Playhouse Cost

• A corrugated cardboard or cloth playhouse that can be stored when not in use typically costs $25-$150, depending on size and materials, but a few can be $200-$400 for larger and more detailed models. Most can be set up indoors or outdoors in good weather. For example, the 4.5'x3' and 4' tall My Very Own House Cottage ($30-$40) is made of sturdy white cardboard that children can color; the train-themed Pacific Play Tents Grand Central Station House[1] ($60 or $105 with optional crawl tunnel) is 58"x48"x58" with mesh roof windows for fresh air; and the 53"x42" and 65" tall Dexton Fengi Princess Cloth Playhouse[2] ($220-$300, plus $55-$70 for optional princess floor quilt) is 100% cotton with a candy-stripe roof, embroidered designs, white tie-back curtains and a lightweight metal frame.
• A molded plastic playhouse can cost $80-$600 or more depending on size, style and accessories. Smaller versions may be used inside or outside, but larger ones are typically used outdoors. For example, the 43.25"x30.25"x43.5" American Plastic Toys My First Playhouse[3] ($90-$120) has a working doorbell, a mailbox with a flag and a table top, while the 58"x50"x51" Little Tikes Classic Castle[4] ($360-$550) has a built-in slide, lookout tower, crawl-through door and pretend fireplace. Molded plastic playhouses are typically designed for younger children two or three to six years old.
• Wooden do-it-yourself kits with pre-cut lumber and all the hardware are advertised as relatively straightforward to assemble can cost $200-$10,000, depending on size, style, type of wood and amenities like working windows or a loft area. These can resemble a log cabin, a fairy-tale structure, a mini-mansion or other structure. For example, the all-cedar Backyard Discovery Winchester Playhouse[5] ($400-$450) is a country-style "cottage" that is 5.67'x5.33' and 5.67' tall, with a wood roof, front porch dormer and shutters that open and close. The Kids Crooked House[6] costs $1,449 for the original 4'x6' playhouse kit with porch; $2,149 for the deluxe 4'x8' playhouse with dormer and porch; or $4,449for the 4'x18' double deluxe model (shipping is extra). And the Little Cottage 10'x16' Grand Portico Mansion[7] ($6,580-$9,570 depending on whether it's DIY or pre-assembled and move-in ready) has 22 working windows with safety glass and screens, a loft with a ladder and 10 flowerboxes.
• Hiring a handyman or contractor to assemble a wood playhouse kit can cost $50-$200 for a simple kit or $500-$3,000 or more for large, complex projects that can take up to a week to build.Kids Crooked House[8] estimates its kits can be assembled in an hour by two adults with simple tools, and offers a set-up service in some areas for $499. HGTV estimates that building a basic prefab playhouse kit takes a full day.
• Do-it-yourself construction from scratch (no kit) is possible for those with moderate to strong carpentry skills, and costs will vary depending on materials and the size and scope of the project. For example, ThisOldHouse.com explains how to build a fort[9] using fencing panels, estimating this easy to moderate project costs about $175 and takes three hours. FamilyFun magazine describes building a backyard playhouse using lattice[10] in 10 hours for $250-$340. DIYNetwork.com estimates building a deluxe playhouse[11] from scratch is a moderately difficult project that takes two days and $250-$500.

• Playhouse kits typically include written instructions, and some companies give DIY advice by phone or email. While some kits include everything needed to build the playhouse, others require the customer to purchase roofing supplies, paint, long lengths of lumber or other supplies; always clearly understand what is and is not included.
• Large kits are typically delivered to the customer's driveway, and arrive on a pallet in a semi-truck. It may be necessary to arrange for a fork lift or lift gate to unload the pallet. Little Cottage Co. illustrates how its DIY kits and pre-assembled playhouses are delivered[12] .

• Apartment Therapy explains what to consider when choosing a playhouse[13] .
• Playhouses are available from big-box stores like Target[14] or Walmart[15] ; home improvement centers like Home Depot[16] or Lowe's[17] ; or online retailers like Amazon[18] or Playhouses.com[19] .
• Verify that a contractor is properly insured, bonded and licensed; ask for and check references.

1.  www.amazon.com/Grand-Central-Train-Station-House/dp/B001T1GDUK/ref=sr_1_39?s=toys-...
2.  www.playhouses.com/indoor-playhouses/cloth-playhouses/fengiplayhouse.cfm
3.  www.americanplastictoys.com/prodDetail.php?psProduct=18000
4.  www.littletikes.com/kids-toys/classic-castle?Product_ID=2318
5.  www.swingsetsonline.com/backyard-products/play-houses/Winchester-Playhouse/
6.  www.kidscrookedhouse.com/default.aspx
7.  www.cottagekits.com/index/GrandPorticoMansion/
8.  www.kidscrookedhouse.com/delivery.aspx
9.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20175898,00.html
10.  spoonful.com/crafts
11.  www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-deluxe-playhouse/index.html
12.  www.cottagekits.com/faq.htm
13.  www.apartmenttherapy.com/choosing-a-playhouse-149587
14.  www.target.com/s/playhouse#keywords=playhouse&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&ref=...
15.  www.walmart.com/browse/outdoor-play/playhouses-furniture/4171_14521_86643/?browsei...
16.  www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?keyword=playhouse&selectedCatgr...
17.  www.lowes.com/pl_Playhouses_4294816938_4294937087_?Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0|...
18.  www.amazon.com/s/nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=playhouse&x=0&y=0
19.  www.playhouses.com/

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