Family save £800 by creating their own dream treehouse for kids

A savvy family have shared how they saved hundreds by building their own treehouse for their children.

After spending the last year doing DIY in their house, mum-of-three Hannah and window fitter Ryan Beeson decided it was time to give their garden an upgrade – with the addition of a treehouse.

And, by doing the hard work themselves, the couple – from Westbury – estimate they’ve saved a staggering £800.

‘The total build cost for materials was about £530,’ 37-year-old Hannah said.

‘Ryan has estimated that someone might charge around £800 in labour (plus materials) to build something similar.

‘It wasn’t an option to buy something ready built due to building around our tree.

‘Ryan is pretty much a DIY whiz and is capable of turning his hand to anything.

‘During this project, our 11-year-old helped with planning, cutting, drilling and using a jigsaw.’

It was actually their daughter who first put the idea of building a treehouse into their heads.

And, after some consideration, the parents decided to make their 11-year-old’s dreams come true.

‘Our middle child loves climbing trees, we have a lovely tree that is perfect for climbing,’ said Hannah.

‘Our daughter had the idea of making a treehouse, she researched and helped design it.

‘Ryan started by measuring the area and deciding how big it could and should be.

‘We cleared the ground and used some old stone slabs to create a sub base for the posts to rest on.

‘Four legs were placed on each corner and a rectangular frame was built to create the floor and balcony area. Floor joists were added within the frame for structural rigidity.

‘Next, Ryan made the stud walls to create a carcass and set out the spaces for the door and window.’

Afterwards, Ryan build the roof stud at an angle to create a pitched roof, fixed sterling board and cladded the walls with timber.

Following this, the door was made using the offcuts and hung on hinges.

Hannah added: ‘Ryan made up the frame for the window using timber and Perspex, hanging it so that it opens out with hinges at the top.

‘The final step was decorating it. Our daughter fixed up solar lights (with the solar panel secured to the outside) both inside and outside, faux plants and vines, a shaggy rug, small table and beanbag.’

They’ve named the space ‘The Beehive’, and the balcony is called ‘Panda Peak’.

There’s also a fun den space underneath.

Hannah added: ‘The tree can still be climbed, as before, thanks to the treehouse being built off to one side. We have hammocks, a swing and a trapeze hanging from the tree too – all of which the kids love to play on.

‘The floor print is 1.2m x 2.4m and it’s around 2.9m from the ground to its highest point.’

And it’s clear it was well-worth the effort, as the kids now can’t get enough of the treehouse and love showing their friends.

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