Moving playhouses

Playhouses can be moved intact... IF you look at the picture below you can see the trailer that I use for deliveries (I build them in my "shop" and then take them to the site. What his means is that an EXISTING playhouse can be transported.So if you have a playhouse they can come with you if you move! Edward1960@hotmail.com 563-245-2295

Pictures??? What pictures????

E-blogger is having technical difficulties (I will delete comments about their ancestry, intelligence or procreative habits) .... If you would like to see the pictures, most posts are mirrored at my Xanga site (yeah so sue me, it keeps my siblings and I in touch)


http://www.xanga.com/Edward1960/544586731/kidsafe-part-1-of-a-series-doors.html

You may have to cut and paste in some browsers.....

I apologize for the inconvenience....

Kidsafe Playhouses Part 1 of a series DOORS

So what is KidSafe?
KidSafe is a term I use to describe playhouses built around the simple idea that they should be free of common hazards. My tag line has been "If it isn't SAFE then why bother building it?". I really do believe that and has been a guiding principle of all the playhouses I have built.

I will try not "beat-up" on other builders, but sometimes the easiest way to show what I am talking about is by demonstration.

Basic Playhouse (Ok so its got both log siding and a porch options)



Pretty typical playhouse until you start to look at the details. In this series I want to look at those details.

Doors
IF you look at the picture you may wonder how to get inside.... Well I don't fit though the 18 inch wide, 4f t high door..... so I don't use it.
Playhouses should have two doors... A kid door AND an adult door......

Playhouses are all about imaginative play, soo there must be a door that is kid sized. However imaginative play also leads to interactive play (social development is another topic). The interactive play can be with peers or with care givers. Other children can use the kid door, but how does Grandma come for "tea" if the only access is the mentioned 18in x 4ft front door. It is easy if there is door she can actually use.


There are a number of other reasons for having two doors. (Besides having grandma come for "tea")

1. The doors swing in opposite directions (one swings in, the other swings out) that way a child can never get trapped. Imagine if a playmate were to lean a bicycle against an outswing door. Nothing malicious, just thoughtless, however if there is only one door the child inside might not be able to swing out the door.

2. Children grow (parents don't look) and there will come a day when the playhouse becomes a place to read or even study. With a large door the playhouse "grows" with the child.

3. Other uses for a playhouse. A studio for writing or painting. A potting shed or even just a storage shed (perhaps for summer toys in the winter). With just a "kid door" none of these are possible.

4. Playhouses become a sanctuary, knowing that is THE reason that they must be safe.... All children have spats and tiffs and the playhouse becomes a place of refuge. However without an adult door I can't go to my child who needs me. With the big door I can be with my child who needs comfort in THEIR place of refuge. Knowing that I can rest easy whenever they are out to play. This most important reason may never be required, but with a properly designed playhouse the option is there.

Ed R-....