If you want to build a greenhouse at home, there are many things to consider first. Everything from building materials, style and intended use is worth planning carefully before you start. Here are some of the main things to consider before you build a greenhouse:
What you’re planning to grow
A greenhouse gives you the chance to grow many types of plants you might not be able to support otherwise. The controlled conditions of a greenhouse protect your plants from cold temperatures, pests and other damage. Here are some of the best plants to grow in a greenhouse:
- Vegetables: Lettuce, broccoli, carrots, spinach, peas, tomatoes, peppers
- Fruit: Lemons, limes, dates
- Flowers: Roses, begonias, orchids
What style of greenhouse to build
Before you build a greenhouse, you’ll need to decide what style to build. Here are some of the most popular styles to consider for your greenhouse plans:
- Attached lean-to greenhouse
- Standalone greenhouse
- Window box greenhouse
- Mini greenhouse
- Hoop house
What to do if you need a permit
You may need a permit to build a greenhouse on your property. Whether you’re building a standalone structure or adding on to an existing structure, it’s important to do it safely and legally.
Each municipality has different requirements, but permits are commonly required in more densely populated urban areas where there is more risk of accidentally damaging sewer, water or cable lines. In more rural locations, the permit requirements can be more relaxed. Before you build a greenhouse, investigate the necessary permits and apply before you get started.
A DIY greenhouse can be a useful and enjoyable addition to your home. If you’re interested in getting the most out of your gardening, keep these important tips in mind before you begin.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
