How much to build this?

[chickenana707]

Home Depots often have cull lumber available at 70% off the retail price. I've bought lots of lumber that way that's perfectly fine for building a coop and run. From what I've seen, Monday morning is a good time to check for cull lumber.

Oooo thank you!!

 

[Appalachickens]

Oooo thank you!!

Also, just pay attention when they are ringing up the 70% off lumber at Hone Depot - I got some last week and it scanned at full price, and I had to have the guy put in the reduced price. You definitely don't want to be paying full price for warped boards.

 

[Sefirothe]

My son who is a carpenter framed two of my coops and he insisted on using nails for framing. Something about shearing and the different strength of nails vs. screws. I used screws for everything else - putting on siding, supports for roost bars, roofing, and so on. Also, for screws, I recommend star bit screws - they don't strip and are easier to get back out if need be.

They do make framing screws these days that withstand sheer forces better.

Or with enough bracing and deck screws placed you dont have to worry as much about sheer forces.

My father took the lead on building my run, and as a retired design/build general contractor he tends to over engineer.

Of course that did add to the cost of our run, with two extra trips to pick up lumber over the initial purchase that “should be good enough to build the whole thing”.

But it’s handled everything thrown at it with out budging even our sideways rain storms with straight line winds. And there’s nothing buried in the ground nor is it actually anchored to the shed either.

 

[Appalachickens]

They do make framing screws these days that withstand sheer forces better.

Or with enough bracing and deck screws placed you dont have to worry as much about sheer forces.

View attachment 4310849

My father took the lead on building my run, and as a retired design/build general contractor he tends to over engineer.

Of course that did add to the cost of our run, with two extra trips to pick up lumber over the initial purchase that “should be good enough to build the whole thing”.

But it’s handled everything thrown at it with out budging even our sideways rain storms with straight line winds. And there’s nothing buried in the ground nor is it actually anchored to the shed either.

View attachment 4310853

My son over engineers as well - he's meticulous. After he built the platform for the first coop, he jumped up and down on it hard to make sure it was completely stable before starting on the walls. Even though it is on a hillside and up on pier blocks, that thing isn't going anywhere.

 

[Carolminifarm]

How much do you think it would cost roughly to build this coop/run combo? If you’re a very… average/beginner person, going to Home Depot for all your supplies. Or - does anyone have any recommendations for free coop plans that they find beginner friendly? Not to be extra picky, but something that isn’t dumpy looking because I live in the suburbs and don’t want neighbors getting upset over an eye sore. Something compact and aesthetically pleasing or at least neutral would be good.

under 200.

 

[Demarvell]

So without any specs I'm just guessing here.
Lets say it's 8 feet long and 4 feet wide.

Two pieces of metal roofting, plus ridge cap $75
4 2x6x8s at $36
16 2x4x8s at $80
2 4x8 plywood sheets $100
5 hinges plus lock latch $50
50 feet of 4 feet tall hardware cloth $100
Screws n things $34

Your total comes to $475 (but lets just say $500 for the hell of it), and this is using treated wood for everything too.
All priced using whatever live prices are at the local big hardware store.

There's room to add wheels to that unit in the picture, this wasn't included in the above costs.

The most difficult parts for a beginner in making the design you uploaded will be making the door and the 45 degree angle cuts. Something like a miter saw really helps with the latter.

Leftover wood can be used for roosting bars inside the box, as well as making nesting boxes.

Great layout of costs!

 

[KristinKH]

How much do you think it would cost roughly to build this coop/run combo? If you’re a very… average/beginner person, going to Home Depot for all your supplies. Or - does anyone have any recommendations for free coop plans that they find beginner friendly? Not to be extra picky, but something that isn’t dumpy looking because I live in the suburbs and don’t want neighbors getting upset over an eye sore. Something compact and aesthetically pleasing or at least neutral would be good.

Whatever you end up building make sure it has proper ventilation. I rarely see chicken coops with proper ventilation, including the one in your picture. If you search the forums here for the word 'ventilation' you'll find plenty of good information. Good luck and have fun!