Hi all,
I was planning on building my own enclosure for an adult bearded dragon, with the dimensions of 1100 x 600 x 1000mm. However I am becoming a bit disheartened over the cost. It seems like it is going to add up to more than a pre-built purchased enclosure, which surely can't be right...
Basically, I am limited by my lack of a work space and power tools beyond a drill and jigsaw (I don't even have a private backyard).
I know the cheapest way to go would be plywood, but I don't really have the space/ventillation to do the required finishing.
So I thought I would go with melamine, but Bunnings won't be able to cut all my pieces to size, leaving me with trying to jigsaw it which I would rather not do.
Now I have sourced a cabinet makers/suppliers who will cut, edge, and deliver the melamine for me (don't have a car either!)
But that and the glass is already taking it to $700. That's basically all the cost since I have all the heating/lighting fittings etc., but it's not what comes to mind when I think of "go cheaper with DIY".
I'm in fairly central Melbourne so a lot of the hardware stores are out in the suburbs and are not places I can visit to check out their stock or pick up supplies myself (closest by a long shot is Bunnings).
As you can probably tell, I have limited experience (and resources) for these kinds of projects, so I would love some advice on what I am doing wrong or what could be improved, or if that price is actually OK. I suspect DIY is just not economical when you have next to nothing in the first place.
I was planning on building my own enclosure for an adult bearded dragon, with the dimensions of 1100 x 600 x 1000mm. However I am becoming a bit disheartened over the cost. It seems like it is going to add up to more than a pre-built purchased enclosure, which surely can't be right...
Basically, I am limited by my lack of a work space and power tools beyond a drill and jigsaw (I don't even have a private backyard).
I know the cheapest way to go would be plywood, but I don't really have the space/ventillation to do the required finishing.
So I thought I would go with melamine, but Bunnings won't be able to cut all my pieces to size, leaving me with trying to jigsaw it which I would rather not do.
Now I have sourced a cabinet makers/suppliers who will cut, edge, and deliver the melamine for me (don't have a car either!)
But that and the glass is already taking it to $700. That's basically all the cost since I have all the heating/lighting fittings etc., but it's not what comes to mind when I think of "go cheaper with DIY".
I'm in fairly central Melbourne so a lot of the hardware stores are out in the suburbs and are not places I can visit to check out their stock or pick up supplies myself (closest by a long shot is Bunnings).
As you can probably tell, I have limited experience (and resources) for these kinds of projects, so I would love some advice on what I am doing wrong or what could be improved, or if that price is actually OK. I suspect DIY is just not economical when you have next to nothing in the first place.