Considering a room revamp, but not sure where to begin—or how much to invest? In our latest series, One-Room Renos, we explore renovation projects big and small, from soft-good upgrades you can accomplish in a weekend to total overhauls that cost a small fortune and take months (or longer).
Today, a homesteader outside Wenatchee, Washington shares how she built a chicken coop for up to 30 hens for just $2,000.
Tell us a bit about your chicken coop project.
A couple of years ago, we built a chicken coop and loved it. But over time we realized the coop could be improved. We found that taking care of chickens was hard and that good design could improve the process. Also, we grew out of that chicken coop as it didn’t house enough birds.
How many birds did you need?
The smaller coop had room for 10 chickens, which gave us seven eggs a day. You’d think that’d be plenty, but we have seven kids getting into the teenage years. They can eat! The new coop fits 30 chickens, so we can get as many as 24 eggs in the summer. You get more eggs in the spring and summer and fewer in the winter.
Besides more space, what were some of the improvements you wanted to make to the new coop?
For one, more access doors. I also wanted a full-size door on the front. That makes it easier to get in and clean the chicken yard. I wanted to have the eggs accessible from a nesting box on the outside (so you don’t have to go inside), and I wanted the floor of the coop to be level with the top of a wheelbarrow. That way, it’s easy to just rake the dirty straw and mess right into the wheelbarrow. Finally, I wanted storage in the coop. It’s easier to care for the chickens if everything you need is in one place.
Did you have any design constraints?
After we built the first coop, we added a root cellar and a greenhouse. I wanted them all to match. I’d describe the style as a mix between cottagecore and farmhouse.
How did the design process work?
Because I was designing it, I could look at what I had and draw plans around that. For example, I had collected a bunch of antique windows when I built the greenhouse. Initially I designed around those.
Do you have any favorite features?
The front door has a handle that opens simply by pushing up, not turning. We can open it when our hands are full, and our dogs can’t just push down on it to open it.
Did you have any space constraints?
Where we live, you only need a permit if you build bigger than 200 square feet, so we kept our build under that size.
How did you come up with the build plans?
I drew the plans on grid paper. I researched everything, from the best angle for the roof to keep snow off to how strong the trestles had to be to handle the snow load.
What else did you incorporate into the plan?
Since the coop is waist high, we were able to add roosting areas under the coop. That whole area underneath is available to them, and it seems to be their favorite. It has two solid walls that protect it.
How long did the project take?
It took a couple of days to draw the plans and three months to build. That wasn’t us working straight through, though. We could only work on this when we had time.
Where did the money for the renovations come from?
Every month, we set aside $300 for property maintenance. That’s our project budget.
Did you hire a contractor?
I did the majority of the construction myself, but we hired out to have the metal roof installed.
Was it challenging to find a roofer?
For most people, the job would have been too small. We found a roofer who ended up using excess roofing he had from another job, and he did the work for free. Otherwise, the roof alone could have been $2,000 or $3,000.
What else did you salvage or find for free?
I made a roost from an old headboard I found at a garage sale as it was ending. They just gave it to me.
Do you have tips for sourcing free things?
You have to connect with people in construction. I talk to a lot of builders and contractors. They know I like to reuse things that they would otherwise throw in the dumpster. You can also put ads on Craigslist that you’re looking for things. And check out garage sales.
How much would this have cost to pay someone else to build it?
If someone else was building and had to pay for all materials and labor, this would cost $10,000.
What’s the hardest thing about building?
I don’t think it’s that difficult. Really anybody can do it. The biggest thing that stops people is fear of failure. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.
What do you love most about this chicken coop?
I’m excited about all of the little features that add so much functionality but also just make it more charming. It brings a little joy to my mornings as I do barn chores.
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