California Builder Sees Big Increase In 'Panic Room' Requests
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- A California-based builder says he has seen a 500 percent jump in the business of creating panic rooms since 9-11.
"The average person inside the home wouldn't know it's there," builder Nick Paster said.
Paster says consumers are demanding more sophisticated safe room features too.
"If you want to talk to your home automation system, talk to your cameras, talk to your surveillance alarm system, the electronic system talks to all of the locks so you don't have to do it yourself," Paster said.
Modern day fears of masked intruders like those featured in the 2006 movie 'Panic Room' are fueling the building boom.
"I actually have been into two full bomb shelters here in San Francisco," Real Estate Agent Darryl Honda said.
But, that personal safety comes at a price – just a basic door can cost over $10,000.
Honda's home, which he bought a few years ago, has its own panic room. The room itself is small – measuring a little over 12 square feet, but it's encased in concrete with reinforced beams.
"I was a boy scout. Be prepared, right? It's better to be safe than sorry," Honda said.
