Save costs and build your own greenhouse: Sounds very tempting. At least if it is possible to obtain the necessary material cheaply. Nevertheless, the necessary working time, including the use of construction workers, must not be completely neglected in terms of costs.
The simpler the structure, the lower the costs
It definitely has its advantages to build your dream greenhouse from the foundation to the roof all by yourself and at the same time in a particularly individual way. Before this actually very demanding work is started, one should seriously consider to what extent the necessary tools available. Especially with regard to the thermal insulation, the work must be extremely precise so that even the smallest gaps have disappeared. But is it actually cheaper to build a greenhouse yourself than a prefabricated house?
The work steps until a house stands
Already the preparatory work is not entirely without and take with increasing size of the planned construction to:
- Find a sunny, wind-protected location;
- Removal of topsoil at the site and removal of roots;
- obtain the desired components and any special tools;
The question of a building permit may have to be clarified and, in addition to the actual building material, heating and ventilation systems that need to be installed professionally are necessary.
This is followed by the assembly of the previously manufactured wall, ceiling and window elements including an effective thermal seal, i.e.:
- Creating a foundation (we have summarized the details for you in a detailed article);
- Assembly of a basic frame made of metal or wood (the latter is extremely susceptible to weathering!) with secure anchoring;
- installation of doors and windows;
- Installation of the roof structure and its drainage (pitched or flat roof);
Because time is also money!
For a moderately practiced hobby craftsman, the time required for this alone is financially worthwhile probably in the four-digit euro range. Perhaps a helping hand is needed for the preparatory work or for the final assembly, perhaps also for the installation of the new greenhouse heating? It would therefore be very vague or even completely wrong that building a greenhouse yourself would be more expensive or cheaper than a prefabricated house. Perhaps a do-it-yourself house will be better in terms of quality and its longevity and possible uses. In any case, it should, if the appropriate high-quality materials are selected and the assembly is carried out with careful craftsmanship.
tips
It seems like a clear stalemate when weighing the pros and cons of do-it-yourself and prefab homes. In general, however, it is clear that both variants cost their money, with the bottom line ultimately being more dependent on the requirements of the future greenhouse gardener.