ŠapicePet Shelter Engineering
Design class: BudgetValidation status: Data validated

Retrofit Existing Dog House

The order of work for an existing house: roof and water first, then raising, entrance protection, and only then insulation with a protective lining. Shown for a reference house; enter your own house in the retrofit tool.

This is an auxiliary outdoor shelter. During dangerous cold or heat give the dog a safe indoor space.

“Data validated” means only the data and calculations are checked; the model has not been built or tested physically.

Dog sizemedium
Outside size900 × 1100
BuildBeginner
Time (estimate)3 h–7 h
model v1.0.0compiler P1.0.0plan bce8a82488092408RetrofitWinter · Rain · Wind
SCHEMATIC ENVELOPE900 mm

This model has no 3D view; the drawing and dimensions below fully describe the construction.

Who this is for
  • For beginners with basic tools and a small budget.
  • For one medium dog as an auxiliary outdoor solution; measure the dog before building.
When not to use it
  • As a sleeping shelter: this is an auxiliary structure.
  • As a substitute for being indoors during dangerous cold or heat.
  • For young, old, sick or unacclimated animals without extra protection and supervision.
Tools and calculations
Required tools
Utility knife, Hand saw +1
Budget class
Low
Location
Exposed outdoor spot
Supported calculations
Geometry, Bill of materials, Cut list, Sheet nesting, Cost estimate, Drawing, Build guide
Build time is a planning estimate, not a promise.
Geometry

Dimensions

Front, side and top views. Outside size 900 × 1100 mm, front height 900 mm, rear 900 mm.A · FRONT VIEWB · SIDE VIEWC · PLANSCHEMATIC ENVELOPE: MEASURE YOUR PRODUCT900 mm1090 mm1100 mm1090 mm900 mminside 804 × 1034 × 834 mm
Text equivalent of the drawing
Outside size (W × D)900 × 1100 mm
Height front / rear900 / 900 mm
Raised off the ground190 mm
Interior804 × 1034 × 834 mm
Chambers1
Geometry typeschematic envelope (assumption)
Bill of materials · compiler output

What you have and what to obtain

Quantities come from the model geometry; items marked as assumptions are planning allowances. Reused material must pass the checklist.

Fill in “My workshop” to see what you still need to buy.

My workshop
MaterialNeededOwnedStatus
Interior plywood lining2 sheets–Buy
XPS foam board10 sheets–Buy
Bituminous membrane1.64 m²–Buy
Sealant1 pack–Buy
Concrete blocks4 pcs–Buy
Flexible entrance flap (rubber, PVC strip)1 pcs–Buy
Hinges2 pcs–Buy
Wood screws1 pack–Buy
Straw1 bale–Buy
  • Interior plywood lining2 sheetssheet nesting · 2 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
  • XPS foam board10 sheetssheet nesting · 10 × 1250 × 600 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
  • Bituminous membrane1.64 m²assumption · Roof + 100 mm overhang each side + 15%.
  • Sealant1 packassumption · Sealing roof joints.
  • Concrete blocks4 pcsassumption · Stable supports under the corners.
  • Flexible entrance flap (rubber, PVC strip)1 pcsassumption · A flap the dog can push easily.
  • Hinges2 pcsassumption · If the roof can be converted into a service roof.
  • Wood screws1 packassumption · Shorter than the wall thickness.
  • Straw1 baleassumption · Loosely to a quarter or half of the height; keep the rest dry for refills.
Cut list

Parts to cut

IDPartDimensionsQty
ins-back-r1c1Back wall insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 417 × 30 mm1
ins-back-r2c1Back wall insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 417 × 30 mm1
ins-side-r1c1Side wall insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join.1034 × 417 × 30 mm2
ins-side-r2c1Side wall insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join.1034 × 417 × 30 mm2
ins-roof-r1c1Under-roof insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 532 × 30 mm1
ins-roof-r2c1Under-roof insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 532 × 30 mm1
ins-floor-r1c1Floor insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 1/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 532 × 30 mm1
ins-floor-r2c1Floor insulation · XPS foam boardSegment 2/2, 1/1; butt-join.864 × 532 × 30 mm1
lin-backBack wall lining · Interior plywood lining804 × 828 × 6 mm1
lin-sideSide wall lining · Interior plywood lining1028 × 828 × 6 mm2
lin-floorFloor lining · Interior plywood lining864 × 1064 × 6 mm1
wind-baffleInterior wind baffle · Interior plywood liningCreates an L-entry: the dog enters and turns behind the baffle.389 × 605 × 6 mm1
Sheet nesting

Parts on sheets

Sheet formats are planning assumptions; check your supplier's format. Sloped parts occupy their rectangular envelope.

Interior plywood lining · 6 mm2 × 2500 × 1250 mm

lin-floorlin-sidewind-baffle
Sheet 1 · 64% used
lin-sidelin-back
Sheet 2 · 49% used

XPS foam board · 30 mm10 × 1250 × 600 mm

ins-side-r1c1
Sheet 1 · 57% used
ins-side-r1c1
Sheet 2 · 57% used
ins-side-r2c1
Sheet 3 · 57% used
ins-side-r2c1
Sheet 4 · 57% used
ins-back-r1c1
Sheet 5 · 48% used
ins-back-r2c1
Sheet 6 · 48% used
ins-roof-r1c1
Sheet 7 · 61% used
ins-roof-r2c1
Sheet 8 · 61% used
ins-floor-r1c1
Sheet 9 · 61% used
ins-floor-r2c1
Sheet 10 · 61% used
Layers and thermal

Known and unknown layers

Partial estimate: some layers are unknown, so no U-value is calculated. Only the resistance of known layers is shown.

Wall

  • XPS foam board · 30 mmR 0.91
  • Interior plywood lining · 6 mmR 0.04
  • Scrap lumber and old boards · 18 mm (assumed)unknown

Known-layer resistance: 0.94 m²K/W

Not included
  • Air leakage through the entrance and joints
  • Thermal bridges through battens, edges and fasteners
  • Moisture, condensation and property changes of damp material
  • Heat produced by the animal
  • Wind and transient temperature changes
Assumptions
  • Thin layers without a sourced λ (roof covering, film, mat) are not counted.
  • The existing house wall is an unknown layer; only added layers are counted.
  • The reference house is an example; enter your house in the retrofit tool.

The estimate is not a temperature guarantee and does not claim the shelter is safe to any temperature.

Water and moisture

Weather exposure

A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry. This is an explanation, not a condensation calculation.

  • Ground contactRaised about 190 mm off the ground.
  • Rain splashHigh enough that rain splash from the ground does not hit the floor.
  • Roof drainageThe lid is flat: water runs off to the sides. It must close well and the entrance must not sit below a drip edge.
  • Rain at the entranceOpen structure without an entrance.
  • DryingCan be opened to dry out and change bedding.
  • Absorbent materialInterior surfaces do not absorb much moisture.
  • Maintenance accessAccess for checks and cleaning is simple.
Local price profile

Cost estimate

Quantities come from the model. Prices are not fabricated: enter what you actually pay locally and the estimate stays in your browser.

Prices entered: 0 / 9
Interior plywood lining2 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
2 sheetsRSD 0
XPS foam board10 × 1250 × 600 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
10 sheetsRSD 0
Bituminous membraneRoof + 100 mm overhang each side + 15%.
1.64 m²RSD 0
SealantSealing roof joints.
1 itemRSD 0
Concrete blocksStable supports under the corners.
4 itemsRSD 0
Flexible entrance flap (rubber, PVC strip)A flap the dog can push easily.
1 itemRSD 0
HingesIf the roof can be converted into a service roof.
2 itemsRSD 0
Wood screwsShorter than the wall thickness.
1 itemRSD 0
StrawLoosely to a quarter or half of the height; keep the rest dry for refills.
1 itemRSD 0
Estimate from entered pricesRSD 0

Sheet, XPS, framing and hardware quantities come from the compiler. The estimate still excludes delivery, tools, labor, local taxes and unforeseen losses beyond the stated allowances. PROVISIONAL and product-specific items remain explicitly labeled.

Placement

Check the spot

Tick what applies to the chosen spot
No obvious issue detected

This is not a safety certificate for the spot: it only means none of the listed questions is ticked.

Bedding

What goes inside

  • RecommendedStrawRepels moisture and stays loose. Replace when damp, compacted or soiled, and when seasons change.
  • Not recommendedHaySoaks up moisture, turns cold and can mould. If already in a shelter, replace it with straw.
  • Not recommendedBlanketAbsorbs and holds moisture; a damp blanket chills. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedTowelAbsorbs moisture like a blanket. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedWood shavingsPartly absorbs moisture. Change when damp or compacted.
  • Not recommendedWashable dog bedDepends on fabric; textile absorbs moisture. Dry or swap as soon as it is damp.
  • Not recommendedNo beddingNothing to absorb moisture. Not applicable.
Maintenance

Inspection schedule

  • MonthlyCheck the roof covering, overlaps and that water runs off at the rear, away from the entrance.
  • MonthlyCheck that screws and nails are tight and no tip protrudes.
  • MonthlyCheck edges: no splinters, cracks or swollen areas.
  • Each seasonClean the interior; service access must allow cleaning without dismantling.
Upgrade path

Where to go next

Each step states what you add, what you gain and what stays limited. A new model has a new plan ID; changing an existing build has no canonical plan.

No upgrade path is defined for this model yet.

Don't have this material?

Interior plywood lining · 6 mm
  • Exterior plywoodThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • OSB/3 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • Vinyl protective floor surfaceThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
XPS foam board · 30 mm
  • EPS foam boardabout the same layer resistance at 35 mm (conservatively 35 mm); thermal equivalence is not structural
  • PIR / polyiso boardabout the same layer resistance at 22 mm; thermal equivalence is not structural
  • Cork boardPossible substitute requiring redesign: at least one material has no sourced thermal conductivity, so an equivalent thickness cannot be calculated.
Bituminous membrane
  • EPDM membraneThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • Roofing feltThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
  • Galvanized sheet metalThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
All substitutes and material limits
Build sequence

Build steps

Progress is stored in this browser against the exact plan ID; it works offline once the page has been opened.

0 / 7steps completed

  1. 1. Stop water ingress

    First fix the roof: new covering with overhang and fall to the rear, sealed edges.

  2. 2. Raise the house off the ground

    Set the house on stable supports so the floor does not sit on wet ground.

  3. 3. Protect the entrance from wind

    Turn the entrance away from wind, add a flap or an interior baffle that forms an L-entry.

  4. 4. Add insulation

    Fit insulation boards to the inner walls, roof and floor only once the house is dry.

  5. 5. Cover insulation with lining

    Cover the insulation with lining so the dog cannot chew the foam.

  6. 6. Provide service access

    If possible, convert the roof into a hinged, latched service roof for cleaning.

  7. Add straw, not hay

    Loosely fill straw to a quarter or half of the interior height. Do not use hay, towels or blankets in an outdoor winter shelter: they absorb moisture and chill.

Provenance

Sources and verification status

A source supports a guideline or material value, but it does not confirm this specific model. Container sizes are assumptions and build time is a planning estimate.

  1. Data validatedcurrent
  2. Geometry validatednot confirmed
  3. Engineering reviewnot confirmed
  4. Physical prototypenot confirmed
  5. Field validationnot confirmed
Humane World for Animals · Tier 1How to Keep Pets Warm in Cold WeatherEmphasizes indoor shelter when possible; when a dog must be outside, shelter should be dry, draft-free, raised and appropriately sized.ASPCA · Tier 1Cold Weather Safety TipsSupports the limitation that outdoor auxiliary shelters are not a substitute for keeping companion animals indoors during severe cold.USDA APHIS Animal Care · Tier 1Temperature Requirements for Dogs (Animal Care Tech Note, APHIS-22-031)Regulatory guidance for US Animal Welfare Act licensees and registrants, not for private companion dogs. Requires shelter with a wind break and rain break at the entrance, dry bedding in cold, shade outside the shelter because shelters may become too warm, continuous water access, and excludes unacclimated, elderly, sick or very young dogs from outdoor housing. Šapice does not transfer its temperature thresholds into universal safe temperatures.FIBRAN · Tier 1FIBRANxps 300 Technical Data SheetDeclares 1250 × 600 mm board dimensions and λD 0.033 W/mK for thicknesses up to 60 mm.U.S. DOE Building America Solution Center (PNNL) · Tier 1Typical R-Values and Vapor Retarder Classifications of Common Insulation MaterialsTypical R-value per inch: EPS 3.8-4.4, XPS 5, polyiso approx. 6, fiberglass batt or board 2.5-4, mineral wool board 3-4. Šapice converts these to planning λ ranges (λ = 0.0254 m / (R_IP × 0.1761)); a product datasheet always takes precedence.USDA Forest Products Laboratory · Tier 1Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, Chapter 4Documents that wood thermal conductivity varies materially with species, density, moisture content and grain direction.ISO · Tier 1ISO 10456:2007 - Hygrothermal properties - Declared and design thermal valuesCurrent published edition, confirmed in 2023; provides procedures for declared/design thermal values and conversion for temperature and moisture conditions.