I'd like to echo some of the sentiments on here, namely you can build to your specifications. I've got probably close to $2000 invested in my coop (I stopped counting as it was giving me panic attacks) - and it's not done yet. We've been working on it OVER A YEAR. The amount of time we think something is going to take is not even close to what it actually does take. Making the flooring? Sure not a problem. Wait, it's not level. Ok it's level, now measure the hypotenuse and use the Pythagorean Theorem to make sure it's truly square - oh it's not? Crap, redo. Repeat as necessary.
I see those pre-built sheds at the big box stores and think wow I could have just bought that and saved myself a whole lotta trouble. Then my boyfriend points out that the floor is non pressure treated 2x4s and will surely start sagging within a year or two. Mine is on pressure treated 2x6s. The walls are insulated so the girls don't freeze here in a bad winter. I know the roof won't leak because of the care and time we put into it that someone else wouldn't have done. Most of all we have the sense of pride that we built it (ok, he built it, but I handed him stuff and painted it).
For two people who have never built so much as a kit birdhouse, we had a (mostly) good time and have a very good coop. You'll appreciate it more as time goes by.
I see those pre-built sheds at the big box stores and think wow I could have just bought that and saved myself a whole lotta trouble. Then my boyfriend points out that the floor is non pressure treated 2x4s and will surely start sagging within a year or two. Mine is on pressure treated 2x6s. The walls are insulated so the girls don't freeze here in a bad winter. I know the roof won't leak because of the care and time we put into it that someone else wouldn't have done. Most of all we have the sense of pride that we built it (ok, he built it, but I handed him stuff and painted it).
For two people who have never built so much as a kit birdhouse, we had a (mostly) good time and have a very good coop. You'll appreciate it more as time goes by.
