yes ma'am, we're agreeing that basically planning it out with the correct measurements and then buying accordingly is by far the best way to go
I had someone over in the coop building thread just get completely bent out of shape with me because I built one 6x10, just fussing about how many cuts I was going to have to make and how much waste that was.... Even when I explained it: A) I planned the cuts and had home depot put them on their big wall saw and cut them for me B) there was no waste because each side needed the half sheets C) I built it the size I wanted based on what my needs were at the time
so yeah going with 12 footers for what you're building is definitely the smart way to go, although, if you went with 16' there'd only be one seam and one cut.
One thing I'll fill in here just in case anyone reading along doesn't know. When you're buying lumber for an outside project that doesn't require exactly straight lumber, somewhere in the back at home depot is a cart with the damaged lumber that they mark down. If it has a purple paint spot on it, it's 70% off.....I framed my whole chicken coop from 2x4s that were in the damage bin for $54, then I went and checked the 'oops' bay on the paint ailse and lucked into a gallon of bard red that would have normally been $40 for NINE dollars
and I'm pretty sure that Lowes does the same thing, just ask where the damage bin is
Since I am married to someone who picks through lumber until he finds the most perfect boards, I doubt that the damage aisle products will call to him. I, however, did find a clearance lattice cap in 8' lengths for $2.66 a piece to make my hoop coop with. The best part was the conduit fit nicely in the slot of the lattice cap which made assembly much easier. You can also find amazing things at Habitat for Humanity ReStores from paint to fixtures to flooring. I have an adorable antique sink I bought there which I use in my potting bench.
I'm not so much concerned with waste as I am ease of building. If I can get away with using things as "lego" pieces rather than things that I have to alter, it's just easier for me as a not particularly strapping female. Bottom line is that people just have to do what's best for them...and that might mean just ordering a coop instead of building!
The travel trailer looks to be in pretty good shape on the inside for a coop, and for the run, it looks like the chickens may have a tire swing in their future! I don't envy you for the work ahead of you in tearing down that rotted roofing and wood, but you also have some good stuff there. I know with your creativity that you'll make something awesome out of it all.
