FAQ's Are Tree Houses Safe? Yes. We use the strongest materials available and install backup support systems as an extra precaution. Expert arborists, engineers, challenge course professionals, fabricators, and contractors have helped us refine our tree house support system. Our tree houses would easily hold all of the people you could fit on them. We do, however, recommend that tree houses not be occupied when strong gusts of wind or lighting are possible. Do Tree Houses Harm Trees? Unfortunately, yes. Beware of builders who claim otherwise because they either don't understand trees or they are lying. The goal is not "zero harm," but minimal harm, which is our area of expertise. The good news is that trees are very resilient. They are highly likely to recover well from the construction impact, and grow around and strengthen a properly installed support point over time. Trees also have body language and family history that tell us how to care for them and what to expect from them in the future. We work with expert arborists to refine our practices and minimize the damage done to the environment. When we judge the impact of a design to be too great, we will use artificial support from the ground, look for an alternative site, or downsize the size of the project in a responsible and environmentally friendly way. What Safety Measures are Employed in Design and During Construction? SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. For example, railings are strong and substantial, high enough and close enough to protect small children. We avoid placement of nails where they are likely to loosen over time and create hazards. We avoid or sand down rough edges to eliminate potential splinters. Ladders are situated where they will be easiest to climb. We can use Plexiglas for windows or even plan to have operating windows situated over verandas or balconies, with others being fixed. We help you determine the appropriate safety measures that make you feel comfortable. Even when building codes are not applicable, we follow them anyway. What is the Life Expectancy of a Tree House? Our Tree Houses have an average life span of 10-15, but can be made to last as long as the life of the tree. The materials we use are of the best quality and our methods of construction make for long-term use. As with any outdoor product, regular inspection and maintenance is imperative to prolong its life, and life expectancy would therefore depend to a great extent on the attention given to it. What if My Trees Aren’t Strong Enough? Most trees have possibilities. We usually arrange a site inspection during the design phase to take measurements and inspect the tree(s). An alternative is for you to hire a local arborist to comment on the species, health, and suitability of your tree for a tree house. If the tree lacks enough strength, then we can use support poles from the ground to help the tree bear the weight, or carry it all together. Building a ground-supported house around the tree still gets you up in the air having fun. How Long Will It Take to Build? On average, between 1-2 weeks and a large tree house in 4-6 weeks. Can We Build the Project in Stages? Yes – you could build a house/den, balcony, and access in one stage, then a rope bridge, platform and zip wire at another stage. How Much do Tree Houses Cost? Depending on what you want, they can vary between $1,500 and over $100,000. The average child’s, or small, tree house we build costs between $4,000 and $15,000. The factors that most affect cost are size, height from the ground, amount of finishing details desired, the grade of materials you choose, and location. If you have a budget you’d like to stay inside, we will certainly respect it. How Far Will You Travel to Build Tree Houses? Anywhere that you might have a tree. Can You Build Tree Houses for Commercial Use? Yes. Commercial projects require approval from expert structural engineers familiar with the principles of tree house construction. Working with your local building department we can build you a play structure for a park, a high ropes course for a camp, or many other options. We will work with the appropriate agencies and get your project inspected and approved. What is the Next Step to Owning a Tree House? Contact us either by telephone or by email to arrange an initial consultation. We can generally survey the prospective site within a week of an initial inquiry, producing plans, drawings and a fixed price quotation within 14-21 days, longer if using an engineer.