The best magazine
It does not pay to plan additions as you go along, instead be very sure from the start what it is that you want and how you are going to go about building it.
Armed with a dog house plan, the next step is to draw up a list of the material and equipment you are going to be using.
Divide your list into four parts: structural materials; electrical equipment; decorations and personal items; and tools and construction equipment.
Now, based on the design plan, calculate the amount of plywood or cedar wood, insulating material if you are going to put it in, lumber for framing, roof shingles in case you are opting for these, and any other such material that you would be using in erecting the structure.
Any wood you buy should be carefully measured and studied to give you the maximum benefit, meaning that you have to use all your ingenuity to use as much of the wood boards as you can, so that there is minimum wastage of material.
Plan the areas where you would be cutting out pieces for the walls such that practically every bit of the wood is put to good use.
Tools would include various kinds of saws and drills, hammer, nails and screws, measuring tape and other basic carpentry tools.
You would need to be well-supplied with nails and screws, caulking, glue for wood and other such material that could aid you in setting things up.
Think it through so you do not have to go rushing at inconvenient times to buy an item you missed out.
Decorations and personal items could include things like the water and food bowls placed in a covered area on the deck, chewy toys, and bones or treats your pet enjoys.
In winters you might need to place a woolen blanket for your dog to sit on, so add it to the list.
Electrical equipment could range from simple heaters to heated beds and air-conditioners depending on what you think is necessary and affordable.
If you are looking at cutting costs, a good idea would be to try and buy recycled lumber.
You can get it a lot cheaper than if you pick it off the market.
You can always go browsing with your requirement in mind and buy pieces that would serve your purpose.
Beware of buying over and above what you would actually be using - it is tempting to go overboard when you are getting a good bargain! Use a hard wood like cedar for the floor frame.
Place the insulation and ply or treated lumber in the frame by cutting it to size for a snug fit.
Bolt or nail everything together securely.
Innumerable dog house plans can be found on the Internet.
Spend a little time studying these and you are sure to find one which would allow you to build that dream dog house for your much loved pet! Add some personal touch to the structure once it is standing.
Place plants, a garden light, perhaps make a stone walkway leading up to the dog house...
use your imagination! You can be as fanciful as you like - IT is your creation and it's for your dog; please yourselves!
Source: ...