Outdoor Playhouse Blog

An outdoor playhouse is a structure that will always attract gobs of attention from children and adults, alike. However, as a homeowner, to minimize the fact that it’s an additional structure on the property without diminishing the cool effect that it has on those that spot it, you may achieve the results that you want by taking steps to make the integration somewhat seamless. Try these small tricks to blend a kids outdoor playhouse into your yard while retaining its fun factor:

1. Create a landscape design that will serve to merge the outdoor playhouse with your home. Some homeowners that buy their kids a playhouse leave the space around it bare. Often, they will have cleared the space to allow for the footing and other construction needs that a playhouse may have. Leaving the space around it empty can take away from the yard making it look awkward. A little grass, trees, and plants can really make a huge difference in how the new structure fits. Plus, doing the landscape planning and design is a fantastic activity for parents and children to do together.

2. If you are concerned that the playhouse is too ostentatious, select colors or a style that will not be too showy.  Earth tones are wonderful for the outside of the outdoor playhouse, especially if it is surrounded by trees and grass. However, if your home is bright white, you may want the kids playhouse to be bright white also.  If your budget allows, together, with your child, decide if you want the playhouse to be a replica of your home, should it be unique and potentially more eye-catching, or should it be simply the same color but a different style. This can be a big decision for a family.  But, as a parent, always keep in mind that the outdoor playhouse should be fun and a space that your child will love!

Your child’s outdoor playhouse and your family’s home will be huge parts of their childhood memories. It will also be a big part of your memories of their childhood. Consider how you will feel in years to come if you weren’t comfortable with the play structure that you had. If you have any doubts, take steps to ensure that the outdoor playhouse that your family chooses fits into your yard and comfortably into your lives.

Technorati Tags: back yard landscaping, backyard, Before You Build Advice, Outdoor playhouse, Wooden playhouse

Building an outdoor playhouse can be very rewarding for both you and your child, especially when the playhouse is finished.  You get the satisfaction of completing an awesome structure and it’ll be a playhouse that your child will absolutely love and be able to play in for many years into the future.

But before you build an outdoor playhouse, what kind of advice can be given to the average do-it-yourself builder who is constructing a kids playhouse for the first time?  The number one most powerful thing to know when building an outdoor play house is to check your local building codes before you begin to build anything.

This is especially true if you are considering adding a concrete building pad for the playhouse.  When you lay concrete, you are increasing the non-drainage or impervious surface area on your lot.

Most municipalities have a defined allowable single-family residential impervious surface rules that are based on a property’s lot size.  Impervious surface refers to the percentage of a lot covered by surfaces such as buildings, patios and driveway concrete that prevent or alter the flow and absorption of rain and snow.

In many areas, the residential property owners are limited to 25 percent impervious coverage. In some cases, older homes can be grandfathered in, but cannot exceed their existing percentage.

Usually, to be able to extend impervious surfacing beyond the minimum percentage, a homeowner must obtain a conditional use permit or a variance from the city.

You may have heard horror stories where impervious areas had to be removed or structures taken down to adhere to the local building code.

Don’t get into situations where you may or may not be following your local building codes.  Don’t guess.  A simple call to the local zoning office will clarify whether your proposed concrete platform for your outdoor playhouse will be following building codes.  Once you know the building code requirements, you can figure out whether your specific property lot size falls within those requirements.

Moving forward with the construction of the outdoor playhouse will be less stressful once you know you are following and adhering to your local building codes!

Technorati Tags: Before You Build Advice, Building codes, Children's playhouse, Impervious Surface, Outdoor playhouse