Ask A Carpenter: Tips For Building A Play Area
Dallas Fort Worth is a great place to raise a family. With wonderful neighborhoods and beautiful weather, it is important that we have areas for kids to safely play where they are in clear view. Tree houses or playrooms can become a necessary addition to an already loving home. Jeremy Williams, owner and operator of 10 x Services, has a few tips for about play areas for children. This is what he had to say.
10 x Services
1098 Cambridge Ct
Greenville, TX 75401
903-268-6798
www.10xconstruction.com
What kinds of trees make the best materials for tree houses and what kind of tree houses do you make?
It has been my experience that while building many different homes and buildings, especially something specifically designed for children like tree houses, cedar is the most suitable material to use. Cedar lasts for a very long time, and is an easy material to work with. It is a kid-friendly material since it has no chemicals added to it and once the new look wears off; it is easily painted to suite any homeowner's visions and needs.
Tree houses are also a great way to keep your children active and outside. Do you make any kind of play areas or play houses for DFW families? How about playroom additions?
I personally have built tree houses made from cedar to replicate the homes that they are next to. It is very curb appealing and looks very nice in a backyard. I include shingles and fascia boards and sometimes even gable ends, if the main house has them too. I am a firm believer that the tree house should match the home. I like to include small decks in front of the tree houses, a place for them to sit and even a space for kids to place a telescope to see stars. Sometimes all they need is a place where they can close door and pretend to their fullest extent.
Related: Parade of Playhouses
What do you recommend for the average homeowner in the DFW area?
I can personally design and build any custom tree house, custom playhouse or playroom from the ground up. I believe any treated material used should be excluded from any children's play areas due to the toxins used in treating lumber in today's market. I have built many nurseries and playrooms for homeowners all over north Texas. There are many different styles of playrooms and playhouses available. If you are indecisive, you can always look for plans or ideas on the Internet. Every homeowner should consider keeping the play area's appearance close to the looks of the main house, as this will add resale value to any home.
Related: Remodeling Tips To Up Your Home's Value
What are the costs for some of these services?
Material costs range from city to city and from state to state and many different contractors charge various prices. I charge a flat per hour rate so home owners have the opportunity to change their minds or add something new as needed during construction. I have a great deal of experience in this area and have learned quite a bit over the years. It is every homeowner's responsibility to find out as much information as possible about contractors who might be doing work in their homes. Learn what they are offering and there costs for each job. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is important that you get what you want. I hope I have answered all your questions.
Judy Serrano is a freelance writer covering all things DFW. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
