If you haven’t experienced it yet, the time is now. Learn how to build a treehouse and why they are completely awesome.

Adults and kids are both enamored with treehouses. Who among us didn’t secretly long for our our tree topped fort/clubhouse as a kid? And can you really say that desire has diminished now that you are grown up? Of course, as adults we dream of a calming, soothing tree-topped oasis complete with hammocks and a mini fridge full of gin and tonics and margaritas (tree house hotel, anyone?).

Image: Caelie_Frampton

Well, it’s never too late to make that dream a reality. For those of you who are lucky enough to have a backyard full of luscious, strong and healthy trees, why not make it your springtime project to build a great tree house? You can say it’s for the kids, but we will really know that it’s for you, too.

Image: Bohman

There are 4 considerations before you can even get started with your project.

• It’s probably a good idea to have an expert take a look at your trees–you want to make sure that the tree you want to use as your foundation is healthy (and will remain so) and can hold the weight of the structure you want to erect.
• Another consideration: will you need a building permit? I know it might seem like a silly idea to get a building permit for a treehouse, but it’s a good idea to follow all local laws and regulations whenever constructing any structures on your property.
• In that same vein, give a call to your homeowner’s insurance as well. If your house among the trees falls on your house or there is an accident with someone (or you) falling, you want to make sure that you are covered.
• Finally, if you are building a treehouse for children, make it low to the ground 5-7 feet off the ground is high enough for kids to get the experience without adding unnecessary risk.

Image: PhotKing ♛

The next step is to find your plans. Here are some great tutorials and plans for how to build a treehouse.

1. Cabin Style Treehouse – this project utilizes several trees as the foundation.
2. Kid-friendly Treehouse – a simple, kid-friendly treehouse how-to.
3. Family Handyman – building tips and advice for attaching and furnishing your treehouse.
4. Treeless Treehouse – don’t have any trees? Here are tips for building a treeless treehouse.
5. Inexpensive Treehouse – here’s a project that costs under $300 and even has a cool hatch-like door.
6. A-frame Treehouse – plans for building an a-frame style house.
7. Grown-up Treehouse – gorgeous inspiration for creating a grown-up treehouse.

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