How to Live in an Old Missile Silo

For an ultimate home far from the masses, consider living in a converted missile silo. Constructed at the height of the Cold War and later abandoned, missile bases are scattered throughout the country. Creative real estate developers have been converting the missile silos into underground dwellings for those hankering for a unique home providing protection and solitude. There are three primary companies specializing in silo home sites, offering both already converted silo homes and sites for custom construction. But come with your wallet open because these interesting homes can cost in the millions, whether ready-built or to construct yourself.

Instructions

- 1
  Contact Silohome, 20th Century Castles or HardenedStructures to view current missile silo properties available for sale.
- 2
  Check with the EPA to be sure the site isn't one of its Superfund pollution cleanup sites. Many missile bases require decontamination and will require expensive cleanup before they are habitable.
- 3
  Get the property appraised. When purchasing a missile silo you may need to purchase many acres of property at inflated values.
- 4
  Evaluate the infrastructure on the property. Most of the silos are far from the beaten path and don't have utilities or sewage services. You will probably have to install generators and septic tanks to provide your own services.
- 5
  Hire a structural inspector for undeveloped silos. Some silos have been abandoned for decades and may have structural issues, including stuck doors, flooding, mold and other costly issues.
- 6
  Plan for transportation and storage. Many missile sites are hundreds of miles from civilization so you will need to understand your travel and storage for goods and services. Some silo home sites are offered with their own airstrips.
- 7
  Understand the lifestyle. While living in an underground structure may be intriguing, understand that there will be no windows or natural light and even the largest silos are modest in size compared to many above-ground homes. Silo living isn't for those with claustrophobic or depressive tendencies.

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