Average Treehouse Costs

How Much is a Treehouse?

A treehouse build will run you $400 to $15,000, depending on whether you DIY or hire a pro. To set up a prefab design yourself, expect to pay $400 to $1,600 for the kit. For help from a pro in creating a small build, budget $4,000 to $15,000, while custom structures are $25,000 to $100,000 or an average of $61,250.

Small Treehouse Cost

A small structure costs $4,000 to $15,000 when built by a professional using raw materials. You can save around $3,000 on labor if you construct it yourself. You may need special tools, however, which can cost $100 to $200 per day to rent. Upon building a small design, you can increase its footprint by placing a backyard playscape right next to it.

Prefab Treehouse Price

Prefab construction kits run $400 to $1,600, depending on the size and style you want. If you have a pro install the kit, add up to $3,000 for labor, equaling $3,400 to $4,600 total. The kits may attach to one tree or several and may include additional support posts.

Custom Treehouse Cost

Specialty builders charge $61,250 on average, or $25,000 to $100,000 for custom builds. Their fees include custom plans, materials, and labor, but does not cover removal of nearby trees. If you need to cover the cost of tree removal, expect to pay $400 to $2,000 each.

Cost to Build a Treehouse

Professionals usually charge $100 to $150 per hour for this project. Small and prefab designs take 20 to 30 hours to construct, while custom creations can take much longer. To prepare the site, you may need to pay tree trimming prices of $75 to $1,000 each. If you need to fully remove the trees instead, expect to pay $400 to $2,000 apiece.

Cost to Build a Treehouse to Live In

To build a treehouse to live in, prices can range from $75,000 to over $400,000. On average, a project of this caliber costs around $240,000. The size of the structure along with its finishes and features influences the total. The skill level of the builder, price of permits, and site characteristics also factor into the final price.

DIY vs. Hire Treehouse Builders

The size and complexity will determine whether you construct it yourself or hire treehouse builders. You should also consider your knowledge, skill level, and access to all the right tools. Even to put together a prefab kit, you will need a drill, impact wrench, and auger to fully secure the materials in place. Custom builds require many more tools, from circular saws to speed squares.

Cost to Build a Treehouse Yourself

With a prefab kit, the costs add up to $400 to $1,600 using a DIY approach. For raw materials, expect to pay $1,000 to $11,000. Tree removal can drive up the cost, adding $400 to $2,000 per tree to the total. You may also need to pay $75 to $1,000 apiece for tree trimming near you.

FAQs

Are treehouses legal?

You can legally build a treehouse on your private land in most areas. To do so, you will likely need a building permit from the city. Plus, you must abide by local codes, including setback requirements.

How much does a treehouse cost built by Treehouse Masters?

For a custom build from Treehouse Masters, expect to pay $275,000 on average. According to the owner, Pete Nelson, he builds these structures for anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000.

How long does a treehouse last?

A treehouse will last from 10 to 25 years when built with quality materials. The expect lifespan depends on good building techniques as well. Builders must allow for enough room for the tree to grow, for example. They should also use solid fastening techniques to create a secure structure.