The Cost of Building a Dog House in 2024

Dogs mean well, but at the end of the day, they’re still animals. They have a tendency to leave rooms worse than how they found them.

What they need is their own private space, and a doggy house provides them with just that. Besides, dogs enjoy spending most of their time outside.

So why not provide him with a comfy outdoor shelter that can protect him from extreme weather conditions? However, whether you’re building it yourself or getting a professional to help you, determining the actual cost should be your first course of action.

With that said, how much does it cost to build a dog house?

The cost of building a dog house can range anywhere from $75 to $8000. A basic dog house usually ranges from $75 to $500, even after hiring a handyman. The increase in price comes when you decide to spring for additional features.

To understand how we came up with these numbers, make sure you read through to the end of the post as we break down the individual costs of building a dog house in 2024. 

Average Prices For Dog Houses

The actual cost of a dog house depends on a couple of factors, including the size of the house and the material used to build it. Additional features are also taken into consideration, as buying and installing insulated walls and heating will invariably cost more.

Here’s a breakdown of average prices for different types of dog houses:

• A basic house (including those pre-made) costs around $75 – $500. This price range does not include additional amenities like insulation and heating/cooling.
• Smaller dog houses typically cost around $75 – $190.
• Medium-sized dog houses usually cost around $150 – $300.
• Large-sized dog houses typically cost $220 – $500.
• If you opt for a dog mansion or a high-end pre-made setup, it’ll cost you in the thousands, with the price increasing with the number of additional features you install.

Keep in mind that while a DIY dog house can be a cost-effective option, you will have to add in the cost of tools and materials. Ultimately, the price you pay will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.

The Cost of Building A Dog House

Folks looking to set up a dog house need to consider several factors that will eventually determine the cost of the endeavor. First things first, you need to decide if you’re going to be building the house yourself or hiring a professional to do it.

Labor costs usually range from $70 to $190 but can increase depending on the additional work required. Obviously, if you’re building it all on your own, then this cost shouldn’t concern you.

Next comes the cost of buying tools for the project. At the very least, you’ll need some measuring tools, a saw, a power drill, some clamps, and sandpaper, or some other material for finishing.

You also need to add in the cost of the material you’re going to build with. Plastic dog houses cost the least; wooden houses are somewhere in the middle, and metal dog houses cost the most.

Lastly, the overall cost will increase with the number of additional features you install. Some features you could run include insulation, heating/cooling, waterproofing, soundproofing, and ventilation.

In short, the cost goes up the more you customize.

Cost of Tools Required

Even if you do go for a cheap DIY dog house, you’ll still have to buy some tools to ensure the build goes smoothly. Provided down below is a breakdown of what you’ll have to pay for the most basic toolkit required to build a dog house:

• Measuring Tape: $5 – $20
• Power Drill: $30 – $150
• Circular Saw: $50 – $200
• Screwdriver: $5 – $20
• Screws and Nails: $10 – $20
• Clamps: $5 – $20 each
• Wood Glue: $5 – $10
• Sandpaper or Electric Sander: $5 – $30
• Paintbrushes or Spray Paint: $5 – $20
• Bubble Level: $5 – $30

Cost of Adding Different Features In A Dog House

You’ll want to keep your pup as protected as possible when he’s outdoors. And that means adding some extra features in his dog house that ensure his comfort.

Heating

A central heating feature can keep your dog comfy and cozy in his designated space, especially during winter when the cold winds are so strong that they actually get through his coat. The cost of installing heating in a dog house typically ranges from $50 to $150.

Insulation

If you don’t live somewhere extremely cold, installing insulation in your pup’s dog house instead of a heating system should provide enough protection from the elements.

Most dog parents spring for foam board insulation in their dog’s house, typically costing around $0.50 to $2 per square foot.

Fiberglass is another option you could go for, especially since it’s cheaper. A typical fiberglass installation costs around $0.5 to $1 per square foot.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is necessary in a dog house to dissipate hot air during warm weather. Plus, it ensures that your pup always has access to fresh air. There are primarily three types of air vents commonly used in dog houses.

• Roof Vents: $10 – $50 per vent.
• Wall Vents: $5 – $30 per vent.
• Gable Vents: $20 -$60.

Waterproofing/Raised Floor

In areas that experience regular rainfall, water can often seep into your dog’s house. In fact, it can even cause flooding, which may lead to him contracting diseases.

A definite workaround for that is to get your pup’s house waterproofed. Installing a raised floor can also be a viable solution. Let’s get into how much waterproofing the house can cost first:

• Waterproof Sealant: Adds an extra layer of sealant to all surfaces. Costs around $10 to $30 per gallon.
• Waterproof Paint: Specially designed for exterior use. Costs around $20 to $40 per gallon.

Installing a raised floor can be a bit more costly. The actual cost of installing the feature ranges from $2 to $7 per foot.

Soundproofing

Dogs, especially young puppies, are extremely sensitive to loud noises created by thunder, traffic, or a passing aircraft.

Luckily, you do have the option of soundproofing your pup’s house so that he stays relaxed and sleeps peacefully. The actual cost of soundproofing varies from material to material.

• Acoustic Foam Panels: $10 – $30 per panel.
• Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLC): $1 – $3 per square foot.

Dog House Material costs

The exact cost of materials depends on the type of structure you’re building. For example, the material for a large dog mansion alone can cost up to $2000. Plastic-built houses are generally the cheapest, whereas metallic and wooden houses tend to cost the most.

Plywood Dog House Cost

Dog houses built from plywood sheets cost somewhere between $150 and $400, depending on the thickness and grade of the plywood.

Metal Dog House Cost

Excluding the cost of labor, a metal dog house costs between $200 – $350. While metallic houses do tend to get cold quickly, they’re also more resistant to rust and rot. Take that into account when you’re out choosing material for the house.

Plastic Dog House Cost

Plastic houses tend to cost between $50 – $150, making them the most economical option on this list. However, it should be mentioned that plastic isn’t as durable as metal or plywood. Your dog can chew through it pretty quickly if he chooses to.

Chain Link Dog House Cost

While we don’t agree with building a chain link dog house, it does work for containing particularly aggressive dogs that may chew through any other material. The cost of building a chain link kennel is pretty high, ranging from $200 to $1000.

Prefab Dog House And Custom Dog House Price

Prefab or pre-made dog houses are usually the easiest to assemble. They’re also considerably cheaper than custom-built houses, which require you to buy the material, tools, and insulation equipment separately.

Custom-built houses, however, provide additional customization options, allowing you to make your pup’s crib a little bit more extravagant.

Dog House Kit Prices

Pre-made dog houses usually start at $60 and can go up to $1000 if you decide to switch to the higher-end models. They also allow you to save on labor costs as they usually come with guides that provide clear and easy instructions on assembling them.

Custom Dog House Price

There’s a bit of leeway when it comes to custom houses, as they can cost anywhere between $500 – $8000. Again, the cost solely depends on how much you customize. We’ve seen dog parents install luxurious beds, fancy interior finishing, and even a rug for their dogs to rest on.

FAQs

Is it Cheaper to Buy or Build a Dog House?

Dog parents often ask. Is it cheaper to build a dog house? Well, our answer is yes, but only if you already have some materials on hand.

However, it’s highly likely that your own build won’t be of the same quality as a prefab house made by a reputable company. Just something to ponder as you make your decision.

Can Household Materials be Repurposed While Building a Dog House to Reduce Cost?

Yes, repurposing your household materials can be an excellent way to reduce costs while building a dog house.

For example, if you’ve any old furniture lying around, you could disassemble it and use parts of it for the base or roof of your dog’s house. The same goes for using old blankets, pillows, or foam as insulation material for the house.

If I Personalize a Dog House, will the Customization Impact its Overall Costs?

Yes, customization will definitely impact the overall cost of installing the house. Adding extra features like heating, insulation, and waterproofing can add on to the base cost.

Plus, you’re also going to have to adjust labor costs into the equation if you decide to spring for some intricate interior or exterior design.

DIYing a Prefab Build: The Best Way to Ensure Quality and Affordability

That brings us to the end of our guide discussing the cost to build a dog house. Just to recap, the cost of building a basic house ranges from $75 to $500.

However, depending on the level of customization you go for and the labor you hire, the cost of building your dog house can go up to $8000.

So, what is the better option? Buying a prefab build and assembling it, or creating a custom dog house from scratch to ensure personalization? Well, we believe the best choice is combining both options and customizing a prefab house.

Not only will that allow you to add all the personalization you want, but you can also save up big by buying a prefab build that’s also rich in quality.

If you liked that idea, then we have plenty more in store for you in some of our other posts, so make sure to check them out. Have a great day!