Greenhouse Elements

Once you’ve chosen the perfect greenhouse for your property and needs, there are still many decisions to be made before you’re ready to begin construction. Does it need a foundation? What type of frame and walls are best? How will you heat it or cool it? And what do you put in it? The systems you will need to operate a successful greenhouse vary with the type of greenhouse you’ve chosen.

Of course, once you’ve sorted out what you need, you will actually have to build your greenhouse. If you know your way around a tool box, and the greenhouse is relatively simple in design, you might want to consider building it yourself. But, unless you’re a qualified electrician or plumber, you will probably have to hire professional help for some aspects of the construction.

Don’t forget to call your municipal planning department to find out what regulations might apply in your area and whether you’ll need a building permit for your greenhouse. Planning regulations and building codes regulate electrical and plumbing installation, construction (the size and strength of the frame or materials), footings and foundations, setbacks, and allowed square footage. The height of your greenhouse, in relation to existing structures, might also fall under code requirement, as can fire resistance.