Why are coop plans so expensive?

[CityChook]

... What Joe said.

In the 15 years I've been married, I don't think I've seen a hammer in my husband's hands once. He just doesn't like those kinds of projects.

But when I told him I wanted a chicken coop, he just couldn't sign off approval on a pre-fabbed one -- too too expensive. And I couldn't find "plans" that were exactly what I wanted. So we got a book on decks and sheds from Home Depot and I printed out as many photos as I could from this site and we just did it. Sure, it took us 4 L.O.N.G. months and we made plenty of mistakes, but it got done. And the cherry on top of the cake: Last fall we won second place in the coop design contest. Not bad for a coupla city-folk newbies without a single clue...

There's so much AWESOME information on this site - just let your fingers do the walking.

 

[Felicitas]

My first few posts here were all about finding a pre-built coop, then later on they were about finding very detailed plans. Finally, after hanging around here a little over a month, it dawned on me that I could just draw up exactly what I wanted, read up a little on framing and the like, and build it myself (well, my husband could do a lot of the work.) We're about midway through our project now, with no plans aside from a few of my own sketches on graph paper.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
I would like to direct you to post number 3 of this thread..

the original person admits that they do not know anything about framing.. it would be pretty difficult to draw up working drawings then, wouldn't you agree??

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
Dont get the hammer, get a drill and screws(they are easier to undo if you dont like the way they look the first time)

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
Dont get the hammer, get a drill and screws(they are easier to undo if you dont like the way they look the first time)

screws are good.. but you still have to know what to screw together..

 

[emandmikey]

Great coops: http://affiliate.catawbacoops.com/pages/128.php

Check that link out... you get step-by-step instructions... copywrited materials though, so you wouldn't want to pass it out... kinda illegal, and not really nice to those who took the time to draw out the design, measurements, and putting it in a form that's easy for others to follow. Em

www.emandthegang.blogspot.com

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I would like to direct you to post number 3 of this thread..

the original person admits that they do not know anything about framing.. it would be pretty difficult to draw up working drawings then, wouldn't you agree??

Well sure, that's why I did not SUGGEST they draw up their own plans in my post.

Gee whiz, folks, READ

That was just a passing side-comment about my *own* preferences, as I was signing off from the actual post.

My SUGGESTION to the poster was that although there are legit reasons for people to charge for plans, if someone doesn't want to pay for 'em (and I can certainly understand that), there are lots of sources for free ones, and they don't have to be labelled 'coop'.

Sheez.


Pat, apparently in a grumpy mood today

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Thirty dollars for plans.....
I didn't use plans but I'm sure I spent that much going back and forth to the hardware store for things I didn't get the first time. Just a thought.

 

[beak]

Go to home depot and look at all those sheds they have. Check out the construction and get some ideas. Pay attention to the way joints are made so it will be strong. You can use 2x4's instead of the x3's they use. The suppliers cut their own timbers, so they use the minimum amount needed.

I was a draftsman about 30 years ago when people still drew plans with a t-square. Now I just do the plans in my head and go from there. Usually works pretty well. My wife accuses me of standing around with stupid looks on my face. I'm just thinking of the best way to do it.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
I would like to direct you to post number 3 of this thread..

the original person admits that they do not know anything about framing.. it would be pretty difficult to draw up working drawings then, wouldn't you agree??

Well sure, that's why I did not SUGGEST they draw up their own plans in my post.

Gee whiz, folks, READ

That was just a passing side-comment about my *own* preferences, as I was signing off from the actual post.

My SUGGESTION to the poster was that although there are legit reasons for people to charge for plans, if someone doesn't want to pay for 'em (and I can certainly understand that), there are lots of sources for free ones, and they don't have to be labelled 'coop'.

Sheez.


Pat, apparently in a grumpy mood today

you also did not suggest they go lion hunting with a slingshot.. or go skydiving with an umbrella.. the point is how the he-- do I know what you are thinking?

I could have said the same to you,
READ, but I am keeping it civil.
.
I did mention what you said (nobody did) in post #3.. you still have not read it, have you??