It is preferable for every family to have their own personal Sukkah, and not rely on a shared or communal Sukkah.
One may not use Maaser funds for his own Sukkah, but may use it to provide a Sukkah for others, for the Shule’s Sukkah, or for Mivtzoim.
It is a Mitzvah to build the Sukkah on the day after Yom Kippur.
It is not Chabad custom to be particular about building the Sukkah personally.
The Sukkah should be comprised of four proper and complete walls. If this is not possible, the Sukkah should be made of three complete walls. If any of the three walls are incomplete – whether vertically or horizontally – its Kashrus should be approved by someone knowledgeable in the relevant Halachos.
A roof at the edge of the Sukkah does not disqualify it, provided it is less than four Amos (192cm) wide, and the wall of the Sukkah extends at least to the height of the Schach. The same applies when there is an eave or roof overhanging the Sukkah, but with the additional requirement that the Schach (or some other material at the same height as the Schach) continues all the way to the wall of the Sukkah. Of course, one does not fulfil the Mitzvah of Sukkah under these areas (unless they are less than four Tefachim – 32cm – wide).
The Sukkah must be sturdy enough to remain stationary when an ordinary gust of wind blows. [Canvas or fabric walls are not ideal, as they flap in the wind. Even if “Lavud straps” are used, they may loosen without anyone noticing. If such walls are used, one should constantly ensure that the “Lavud straps” are very tight at all times, and that they surround the Sukkah on all four sides, and not just three.]
If the Sukkah is detached from the house, it is ideal to set up a washing station near the Sukkah in order to minimize any interruption between Kiddush, Netilas Yadayim, and the Seudah. [The water should not drain onto earth or grass.]
It is not Chabad custom to use floorboards by default. However, it is proper not to build the Sukkah over earth or grass without floorboards. Otherwise, on Shabbos and Yom Tov, great care must be taken that liquids don’t spill onto the grass, that pips or seeds don’t fall to the ground, and that the ground is not swept or levelled in any way.
