Things to Consider

FUNCTION

1. How old are your children?
2. What type of activities do you envision the playhouse being used for?
3. What will go inside the playhouse?
4. Do you want a playhouse that the children can grow into?
5. Will the house be used as something else latter (for example a potting shed or studio)?
6. Do your children have any special needs?
7. How long do you expect the playhouse to last?
8. Do you want electricity or plumbing?

LOCATION

1. Does your neighborhood have any covenants or restrictions?
2. Will the playhouse be a main feature of your yard or will it be a secret hideaway?
3. How far from your house will the playhouse be? If you have small children, you may want to make sure it is easily visible.
4. Is your yard accessible?
5. Will the new playhouse create drainage problems?
6. Does the playhouse need to be portable? If you move does it go with you?
7. What type of house is appropriate for your climate?
8. Do you want heating and cooling?

TYPE
After reading through the questions above and determining what your family wants in a play space, it is time to look at the types of play spaces that are available. The types have been organized into seven categories. The categories focus on function, rather than looks, and should not be confused with style. The types range from more permanent traditional playhouses to tents that may be up one afternoon and down the next. For an explanation and pictures of each type click here.

STYLE
Once you have reviewed the types, it is time to think about style. Unlike type, style focuses on the look and feel of your playhouse. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what your playhouse will look like! Many people like to match the style of their home, while others are looking for something more whimsical or playful. This is a great opportunity to express your personality. You can play it safe or be daring. For some this is the fun part, but for others it may be a bit overwhelming. If at any point in the process you need assistance contact us and we will help you select the perfect plan, or we can design a custom playhouse that fits your family’s specific needs. Some of the more popular playhouse styles have been defined here.