The questions here are intended to help you determine what you want in a greenhouse, what will serve your needs, and how building your greenhouse might be realized. Think of this as a worksheet that can be filled out early on to help guide you in the process of achieving the best greenhouse for you and that can help you determine costs for a variety of scenarios.
Download a printable PDF of the checklist at storey.com/checklist-for-a-greenhouse
You will use your greenhouse for:
❏ Hobby growing
❏ Growing for a roadside stand
❏ Growing and propagating plants for sale
Besides using it for growing, you will use the greenhouse:
❏ To house a swimming pool
❏ As a recreational area
❏ To heat your home
Note: For these uses, a greenhouse attached to your home, rather than a freestanding structure, will better meet your needs. |
What will you grow in your greenhouse?
❏ Flowers
❏ Orchids
❏ Other tropical plants
❏ Vegetables
❏ Fruit
Note: our answers to these questions will determine not only the kind of greenhouse you build, but also whether it will be heated and what systems you will need to install to control the greenhouse environment. |
Size of site (in feet):
length: ____________________________
width: _____________________________
possible height: ________________
Note: For an attached greenhouse, the site may be limited by your house. Sometimes windows, trees, wires, or eaves limit the possible height of a structure. |
Greenhouse access (in feet):
❏ To the garden
❏ To the house
❏ To easily navigated paths, walkways, or driveways
❏ To power and water lines
Light available at site:
How much daily sun does the site receive and at what times of day?
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In which direction does the site face (north, northeast, south, east, northwest, other)?
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How much sun will the site receive around July 20 (the longest day) and December 20 (the shortest day)?
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Is the site in a frost pocket?
❏ Yes ❏ No
If so, how can you ameliorate this?
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Is the site likely to get flooded?
❏ Yes ❏ No
If so, can you prevent flooding with landscape or other changes?
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Does the site have good drainage?
❏ Yes ❏ No
Is the prevailing wind direction from the north?
❏ Yes ❏ No
Note: If the site receives cool north winds, you may have to consider a greenhouse with an insulated north wall to save on heating costs. |
Once you have a clear idea of how you will use your greenhouse and where it will be located, it’s time to decide either to order a greenhouse kit or to draw up plans and a materials list, and to determine whether you will build the structure yourself or hire a builder. Of course, part and parcel of this decision is cost. The following portion of the checklist will guide you in your decision. When making up a materials list or kit greenhouse list, try to be as specific as possible about materials you will use or the model you will order so that you can make the most realistic cost estimate possible.
If you plan to order a kit:
Create a list of local retailers and online companies for research and cost comparison. Use Resources for some source information. Determine how long each vendor has been in business.
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For each model you are considering, is the glazing glass (single-, double-, or triple-pane), polycarbonate, acrylic, or fiberglass? Is an alternate glazing package available?
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For each model you are considering, determine what materials are used for the frame and how sturdily it is constructed.
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Note: Metal structures tend to lose heat faster than do wooden ones. Make sure the structure is sturdy enough so that it will not twist or rack in high winds and so that it can be taken apart should it need to be moved or should you need to repair it. |
For each model you are considering, determine the size of the structure and the available storage in each.
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Note: If a particular structure does not have adequate storage, you may need to build a potting shed or find another place to store tools, pots, wheelbarrows, and so forth. |
For each model you are considering, determine the kind of benches included and what sizes they are.
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Note: Freestanding benches are preferable to ones that attach to the greenhouse structure because if a bench collapses, it won’t bring down the greenhouse with it. When siting the greenhouse, the highest benches and shelves should be on the north side so they won’t interfere with light transmission. |
What is each greenhouse’s warranty? Is it warranted for at least 1 year after installation? Is an extended warranty available?
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Note: Before erecting a kit greenhouse, check your insurance to see if the structure is covered if the glazing or structure breaks after the warranted period of time. Also check to see if your plants are insured and if any of your tools are insured if they’re stolen. |
Can damaged or broken parts for each greenhouse be replaced easily?
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If you, the consumer, are supposed to construct the greenhouse, determine for each if adequate manuals, directions, videos, tools, and support are provided; how difficult assembly is; and how long it takes an average owner to assemble.
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Note: Particularly check the glazing installation process. The glazing should be relatively easy to install. |
Determine if vendors for each greenhouse offer after-construction support and help with greenhouse operation.
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If the vendor’s team is to construct the greenhouse, are the workers bonded and insured?
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For each structure you may order, what are the shipping requirements and costs?
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Note: Make sure that somebody will be home to check for damage or an incomplete delivery when the greenhouse arrives. |
For each greenhouse you may purchase, determine if it requires a foundation (and what type) or anchors and note the cost here (see step 4, below).
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For each greenhouse you may purchase, determine from vendor information approximate heating and cooling costs and what systems these costs are based upon.
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For each greenhouse you may purchase, add together the kit cost; the cost of a foundation (if required); and the cost of purchasing and installing electricity, plumbing, and heating (if required or you choose to include them).
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TOTAL COST OF THE KIT GREENHOUSE YOU WILL PURCHASE:
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If you plan to have a greenhouse built or plan to build your own:
Will you hire the services of an architect?
❏ Yes ❏ No
A. Total cost of architect’s services:
Note: If you are going to hire an architect, you will need to get estimates for the cost of drawings, determine precisely what the architect will provide, determine how the architect will work with the contractor, and work up a contract. |
Will your greenhouse require specialty work and the plans that go with such work?
❏ Yes ❏ No
Collect names and contact information for builders you may use.
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Does each builder act as a contractor who hires any subcontractors (e.g., electrician, plumber) that may be necessary or will you be responsible for acting as contractor and hiring subs?
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Will you need a building permit?
❏ Yes ❏ No
B. Total cost of building permit:
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Will you need a zoning permit and what are the specific glazing and structural materials required to comply with building and/or zoning codes?
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C. Total cost of zoning permit:
Note: You can usually obtain information on permits and the permits themselves from city or town offices. |
Cost of the foundation and floor:
❏ No foundation
❏ Wood frame (include size and cost of landscape timbers)
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❏ Concrete slab (include size, cost of materials and formwork, and volume/cost of concrete)
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❏ Concrete foundation wall (include size, cost of materials and formwork, volume/cost of concrete, and cost of stucco or brick facing if you will use either)
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❏ Concrete block wall (include size and number/cost of blocks and mortar)
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❏ Stone wall (include size of wall and cost of mason)
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❏ Brick wall (include size and cost of bricks and mortar)
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❏ Adobe (include size and cost)
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❏ Straw bale (include size and cost)
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❏ Other (recycled or alternative materials; include size and cost)
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❏ Cost of rentals and tool purchases (e.g., concrete mixer, tools)
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Floor of greenhouse
❏ Dirt
❏ Concrete slab (include size and cost; see above for figures)
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❏ Crushed stone/gravel (include quantity and cost)
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❏ Brick or stone (include size and cost)
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D. Total cost of foundation and floor:
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Note: Be sure to add in cost of insulation and cost of installation of electrical lines and plumbing (e.g., drainpipes) that pass through the foundation, if these are required. |
Cost of preparing the site:
Cost of marking and grading site
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Cost of excavating the site
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Cost of excavating for water and electricity lines
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E. Total cost of site preparation:
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Note: If you are in an area that gets frost (see the USDA Zone map), you will need to install a greenhouse foundation that extends below the frost line. This will increase the excavation and foundation costs. |
Cost of glazing:
In areas where temperatures are likely to fall below freezing for a week or more during winter and where the greenhouse will be heated, glazing might be double-pane glass or double-or triple-wall polycarbonate. In areas where you have a month or more of subfreezing weather, consider triple-pane glazing to reduce heating costs.
Type of glazing
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Glass (choose from single-weight, double-weight, plate, tempered, laminated, double-pane, triple-pane) |
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Polycarbonate (choose from single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall) |
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Acrylic (choose from single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall) |
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Polyethylene sheeting (choose from 4 mil, 6 mil, or commercial sheeting) |
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Glass (choose from single-weight, double-weight, plate, tempered, laminated, double-pane, triple-pane) |
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Polycarbonate (choose from single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall) |
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Acrylic (choose from single-wall, double-wall, triple-wall) |
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Polyethylene sheeting (choose from 4 mil, 6 mil, or commercial sheeting) |
Area to be glazed:
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Size of glazing (size of panes, sheets) and total amount needed (allow 10 to 15 percent extra for cutting and trimming)
Cost of glazing material:
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Cost of caulking (include type):
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Cost of trim bars or strips:
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Cost of rubber wedges:
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Cost of screws and nails:
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F. Total cost of glazing:
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Cost of building the structure:
Type of structure
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Steel |
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Aluminum |
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Wood (choose from pressure-treated, cedar, oak, regular dimensional lumber to be painted) |
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Plastic |
Materials (confer with your builder or gather yourself based on plans; include specific dimensions)
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Amount and dimensions of lumber/other frame material
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Cost of lumber/frame materials:
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Number/dimensions of windows and doors:
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Cost of windows and doors:
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Fasteners (includes nails, screws, bolts, etc.):
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Cost of fasteners:
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Other hardware (includes backing plates, knobs and pulls, hinges, etc.):
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Cost of hardware:
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G. Total cost of structure:
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Cost of heating the structure:
Note: If you will not be heating your greenhouse, skip this section. |
Determine the number of heating degree days for your area. (Heating degree days are determined by the National Weather Service.)
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What type of heating system do you plan to use?
❏ Electric
Cost of heater and installation:
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Cost to run heater:
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❏ Propane
Cost of heater, storage tank, and venting system and installation:
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Cost to run heater:
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❏ Natural gas
Cost of heater, storage tank, and venting system and installation:
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Cost to run heater:
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❏ Wood-burning stove
Cost of heater and installation:
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Cost to run heater:
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❏ Solar mass
Cost of tons of rock or water and setting up system:
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Cost to run fan or water heater:
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Do you plan on installing a backup heating system?
❏ Yes ❏ No
If so, list the type and cost:
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Do you plan to install thermostats and temperature-control systems?
❏ Yes ❏ No
If so, list the cost (include wiring and piping costs, breakers, etc.):
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Cost of heating safety inspection:
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H. Total cost of heating:
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Cost of ventilating the structure:
What type of vents will you install?
❏ Natural vents (windows that can be opened; cost included in total cost of structure)
❏ Windows with automatic openers
Cost of automatic window openers:
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❏ Fan (to circulate air through the greenhouse)
Cost of fan:
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Cost of installing fan (wiring, etc.):
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Cost of running fan:
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❏ Blower (to blow hot air out of the greenhouse)
Cost of blower:
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Cost of installing blower (wiring, etc.):
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Cost of running blower:
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I. Total cost of ventilation:
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Cost of plumbing the structure:
Note: If you will not be plumbing your greenhouse, skip this section. |
Cost of digging a trench for a water line from your house to the greenhouse (if your area freezes, you must install the water line beneath the frost line):
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Cost of drilling through house’s existing basement wall:
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Length and cost of piping to be installed:
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Cost of additional materials (such as sand to cover pipe):
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Cost for plumber to hook up valves at both ends of the pipe:
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Cost of plumbing work inside greenhouse (sink, spigots, etc.):
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J. Total plumbing cost:
Note: If you will have a fixture such as a pool or hot tub in your greenhouse, include cost of fixture and plumbing. |
Cost of electrifying the structure:
Note: If you will not be using electricity in your greenhouse, skip this section. |
Cost of breaker or breaker panel:
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Length of outdoor wiring required and cost:
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Cost of conduit to protect wire:
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Number of greenhouse outlets and cost:
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Number of fixtures in the greenhouse and cost
❏ Incandescent lights:
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❏ Fluorescent lights:
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Electrical installation cost:
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Cost to run lights and other electrical appliances:
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K. Total electrical costs:
Note: If you will have a fixture such as a pool or hot tub in your greenhouse, include cost of electrifying fixture. |
Cost of Greenhouse Accessories/ Furnishings
What types of benches will you use?
❏ Wire-topped wooden
Number and dimensions::
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Cost of wire-mesh topped:
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❏ Wood-topped
Number and dimensions:
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Cost of wood-topped:
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❏ Hydroponic
Number and dimensions:
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Cost of hydroponic:
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❏ Plastic
Number and dimensions:
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Cost of plastic:
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What other accessories will you install?
❏ Shelves
Number of shelves:
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Cost of shelving and brackets/mounting hardware:
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Cost of building (see here for a materials list):
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Cost of purchasing bench:
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❏ Storage cupboard or locker
Cost of building:
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Cost of purchasing:
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❏ Propagation mat
Cost of propagation mat:
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❏ Growing chamber
Cost of building:
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L. Total cost of greenhouse accessories:
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Finish landscaping around the greenhouse:
❏ New shrubs and plantings
Cost of shrubs and plantings:
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Cost of installation:
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❏ Path to greenhouse
Cost of excavating (if necessary):
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Cost of materials (crushed bluestone and bricks or
stone and sand or cost of concrete):
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M. Total cost of finish landscaping:
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TOTAL COST OF BUILDING A GREENHOUSE
(add A–M plus 10–15 percent for contingenciesand any overruns)
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Download a printable PDF of the checklist at storey.com/checklist-for-a-greenhouse