I'm new to the site, so I apologize in advance if this isn't the correct place to post this!

I'm planning to get my first snake in the near future and I'm currently doing research on enclosures. I'm 95% sure that I'll be getting a North American colubrid (I'm in NA), so obviously husbandry requirements aren't too strict - but I'm still considering getting a PVC enclosure for the snake.


My main question is, how much extra work is usually required on a PVC cage, i.e. can you use them as they come? I have literally no DIY experience and after reading more about how snake owners usually set up PVC enclosures, I'm not so confident I can pull it off. Mounting RHPs, lights, drilling holes for wires/ventilation, that sort of stuff. It's a bit overwhelming to me. I do know Animal Plastics can pre-install some of that, but it's not an option for me as I'm not in the US, and as far as I can tell there isn't a domestic company that does the same thing (anyone have info on HerpHouses or Powerhouse Displays in Canada?).


I'm also wondering if this might be overkill for a relatively simple colubrid, but the durability, aesthetic and light weight of PVC cages appeal to me far more than standard glass tanks, and as we know snakes do live a while. I'm aiming for a large-ish enclosure (at least 36' long, probably 48') so PVC really would be preferable over glass, I think. On the other hand, I feel like getting an aquarium-style tank would be so much easier (and probably cheaper), since the species I'm looking at doesn't need much humidity. I'm a bit stuck on this, and would really appreciate info and/or advice.