UPDATED: APRIL 19, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
What is a treehouse? A treehouse is built in or near a tree on an elevated platform. Treehouses are often playing structures for children. Many home insurance companies will charge more for coverage if your home has features that may cause liability issues, such as swimming pools and trampolines. Your home insurance policy premiums may be higher if you have a treehouse.
Why is a Treehouse a Concern for Insurance Costs?
A treehouse is typically considered an attractive feature for many people. People can enjoy it, and children can play in the yard with it providing additional space. But there are issues with having a treehouse on your property that you need to be aware of if you’re planning on buying or renting any property where one already exists.
Homeowners insurance companies frown upon treehouses for several reasons.
Liability Insurance
Treehouses are a place where kids like to hang out and have fun. They have friends, neighbors, and maybe any other kid who wants to have fun. If someone falls from the treehouse and gets hurt, you’re liable for the medical bills. Emergency departments treat nearly 2800 children for tree house-related injuries annually.
Next Door Neighbours
You may be held responsible if a storm or poor construction leads to the treehouse damaging your neighbor’s home. In addition, you may violate privacy regulations if you can see into a neighbor’s house via the treehouse.
Public Utilities
Trees and electricity don’t mix. While they may be the ultimate childhood dream, treehouses can pose a significant safety hazard to children playing inside. A treehouse built too high may run into telephone or power lines. This can obstruct public utility employees’ work and put anyone in the treehouse at increased risk for injury.
How to Build a Safe Treehouse
A treehouse is a great place for kids to play and have fun, but it can be dangerous if not built safely. Many safety concerns when building a treehouse must be addressed to ensure the safety of the children and those visiting.
Choose a Strong, Sturdy Tree
Planning a tree house can be very exciting for children, but selecting a healthy tree that will withstand the extra weight and pressure is also essential. Consulting an arborist is a good idea if you still need to determine which trees are best.
Build Low
Falls from lower heights are usually less severe than those higher in the air. Nationwide Children’s Hospital states that anything over 10 feet is too high.
Work With a Professional
Treehouses are a fun project for children and adults alike- but they can be dangerous. Working with an experienced treehouse builder with experience constructing treehouses is essential. With the help of a builder, you can design and create your own tree house. The final product will be structurally sound; if there are any problems, the builder can spot them.
How to Use a Treehouse Safely
Treehouses are a great way to escape the everyday hustle and bustle. They provide an escape from the real world and a way to live in your own fairy tale.
Before you jump on board, there are some essential things to consider about treehouses that you might have yet to think about.
Safety Features
The first thing is safety. And it’s not just for kids! Treehouses can be dangerous if built in unsafe areas or not correctly constructed. You should ensure that your treehouse has railings, a solid floor, and is firmly anchored to the tree trunk.
Inspect Regularly
Next, you will want to inspect the tree for any hazards, such as dead branches that might snap off and fall on you or any loose bolts or screws in the platform. If there are any hazards, you should remove them before climbing up into the treehouse. It’s also important to remember that the tree is a living thing and will grow, which can cause the tree house to move or bend.
Limit Access
Consider installing barriers or an alarm system if you don’t want kids playing in the treehouse without supervision. You should speak with them about when it’s not appropriate to play in there and what danger they could be putting themselves in if they play around the treehouse during nighttime hours.
FAQs
Does a treehouse add value to a home?
A well-maintained tree house can add value to your property. A treehouse is a structure built on the ground or a platform supported by one or more trees. They also provide privacy for homeowners and can be used as a playroom for kids.
What are the benefits of living in a treehouse?
The first benefit is that you can live an eco-friendly lifestyle; treehouses can be made from salvaged or recycled materials. You can also fit your treehouse with solar panels or other forms of renewable energy. Another benefit is privacy; the height of the trees and branches can give you some extra privacy from your neighbors.
Does building a treehouse hurt the tree?
A poorly designed treehouse can cause damage to a healthy tree. However, there are things you can do to minimize the damage as much as possible. Avoid using screws or nails directly into the tree, as the holes can allow bacteria to grow inside the tree. Instead, you can use U-bolts or straps to connect the structure to the tree. You should avoid altering the tree’s balance by constructing the treehouse close to the trunk and not on the branches.
Does homeowners insurance cover tree houses?
Whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover your treehouse depends on your policy. Some insurance companies will cover tree houses with no exclusions, and others will require you to install some safety features before they insure the treehouse. To build a treehouse, you need to speak with your insurance agent to determine your coverage limits. Otherwise, you risk the insurance company denying your policy renewal in the future.
Does living in a treehouse increase your homeowners insurance?
Treehouses are attractive nuisances that will likely increase your insurance premiums. This is because of the added risk that you will make a claim. You may need to increase your insurance coverage to protect your treehouse. Some additions to your policy should include the following:
- Structure
- Medical payment
- Liability coverage
Additional liability coverage will help to cover any costs in the event of a treehouse-related injury. Consider opting for umbrella insurance if your standard homeowners insurance is not enough to protect you fully.
How much does a treehouse cost?
A treehouse is a structure that’s built within a tree. Depending on the tree’s size and location, A tree house can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000. The national average cost to build a treehouse is $7,350. Treehouses are sometimes constructed with wood and other times with metal and plastic. These materials are typically used because they are lighter and easier to transport.
Getting Home Insurance With a Treehouse
Homeowners insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects property owners from financial loss due to damage or destruction of their homes.
A treehouse is a structure built in the trees that can be used as a play area or as living quarters.
In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover damages to your treehouse. However, it will depend on the type of treehouse you have and your coverage with your homeowners insurance provider. You should contact your insurer to find out what they cover and what they don’t cover.
Fill out our online request form to compare homeowners insurance quotes. You can see which companies have the best rates and speak to a licensed home insurance specialist to ensure you purchase the coverage you need!
