Building a Chicken Coop – Picking a Plan and Materials
Let's talk about building a chicken coop. Here I will different aspects of chicken coop plans before you actually start your building. The first thought you have should be, just how am I going to build a chicken coop? When you are going to build any project there are steps to be followed and building a chicken coop is no different. Lets' go through some basic steps to follow.
Pick and Reviewing a Plan
Picking a plan can be as easy as going to a book store or searching the internet. Reviewing the plan is looking at the plan for easy understanding, clear measurements, and simplicity of building techniques. There are some great plans out there that look really professional and they probably are, but if you can't read them what good are they? Stick to the basics pick a plan that fits your needs and are simple enough for you to understand.
Figure the Cost
Because you have made sure you feel comfortable enough that you can understand your choice of plans and are able to use them, it's time to figure the cost. The plans should have a material list on the front page or second page depending on the style of blue prints. When you locate the material list, call or visit your local hardware store, read the list to them, and ask for a quote. Don't worry about imposing on them, that's what the store does to bring in business; so you're not bothering them. If the materials fall within your budget and you're satisfied with the cost, go ahead and order them knowing you have a good fit for your project of building a chicken coop.
Ordering Materials
When you order your materials make sure to inform the hardware store you are looking for handpicked, straight lumber with as little amount of knots in them as possible. This is important because you are building for an exposed finish product; which means that it will be seen and not covered. That will make sure you get good material to work with when you're building a chicken coop for your project.
Delivery of Materials
If you are picking up the materials yourself you don't have to worry about this. If you are having the materials delivered, make sure of the day and time of delivery. Most deliveries are in the morning or afternoon, so you will have to have someone available to receive it. On the day of the delivery, make it a point to know where you want your materials unloaded and stacked. If for some reason you're not there and you don't specify on the delivery order that someone must be there to accept delivery, it's possible you will find your order in a pile on your driveway. This can cause your lumber to twist or bow and become unusable. So make arrangements to be there upon delivery and know where you want the materials to be unloaded; it will save a lot of headache.
Pick and Reviewing a Plan
Picking a plan can be as easy as going to a book store or searching the internet. Reviewing the plan is looking at the plan for easy understanding, clear measurements, and simplicity of building techniques. There are some great plans out there that look really professional and they probably are, but if you can't read them what good are they? Stick to the basics pick a plan that fits your needs and are simple enough for you to understand.
Figure the Cost
Because you have made sure you feel comfortable enough that you can understand your choice of plans and are able to use them, it's time to figure the cost. The plans should have a material list on the front page or second page depending on the style of blue prints. When you locate the material list, call or visit your local hardware store, read the list to them, and ask for a quote. Don't worry about imposing on them, that's what the store does to bring in business; so you're not bothering them. If the materials fall within your budget and you're satisfied with the cost, go ahead and order them knowing you have a good fit for your project of building a chicken coop.
Ordering Materials
When you order your materials make sure to inform the hardware store you are looking for handpicked, straight lumber with as little amount of knots in them as possible. This is important because you are building for an exposed finish product; which means that it will be seen and not covered. That will make sure you get good material to work with when you're building a chicken coop for your project.
Delivery of Materials
If you are picking up the materials yourself you don't have to worry about this. If you are having the materials delivered, make sure of the day and time of delivery. Most deliveries are in the morning or afternoon, so you will have to have someone available to receive it. On the day of the delivery, make it a point to know where you want your materials unloaded and stacked. If for some reason you're not there and you don't specify on the delivery order that someone must be there to accept delivery, it's possible you will find your order in a pile on your driveway. This can cause your lumber to twist or bow and become unusable. So make arrangements to be there upon delivery and know where you want the materials to be unloaded; it will save a lot of headache.