playhouse---build? buy? have someone build?

Question

I am thinking about having a playhouse in the yard. I am NOT handy @ all. There is one for sale @ Sam's Club (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?catg=535&item=149454&prDeTab=1&pCatg=4741) Is it too challenging for a mom and her 11-yr-old? Should I hire someone to build one for me (that seems more expensive)?

p.s. thanks for everyone's response. I have been looking for a plan on the web with a loft inside but it's hard to find one. Probably if I want an easier life I need to spend extra $$$ to buy this thing from Sam's. It bothers me that it looks nice from their photo but the material seems fairly cheap. When I get it I will probably say "wow, this for $1500?" I am still researching.

Answer 1

I think you and your kid should take on the challenge together. You guys can do it. You'll make a great team.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I would build it yourself, 1500.00 is alot of money for a fancy shed. This is a small job for the average handy man. You could do it yourself if you spend a little time to learn how to cut, hammer, and measure and nail roofing.

im sure there are a ton of shed plans online that you could order or down load for free. If not ill bet your locally library has tons of books on this topic. Full of great pictures and step by step instructions and plans.

If you child is 11 remember, this will probably be a shed in a year or two as his interests will change faster then weather.

How ever planning and building something would be a good lasting learning experience for any child.

so i would say get plans or books, order supplies and tools. Possibly if needed try to invoke the help of a friend, neighbor, or payed handyman where needed. You will spend alot less then 1500.00 and own tools to boot.

good luck

Answer 4

Why not start out trying it on your own. Make it a memory building it with your 11 year old- worst comes to worst, you can't do it but you have a great laugh about it and you end up hiring someone to do it for you. Best bet is that you DO end up doing it and it's an even better thing! Worst case is you try and still have to pay someone. You've had fun trying at least!

Answer 5

That price seems high but it includes shipping so its probably not to bad. If you are very handy a cheaper option might be buying a 8x10 shed kit from home depot and customizing it with window and doors you want. However this could also be more expensive then the kit at Sams. Either way have fun and when he gets older you will have a nice storage building for your lawn stuff...

Answer 6

Buy A huge Dog Kennel and convert it into a playhouse. They're quite sturdy!

Answer 7

lol... Before I read the whole question I will to sams club.com browse the playhouse it gave me tons .If you are a single mother buy you may be able to put it up yourself saves you money.If you have a creative husband he can really save money by going to home Depo and building it on his own from scratch.Hope you find what you are looking for!

Answer 8

It seems easy enough, Have you contacted the manufactor, some things to think about, it will need to be painted as soon as it is built ( Including caulk) or it wont last long and Im not sure as Ive never used 40 lbs felt but it will probably need shingles on the roof and I dont know where you live but in florida it will need to be tied down.
Im not trying to be negative just ofering some things to think about.

Answer 9

they are prebuilt so there is no cutting necessary and it should come with directions so it really shouldnt be that bad. If you do get stuck with something you cant handle is there anyone you know who is handy and could lend a helping hand for an afternoon? wish i was closer i would have it up for u in a couple of hours and wouldnt charge much but maybe some lemonade!

Answer 10

Valid answers so far. In large measure (no pun intended) it pretty much depends on a size you can live with and standards your son accepts.

No offense but a plastic molded FORT isn't likely to CUT IT for an 11 year old boy. The better thing however, that you suggest, is MOM and Her SON working the project. I have to assume someone else might be available to help with any tasks you don't feel up to. I'd also suggest a Building Party, enlisting help from whomever.

I haven't checked the link yet, but will. The major issues with what might be shown are, the process, and any peripheral tasks involved, IE: CUTTING with power saws. I'm going to assume the one you mention is a prefab with hardware etc. In that case it may not require more than a cordless drill/screw driver, a pair of pliers or crescent wrench and time/commitment.

I suspect I was a young boy once, and had a fantastic tree house. At age 11 I also suspect this is supposed to be "HIS" place, for many reasons, and should likely include him in the process for many reasons as well.

He may be a pre-teen but he is already dreaming of this HOUSE being a sanctuary where he can explore such dreams as he may have, wanting to be more adult.

Steven Wolf

I looked and certainly it's nice, and seems easy in the way they have pre-fabbed it. Is that cost acceptable to you though? Seems high. With the proper measurements to allow no cutting you might be able to accomplish something similar for less. Good notion on your part, in any case.

Answer 11

Do it with your kid. Even if it takes you a week to put together it will be one of the most memorable things that you'll ever do. It sounds like it won't be that difficult to put together. And if you get stuck I'm sure that you could call a friend to help.