In this article, we will discuss everything related to building a protected space, including regulations, costs, planning, and design. We will present the legal requirements and professional recommendations to help you understand the complex process of building a residential protected space. All the information needed to ensure that your protected space is safe, standard, and comfortable to use.
Main Points
- You must comply with the law and regulations for building a protected space to obtain occupancy approval.
- The design of the protected space includes considerations of both internal and external design, as well as integration with the existing house.
- Costs vary according to the size of the protected space, level of finish, and required systems.
- It is important to hire professional consultants to ensure safety and compliance with standards.
- You must consider the distribution of costs in a shared building and the agreement of the tenants.
Regulations and Legal Requirements for Building a Protected Space
Civil Defense Law
Building a protected space is an important and complex issue. According to the Civil Defense Law, every new building in Israel must include a standard residential protected space. The law sets clear requirements regarding the location of the protected space, its area, wall thickness, fortification, and ventilation. Compliance with the law's requirements is essential to obtain Form 4 and occupancy approval.
Israeli Standard T"Y 4422
In addition to the law, there is an Israeli standard T"Y 4422 that details the requirements and guidelines for building protected spaces. The standard includes recommendations regarding:
- Location of the protected space
- Dimensions
- Thickness and materials of the walls
- Type of door
- Window fortification
- Ventilation and air filtration systems
Home Front Command Guidelines
The Home Front Command is responsible for the security guidelines of protected spaces in Israel. The guidelines include:
- Emergency equipment that must be stored in the protected space
- Fortification and defense methods in case of emergency
- Training and drills for proper use of the protected space
Required Approvals and Permits
To build a protected space, several approvals must be obtained:
- Building permit
- Approval from the building engineer
- Approval from the Home Front Command for the proposed design
It is important to adhere to all requirements and approvals to ensure that the protected space is standard and safe for use.
Planning and Designing a Protected Space
Planning Considerations
When planning a protected space, several important considerations must be taken into account:
- Location of the protected space: The protected space should be located in the center of the apartment as much as possible.
- Area of the protected space: It is recommended to plan a larger area than required to allow for comfort.
- Integration with other spaces: Consider how the protected space will fit into the existing design of the house.
Interior Design of the Protected Space
The interior design of the protected space should be functional and pleasant:
- Durable flooring: Choose flooring that is easy to clean.
- Good lighting: It is important to ensure adequate lighting.
- Storage for emergency equipment: Plan a place to store essential equipment.
Integrating the Protected Space into an Existing Structure
Integrating the protected space into an existing structure requires precise planning:
- Checking the stability of the structure: Ensure that the structure can support the protected space.
- Coordination with tenants: Obtain approval from the tenants in the building.
- Obtaining permits: Submit a request for a building permit.
Design Solutions for an External Protected Space
If you choose to build an external protected space, consider:
- Durable materials: Choose materials that can withstand weather conditions.
- Aesthetic design: It is important that the protected space matches the overall design of the house.
- Easy access: Ensure that access to the protected space is convenient and safe.
Building a protected space in a private home is a complex process that requires planning and approvals from the building and planning authority. The cost of building a protected space in a private home depends on its size and the type of work done during construction. It is essential to adhere to all regulations and requirements to ensure the safety of the residents.
Costs of Building a Protected Space
Main Cost Factors
In building a protected space, several main factors affect the costs:
- Structural work – pouring walls, ceiling, and floor.
- Fortified doors and windows – including installation.
- Finishing work – plastering, painting, flooring, lighting, and more.
- Systems – plumbing, electricity, air conditioning.
- Design of the protected space and building permit expenses.
Cost Comparison Between Types of Protected Spaces
| Type of Protected Space | Average Cost (NIS) |
|---|---|
| Protected space in an apartment | 100,000 – 150,000 |
| External protected space | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Mobile protected space | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Pre-fabricated protected space | 25,000 – 100,000 |
Cost-Saving Measures in Building
To save on the costs of building a protected space, consider the following steps:
- Choose a relatively inexpensive contractor, while checking their experience.
- Forfeit a high level of finish.
- Perform self-installation of basic items.
- Purchase bundled doors and windows.
- Limit to essential systems only.
It is important to plan the protected space and its components well to maximize the benefit at the received cost.
Cost Distribution in a Shared Building
In building a protected space in a shared building, the costs are divided among all tenants according to a predetermined distribution key. The shared costs typically include:
- Establishment of the protected space structure.
- Shared entrance door.
- Main ventilation and electrical systems.
Private costs for each apartment include design, finishing, and internal equipment.
In summary, for building a protected space of about 12 square meters, the average price may range from ₪ 160,000 to ₪ 210,000 excluding VAT for a single protected space on foundations. The cost will vary according to site conditions and additional requirements.
Consultants and Professionals in Building a Protected Space
In building a protected space, it is necessary to collaborate with various professionals to ensure that the protected space meets all required standards. Each consultant brings different expertise, and they work together to create a safe and efficient protected space.
Security Consultant
The security consultant specializes in designing protection systems, including sealed doors and windows. Their role is to ensure that the protected space meets all required standards for protecting residents.
Landscape Architect
The landscape architect is responsible for planning the external spaces of the protected space. They ensure that the design fits the environment and is pleasant to stay in.
Fire Safety Consultant
This consultant designs the fire detection and extinguishing systems in the protected space. They are essential to ensure that the protected space is safe for use even in emergencies.
Structural Engineer and Building Engineer
The structural engineer designs the physical structure of the protected space, including the framework system. Their role is to ensure that the protected space is stable and safe.
Collaboration Process
To ensure a smooth construction process, it is recommended to take the following steps:
- Conduct preliminary research: Look for recommendations and reviews of professionals online and in social groups.
- Schedule meetings: Arrange meetings with various professionals to understand your needs.
- Compare proposals: Compare different proposals to choose the most suitable professionals.
Collaboration with quality professionals is the key to success in building a protected space.
Building a Protected Space in a Private Home
Expanding the Home Area
When building a protected space in a private home, there are several ways to add the protected space:
- Expanding the home area: Building the protected space as part of the addition to the house.
- Converting an existing room: Converting an existing room into a protected space by adding walls and a protected space door.
- Building an external protected space: Establishing a protected space in the yard or on the roof.
Converting an Existing Room into a Protected Space
Converting an existing room into a protected space requires several changes:
- Adding reinforced concrete panels and walls.
- Installing a standard sealed steel door.
- Fortifying the windows and installing sealing curtains.
The cost of converting a room into a protected space ranges from 80,000 to 120,000 NIS, depending on the size of the room.
Building an External Protected Space
Building an external protected space can be a good solution, but consider:
- Higher costs.
- Need for building permits.
- Integration into the external design of the house.
Costs and Permits
The cost of building a protected space in a private home ranges from 140,000 to 200,000 NIS, depending on the chosen solution. The process of building a protected space primarily requires a building permit which costs a significant amount of money.
It is important to maintain a design and planning continuity between the house and the new protected space to ensure that the protected space blends well with the rest of the house.
Building a Protected Space in a Shared Building
Process of Obtaining a Building Permit
To add a protected space in a shared building, several important steps must be followed:
- Submitting a building permit application with a detailed plan.
- Obtaining approval from the building engineer for the structure's strength.
- Obtaining approval from the Home Front Command for the proposed design.
- Voting and approval from the general assembly.
After receiving all approvals, construction can begin.
Tenant Approval
To perform adding a protected space in a shared building, the agreement of at least 60% of the tenants is required. So how do you start the project and what is important to know when doing it?
Cost Distribution
In building a protected space in a shared building, the costs are divided among all tenants in the building. The cost distribution is done according to a key predetermined in the purchase agreement. The shared costs typically include:
- Reinforced concrete structural work.
- Fortified doors and windows.
- Finishing work such as plastering and painting.
Planning Challenges
Building a protected space in a shared building may encounter several challenges:
- Planning restrictions of the building.
- Need for changes in the existing structure.
- Obtaining agreements from the tenants.
It is important to plan the protected space well and ensure that everything is conducted according to the law and regulations.
Mobile Protected Space and Temporary Solutions
Characteristics of a Mobile Protected Space
A mobile protected space is a temporary solution designed for use in emergencies. It is not a substitute for a standard protected space, but can serve as a temporary solution. Its characteristics include:
- Metal or wood construction.
- Coating and protection with fabric or metal sheets.
- Can be disassembled and reassembled.
- Sealed envelope for short stays.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- High speed of establishment.
- Relatively low costs.
- Flexibility in location.
Disadvantages:
- Design and size limitations.
- Limited interior design.
- Not suitable for high buildings.
Costs of a Mobile Protected Space
The cost of a mobile protected space varies according to size and level of finish. The price range is:
| Size of the Protected Space | Cost (NIS) |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 square meters | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Over 12 square meters | 120,000 – 140,000 |
It is important to plan the use of a mobile protected space in advance to ensure that it meets your needs in emergencies.
Maintenance of the Protected Space and Upgrades
Periodic Inspections
Maintaining the protected space is very important to ensure the safety of its users. Periodic inspections should be conducted to ensure that the protected space meets all standards. The inspections include:
- Inspection of walls and ceiling
- Inspection of doors and fortified windows
- Inspection of ventilation and electrical systems
Upgrading Protection Systems
To improve safety levels, the systems in the protected space can be upgraded. Possible upgrades include:
- Installing advanced alarm systems
- Upgrading air conditioning systems
- Installing security cameras
Maintenance of Ventilation and Electrical Systems
Regular maintenance of ventilation and electrical systems is essential. It is important to ensure that the systems operate properly to prevent failures in emergencies.
Proper maintenance of the protected space can save lives in emergencies.
Renovation and Redesign
If the protected space needs renovation, consider the following options:
- Renewing walls and paint
- Upgrading furniture and accessories
- Adjusting the design to the changing needs of the residents
Maintenance and upgrades in the protected space are an integral part of its use, and should be performed regularly to ensure the safety and comfort of the users.
Summary
Building a protected space is an important task that requires precise planning and compliance with regulations. All costs must be taken into account, from materials to consulting services, to ensure that the protected space is safe and efficient. It is also important to collaborate with suitable professionals to avoid mistakes that could be costly. Ultimately, a well-planned protected space not only provides protection but can also enhance the quality of life in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a protected space and what role does it serve?
A protected space is a residential protected area designed to protect people in emergencies such as missile fire or attacks. It provides a safe place to stay.
What are the legal requirements for building a protected space?
You must comply with legal requirements such as minimum area, wall thickness, fortified doors and windows, for the protected space to be considered standard.
How much does it cost to build a protected space?
The cost of building a protected space can range from 140,000 to 200,000 NIS, depending on size and additional requirements.
Can a protected space be built in the yard?
Yes, a protected space can be built in the yard of the house, which can be a more flexible solution at a lower cost.
What is needed to obtain a permit for building a protected space?
To obtain a permit, you must submit an application with detailed plans, receive approval from an engineer, and comply with Home Front Command requirements.
What is the advantage of a mobile protected space?
A mobile protected space is a temporary and portable solution that allows for quick establishment in emergencies, but does not replace a standard protected space.