How Much Does It Cost to Build a Greenhouse? [2025 Data]
The average cost to build a greenhouse ranges from $3,071 to $16,209, with most homeowners spending around $9,640. Costs depend on size, materials, labor, and custom features.
The cost to build a greenhouse varies based on the greenhouse size, materials, site preparation, and labor rates.
Professional greenhouse installation costs $50 to $250 per hour and ensures a sturdy build that is code compliant.
Additional professionals, such as electricians, plumbers, and landscapers, add to the overall project cost.
Depending on your area, site preparation can range from $500 to $5,000 based on the installation location and how much work is needed.
Permits are required for new builds in most regions, adding $100 to $1,000 to greenhouse installation costs.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The cost to build a greenhouse ranges from $3,071 to $16,209, with most homeowners paying an average of $9,640. Prices vary based on the greenhouse’s size, materials, and whether you choose a kit or custom build. Smaller, pre-fabricated greenhouse builds may cost as little as $1,000, while a larger, custom design can be $25,300 or more.
A greenhouse can transform your gardening game and add value to your home. This guide will walk you through every cost factor, from materials and labor to permits and pro tips, so you can plan confidently.
Greenhouse Building Cost Factors
Several important details influence how much you will pay to build a greenhouse. Let’s break down the main cost factors so you can understand what drives your total investment.
Type
Greenhouse type is one of the first choices you’ll make, and it has a direct impact on installation costs. Common types of greenhouses include freestanding, attached, and lean-to.
Basic greenhouses use affordable materials and minimal automation, while high-end options feature advanced environmental controls, stronger frames, and custom designs. Here’s a look at average costs for different greenhouse types:
| Type | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic kit | Small, prefab, polycarbonate or PVC | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Custom wood | Mid-size, wood frame, glass or polycarbonate | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Commercial-grade | Large, steel/aluminum, advanced controls | $15,000–$25,000+ |
Freestanding greenhouses are popular for flexibility, while attached or lean-to styles can be more affordable if you’re building against an existing wall. The more complex and high-tech your design, the more you should budget.
Size
The size of your greenhouse is one of the biggest cost drivers. Smaller backyard or hobby greenhouses are affordable, while larger structures for serious gardening or small-scale farming require a bigger budget.
Greenhouses under 100 square feet are great for beginners or compact yards. Medium (100 to 200 square feet) and large (500 square feet or more) greenhouses cost more but offer more growing space and features. Here’s how costs break down by size:
| Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Hobby, basic kit | $1,000–$3,500 |
| 100 | Small residential | $3,000–$8,000 |
| 200 | Mid-size, more features | $7,000–$12,000 |
| 500 | Large, custom or advanced | $10,000–$25,000 |
Expect to pay $10 to $35 per square foot, depending on materials and complexity. Doubling your greenhouse size will nearly double your total cost, but you may save per square foot on larger projects.
Labor
Several professionals can help bring your greenhouse project to life, each with their own rates and specialties. Greenhouse builders or general contractors handle most construction, charging $50 to $250 per hour or $2,000 to $10,000 by project. They’ll take care of site prep, assembling the structure, installing glazing, and setting up ventilation and basic systems.
If you want electrical features—like lighting, fans, or automated controls—an electrician will charge $50 to $120 per hour, depending on your area. For plumbing, such as irrigation lines or sinks, a plumber will cost $45 to $200 per hour.
| Pro Type | What’s included | Cost Range (Per Hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse builder | Site prep, assembly, systems install | $50–$100 |
| Electrician | Wiring, lighting, outlets, controls | $50–$120 |
| Plumber | Water lines, irrigation, drainage | $45–$200 |
| Landscape designer | Blend design seamlessly into your yard | $50–$150 |
| Structural engineer | Ensures build is safe, up to code | $100–$200 |
| HVAC specialist | Installs efficient systems | $75–$150 |
| Pest control specialist | Keeps greenhouse healthy | $100–$300 |
In some regions, labor rates are higher due to demand or local codes. Always ask for detailed quotes and clarify what’s included.
Prep
If you need to clear an old shed, patio, or existing landscaping, demolition and prep costs will apply. Removing structures costs $500 to $2,500, depending on size and materials. Site grading and leveling can add $1,000 to $5,000 for more challenging lots.
Soil testing or remediation—especially if you’re growing edibles or have poor soil—may also be recommended. These steps ensure your greenhouse sits on a stable, safe foundation.
Permits
Building a greenhouse requires permits, especially for permanent structures or those with electrical or plumbing connections. Permit types include building, electrical, and plumbing, each with their own fees.
Responsibility for obtaining permits varies: some contractors handle it for you, while DIYers must coordinate with local authorities. Permit costs range from $100 to $1,000, depending on your municipality and project size. Inspections may be required at multiple stages, with additional fees for re-inspections or code reviews.
Additional Cost Factors
Beyond the basics, several other factors can influence the final cost to build a greenhouse. Local sales tax applies to materials and labor in many areas, so factor that into your budget. Insurance for your greenhouse—especially for larger or permanent structures—adds peace of mind but increases costs.
Some manufacturers or contractors offer warranties on materials or workmanship. Accessories like shelving, benches, automated irrigation, grow lights, sensors, and climate controls can quickly add to your total. If accessibility is a concern, ADA upgrades like wider doors or ramps are available.
Building on a hard-to-reach site or sloped lot will increase costs for delivery, setup, and foundation work. Anticipate future repairs for glazing, frames, or mechanical systems. Don’t forget post-construction cleanup, which may be a separate line item in your contractor’s quote.
DIY Greenhouse Build vs. Hiring a Pro
Building your own greenhouse is a great way to save on labor, but it requires time, tools, and a bit of construction know-how. DIY kits cost $1,000 to $7,000, plus expenses for a foundation, basic tools, and any upgrades you want to add. You’ll save on labor, but risk issues with durability, code compliance, or resale value if the build isn’t up to standard.
A local greenhouse pro costs more, but ensures your greenhouse is safe, efficient, and code-compliant. Larger or more complex greenhouses are best left to the pros.
| Method | Materials | Labor | Total Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY kit | $1,000–$7,000 | $0–$2,000 | $1,000–$9,000 | Lower cost, flexible schedule, hands-on | Time-consuming, risk of errors, permits |
| Pro install | $3,000–$10,000 | $2,000–$15,000 | $5,000–$25,000 | Quality build, code compliance, warranty | Higher cost, less DIY satisfaction |
If you have basic carpentry skills and a straightforward design, a DIY greenhouse is possible. For larger or fully automated builds, hiring a pro is the safer choice.
Greenhouse Remodel vs. Renovation
Understanding the difference between renovating and remodeling your greenhouse helps you set realistic expectations and budgets. Renovation means improving or updating your current greenhouse—replacing glazing, fixing frames, upgrading ventilation, or adding shelving. These projects are less expensive and less disruptive.
A remodel involves bigger changes, like expanding your greenhouse, changing its footprint, rebuilding the structure, or upgrading the foundation. Remodeling costs more but can completely transform your growing space.
Deciding between renovation and remodel depends on the age, condition, and future plans for your greenhouse. Renovations often require fewer permits and may not impact warranties or home value as much as a major remodel. Remodeling can have a greater effect on property value, especially if you add automation or integrate the greenhouse with your landscaping.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Building a Greenhouse
Let’s look at some practical ways to keep the cost to build a greenhouse budget-friendly:
Obtain multiple quotes from certified greenhouse pros to compare pricing and services.
Schedule work during off-peak seasons when contractors offer better rates.
Choose budget-friendly greenhouse materials with proven durability for your climate.
Prepare the site yourself, such as moving outdoor furniture or trimming landscaping, if allowed by your contractor.
Bundle your greenhouse build with other landscaping or remodeling services to take advantage of package discounts.
Maintain your new greenhouse regularly to avoid costly repairs down the line.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
