Converting Feeding Shed into Chicken Coop: Is This a Reasonable Estimate?

[ChickyLulu]

A carpenter give me a $5000 estimate to convert this old feeding shed into a coop + adding a 160 square foot run. Is this reasonable? I know the cost of building material is steep right now, but it seems crazy to me. If it is a fair estimate, does anyone have any ideas on how to reduce the costs? *EDIT: Included screen shots of estimate so you don't have to open the file*

 

[21hens-incharge]

He is WAY to high in that estimate in my opinion.

To reduce costs that is actually a pretty easy do it yourself project.

I did not open the pdf so don't know if it includes a full solid roof on the run or the details.

Can you list the details? I know a lot of people won't open pdf's.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Where do you live?
Up in Wisconsin, that is too high but then again, you are paying for his labor also.
If you did it yourself, I would estimate $1000-2000 depending what the run entails.
A list of what is on the pdf is a great idea!

 

[ChickyLulu]

He is WAY to high in that estimate in my opinion.

To reduce costs that is actually a pretty easy do it yourself project.

I did not open the pdf so don't know if it includes a full solid roof on the run or the details.

Can you list the details? I know a lot of people won't open pdf's.

Thanks! I edited my post to include screen shots of the estimate so you don't have to open a file.

The run roof is included in the estimate, but I told him I was open to leaving it only partially roofed (and the other section can just be covered with hardware cloth). I was also going to suggest adding the metal roof over the coop shingles, instead of using labor costs to remove them.

Any other ideas? I would love to DIY but I have zero carpentry skills and minimal power tools.

 

[ChickyLulu]

Where do you live?
Up in Wisconsin, that is too high but then again, you are paying for his labor also.
If you did it yourself, I would estimate $1000-2000 depending what the run entails.
A list of what is on the pdf is a great idea!

We are in Minnesota. I edited my post to include screen shots of the estimate so you don't have to open a file.

 

[aart]

I found the PDF easier to read.
That's pretty detailed estimate, which is commendable, IMO.
They even included details of labor costs, which may be rare.
$40 an hour, which seems tad high, and who knows how accurate the hours projected are(they may be being conservative in case of problems) and if they include traveling to get materials.
I assume this guy is a professional, with vast building experience and all the tools needed to do a good job. Skilled labor is not cheap, nor should it be.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The cost on 2x4's are quite a bit higher than in my area as is the metal roofing cost.

I wonder if you were to price the materials at Home Depot and look into their delivery fees (or free delivery if available) would save $$$.

A coop floor is not a MUST although it's nice to have. It may be a wash between doing the floor vs predator proofing that area though.

 

[CluckerFamily]

We are in Minnesota. I edited my post to include screen shots of the estimate so you don't have to open a file.

The majority of the cost is in supplies, wood has increased in price immensely due to the pandemic.
Sounds like he knows exactly what he is doing. It sounds worth it just in that. Of course it would be cheaper to do it yourself.
My coop/run cost me about $1000 to build 8 years ago and I am now building a duck run attached to the chicken run and it will cost me $1000 also even though they won’t have a coop, the wood cost is high.

 

[ChickyLulu]

I found the PDF easier to read.
That's pretty detailed estimate, which is commendable, IMO.
They even included details of labor costs, which may be rare.
$40 an hour, which seems tad high, and who knows how accurate the hours projected are(they may be being conservative in case of problems) and if they include traveling to get materials.
I assume this guy is a professional, with vast building experience and all the tools needed to do a good job. Skilled labor is not cheap, nor should it be.

I totally agree! I'm just looking for creative ideas on how to reduce the costs without devaluing his labor.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Do you have any Amish Sawmills near by? They may be cheaper.