Big Matt is getting a new house!

jeff kushner · Mar 14, 2026

I've been very busy with my Spring project list and one of the most important is getting Matt a new home outside since his last enclosure was demo'ed and removed when the decks were replaced last Fall.

I've really had a tough time nailing down what i wanted for him. In the end i decided to "go big" since we had the space.

I sketched this up and sent it to my contractor. I can build it but the difference is that if they build it, it will actually still look nice in 10 years!

The materials are around $200. I wonder what they will charge? I learned long ago that a sketch can bridge any language barrier.

im hoping I can afford for them to build it...i really suck with "wood".

zovick · Mar 14, 2026

jeff kushner said:
I've been very busy with my Spring project list and one of the most important is getting Matt a new home outside since his last enclosure was demo'ed and removed when the decks were replaced last Fall.

I've really had a tough time nailing down what i wanted for him. In the end i decided to "go big" since we had the space.

I sketched this up and sent it to my contractor. I can build it but the difference is that if they build it, it will actually still look nice in 10 years!

The materials are around $200. I wonder what they will charge? I learned long ago that a sketch can bridge any language barrier.

View attachment 399062

im hoping I can afford for them to build it...i really suck with "wood".

Maybe you can get Kerry to build it? Just kidding.

It looks like a nice plan for Matt's enclosure. Good luck.

DoubleD1996! · Mar 14, 2026

Awesome! I should hire a contractor

TammyJ · Mar 14, 2026

I hope it's not going to be built anywhere near the decks, Jeff. Just sayin'.
Keep us updated!

jeff kushner · Mar 15, 2026

We plan on it being right on the end of the lower deck Tammy, what am i missing?

Kerry made a last minute request of incorporating a seat into the side facing the deck. I added a note to the email sent to Mr contractor.
" please add a seat on the deck side- not shown on drawing-wife request"

Later yesterday Kerry finally realized that the top of the deck is 8" above ground and her "seat" will be about a 15" high seat! LOL Can't wait to see how much that confused the guy.

jeff kushner · Mar 20, 2026

Ok, so I found out that i will be building this as their cost was higher than I am willing to pay. There are worse things and I ordered everything today. It will be here in 10 days. Since they saw fit to charge me 79 for delivery, I'm having them bring 80- 11" paving bricks so I don't have to go get them and load and unload them.

Matt was a little disappointed but he's resilient. LOL

jeff kushner · Apr 27, 2026

So to update this thread, we've been busy this week. Today Kerry helped me stain it before we wrap the 1/4" black wire fence around it.

Still have to mount the doors and collect plants from the local pond for the fountain.

DoubleD1996! · Apr 27, 2026

jeff kushner said:
So to update this thread, we've been busy this week. Today Kerry helped me stain it before we wrap the 1/4" black wire fence around it.
View attachment 399998 View attachment 399999
Still have to mount the doors and collect plants from the local pond for the fountain.

I love it!

Yvonne G · Apr 28, 2026

For me, half the fun of having turtles and tortoises was building enclosures and landscaping them!

TammyJ · Apr 28, 2026

Me too!

jeff kushner · Apr 28, 2026

Rain delay today...not a bad thing for my back. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain as well. Kerry told me that God has arranged for Jeff to rest. LOL

jeff kushner · Apr 30, 2026

We have a King too!

All hail King Matt,
Master of all he surveys

When Kerry gets home from her friends we are going to do the mesh. Matt is getting an early bath here, not sure he understands that the bottom part is for swimming. He got stuck in the top pool.

A learning curve for me to make it safe for him.

jeff kushner · Apr 30, 2026

So Kerry no-showed but not to be denied, I set to it. I ended up a foot short for the top piece. I had another roll ordered from Wal-Mart but the last 3 things I've bought from them either never showed or were cancelled so I won't wait tomorrow. I'll finish with what i have and use a piece of galvanized mesh that I'll paint to match.

I keep telling Matt; "One more day buddy"

Blackdog1714 · May 1, 2026

did you include CHIRO costs in the final budget?

Yvonne G · May 1, 2026

That turned out pretty darned neat!

jeff kushner · May 1, 2026

Thanks guys. Yup, it did turn out pretty neat and
better than I can build so there must have been divine intervention.

Can see into it pretty well from the porch too

1 2x4 was left over.
The 2x10 is for steps into my shed.

No I didn't factor any Chiropractor costs or even to guess a total cost. Why spoil it? LOL

jeff kushner · May 10, 2026

This morning Kerry helped me sourcing plants from one of the local ponds so I could "up" Matt's water features. He got stuck twice in the upper fountain when i first put him in his new home. He hasn't gone to the water since and since there was no cover, a lot of water is evaporating. Today I fixed it all for him. He's happy again.

There is flat rock 2" down in the water. He won't get stuck again...he nearly froze!

Big Matt is getting a new house!

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