By Gene and Katie Hamilton

What we humans won't do for our dogs! We've all heard of the extremes, but a basic dog kennel is a sensible way to create a safe outdoor area for pets to roam and rest. We're talking about a chain-link structure best situated in a location in the yard that's dry, level and shaded from the sun, and that's sold as a kit so it's relatively easy to build. The modular kits - in different configurations and sizes - are a system of frames, mesh panels, a gate and roof panel. The unit is secured with tie-down stakes and anchors hammered into the ground. While some kits are made of mesh panels that fit together, others require stretching the mesh fabric on the frames.

A fence contractor will charge $480 to install a 6-by-12-foot gated kennel that's 6 feet high, This includes the labor and material. You can buy a kennel kit of similar size for $318 and install it and pocket a 33 percent saving. You'll find kennel kits sold online and at home and lawn centers and at fence companies. In many communities, an outdoor structure requires a building permit, so check with your local building department to see if one is needed. The depth depends on the frost line (how deep the ground freezes) is your area. There may be other restrictions about the height of the kennel, which often falls under the category of a fence project.

Working with chainlink mesh fencing can be rough on your hands. Wear heavy workgloves for protection.

Here's instructions from True Value to Build a Dog Run.

The bottom line: compare the price of a contractor’s bid to build a dog run with what it costs to do it yourself and make your decision. You adjust the cost to where you live by adding your ZIP Code.

Improvement and Repair Cost Updated 2018

The cost and time data is generated by averaging labor and material data from annually updated cost books used by contractors and refined by the authors' experience remodeling 13 houses. They are authors of 20 home improvement books and Do It Yourself or Not, a weekly column syndicated by Tribune Content Agency. The national cost can be adjusted by ZIP Code.