12 Projects

Infrastructure Planning

Build a resilient homestead with essential infrastructure for growing, storage, water management, and livestock housing.

Showing 12 of 12 projects
Season Extension

High Tunnel / Hoop House

Unheated greenhouse structure for extending growing season 4-6 weeks on each end

DIY Difficulty
Intermediate
Est. Cost
$1,500 - $8,000
Lifespan
15 years
Maintenance
Annual plastic replacement
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Livestock Housing

Chicken Coop

Housing for laying hens with nesting boxes, roosts, and run access

DIY Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Est. Cost
$300 - $3,000
Lifespan
20 years
Maintenance
Daily cleaning
Permits needed
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Growing Systems

Raised Garden Beds

Elevated planting areas with improved soil and drainage

DIY Difficulty
Beginner
Est. Cost
$50 - $300 per bed
Lifespan
10 years
Maintenance
Annual soil amendment
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Storage

Root Cellar

Underground or earth-bermed storage for root vegetables and preserves

DIY Difficulty
Advanced
Est. Cost
$2,000 - $15,000
Lifespan
50 years
Maintenance
Seasonal cleaning
Permits needed
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Soil Building

Composting System

Three-bin system for continuous hot composting

DIY Difficulty
Beginner
Est. Cost
$0 - $500
Lifespan
10 years
Maintenance
Weekly turning
Permits needed
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Water Systems

Irrigation Well

Dedicated water source for garden and livestock

DIY Difficulty
Professional required
Est. Cost
$5,000 - $15,000
Lifespan
25 years
Maintenance
Annual inspection
Permits needed
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Water Systems

Rainwater Harvesting System

Collection and storage of rainwater from roof surfaces

DIY Difficulty
Intermediate
Est. Cost
$500 - $5,000
Lifespan
20 years
Maintenance
Seasonal cleaning
Permits needed
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Season Extension

Greenhouse (Heated)

Climate-controlled growing structure for year-round production

DIY Difficulty
Advanced
Est. Cost
$5,000 - $25,000
Lifespan
25 years
Maintenance
Daily monitoring
Permits needed
View Details
Livestock Housing

Beehive Setup

Langstroth hive setup for honey bee colony management

DIY Difficulty
Intermediate
Est. Cost
$300 - $600 per hive
Lifespan
10 years
Maintenance
Weekly inspections during season
Permits needed
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Containment

Fencing (Livestock)

Perimeter and cross-fencing for rotational grazing

DIY Difficulty
Intermediate
Est. Cost
$3 - $12 per linear foot
Lifespan
20 years
Maintenance
Annual inspection
Permits needed
View Details
Season Extension

Cold Frame

Low-profile transparent structure for hardening off and season extension

DIY Difficulty
Beginner
Est. Cost
$50 - $300
Lifespan
10 years
Maintenance
Daily venting in spring
View Details
Livestock Housing

Goat Shelter

Three-sided shelter for goat housing and protection

DIY Difficulty
Intermediate
Est. Cost
$500 - $2,500
Lifespan
20 years
Maintenance
Daily cleaning
Permits needed
View Details

Infrastructure Categories

Planning Your Infrastructure

Start Small

Begin with beginner-friendly projects like raised beds and composting systems to build skills before tackling advanced builds.

Plan for Climate

Consider your USDA zone when planning infrastructure. Snow loads, frost depth, and rainfall patterns affect design choices.

Check Permits

Some projects require building permits or have zoning restrictions. Check local regulations before starting major construction.