For smaller jobs, ask your local codes office.
- Insurance. Ask for a copy of their liability insurance.
- Permit. Ask who gets the permit. It should usually be the company. Inside Jackson, permits come from City Building & Codes. Outside, from Madison County.
- Standard. Ask: "Is it built and tested to ICC 500?" Ask for the test report or engineer-sealed drawings.
- More than one quote. Get several written quotes and check references.
- Written contract. It should list the size, type, anchors, door, who gets the permit, and what is not included.
- No pressure. Be careful with anyone who rushes you, often right after a storm.
We are a referral service, not a contractor. We plan to only refer requests to companies that say they hold the licenses and permits the job needs. Still, always check for yourself.
Sources
- Verify a Tennessee license (verify.tn.gov)
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: when a license is needed
- Tennessee Dept. of Commerce & Insurance: contractor tips (2026)
- City of Jackson Building & Codes
- Madison County, TN: building permits
- City of Huntsville: Keeping your home project from becoming a nightmare (permits)
- FEMA: Safe Rooms
What questions should I ask a shelter company?
Are you licensed for this job? Can I see your insurance? Will you get the permit? Is it built and tested to ICC 500? What is not included?
Should the company or I get the permit?
Usually the company should. The City of Huntsville warns that a contractor asking you to get the permit can be a sign of a license problem.
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