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