Mariana,

I can't say for sure what you should budget since I don't know the
excavation effort involved.

I built my Greenhouse last year (16x21). When I started the planning four
years earlier I set a limit of $30,000. Soon I found out what general
contractors cost. I had to excavate to build a 26 feet long retaining wall.
I had to have a hole cut into the house foundation to allow a door so I
would be able to enter from the basement. I put a sink, countertop and
cabinets inside the basement for the potting area (I didn't want to waste
valuable growing area with a bench). I had to have plumbing and gas lines
added.

I over did it with power outlets all around the perimeter since I don't use
them. I wish I had put stereo speakers out there so I could pipe in music
when I'm in the Greenhouse working.

The Greenhouse is a Janco with double pane glass. I had to keep the outside
looking acceptible for the homeowners association and went upscale.

Every turn of the plans the price went up.....In the end I have $85,000
invested in my Greenhouse. The good news is that if the next owner isn't as
crazy as I am then the room could be used for a hot tub or some other use.
I was careful not to make it look "institutional" so it would not affect the
resale of the property.

Everyone I work with really think I'm crazy but dangnabbit....I got what I
wanted.

Good Growing,
Gene





"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
. net...
Thanks for the response Gene. What would, in your estimation my
investment
have to be to establish (as I described originally) the greenhouse as per
my original description?

Mariana

"Gene Schurg" wrote in message
arthlink.net...
Mariana,

I think you may be in for some sticker shock.

$2,000 is not going to build a quality greenhouse with heating, cooling,
misting equipment durable enough to withstand the winters in New York.

There are bargain kits out there but be careful what you invest in. If
you
put 500 orchids in the greenhouse at @ $20 per orchid you have a $10,000
investment in the plants. If a mid January noreaster blows through New
York
you could lose everything.

You may want to adjust your budget.

Good Growing,
Gene



"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
. net...
Okay, my husband finally had enough of the orchids taking over our
living
space and he threatned me with bodily harm g if I don't quit buying
them.
We've come to a compromise. A greenhouse. We agreed on no more than
$2,000
which should cover the (minimum) heating system for winters, and
possibly
a
misting system, and fans to circulate the air. I want the greenhouse
to
be
large enough to accomidate anywhere from 200-500 orchids.
I would love to hear recommendations, pluses and minuses of growing in
greenhouses vs. a house and any other information that you think will
be
usefull.

I reside in New York City and have about 400-500sq feet for this plan.

You can respond here or drop me an email in private at grdengrl at
optonline
dot net.

Thank you in advance,
Mariana