Treehouse, Act 3

[jyl]

Okay, time to upgrade and winterize the treehouse. Recall I built this thing a couple years ago. It is basically a miniature house w/ conventional 2x4 construction and plywood exterior sheathing.

Two prior threads

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/407771-treehouse-progress.html#post4036506

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/375431-treehouses.html#post3588731

It has held up great, but the treehouse doesn't get much use and it is partly because "summer" here is so short. The kids have convinced me that if it wasn't so damn cold and dark in there during, say, November, it would be used more.

So the plan is:
1. Install two electrical wall outlets and an overhead light, with a pigtail so I can pull an extension cord out there and plug it in when I want to - the treehouse will not be a permanently electrified structure. The thought is to treat the treehouse as an outdoor wet location, so all conductors in conduit (thinking PVC?), all outlets GFCI and in weatherproof lidded boxes. Total load will be a pair of of 7 watt CFLs and a 500 watt oil-filled radiator type heater (on a timer), combining to max 7 amps.
2. Insulate between studs and ceiling joists. Thinking rigid board insulation?
3. Install wall and ceiling covering. Thinking 1/4" plywood?
4. Paint #3 a cheery color.
5. Lay down some indoor-outdoor carpet over an insulation pad.
6. Furnish with a pair of garage sale armchairs, a humidor, and a liquor cabinet.

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

I can't hope to be code-compliant - the whole structure is unpermitted - but I am interested in safety.

[Hugh R]

Not PVC but Seal-Tite, or Liguid-Tite flexible conduit, use a GFCI for sure. Since you've already sheathed the exterior, Tyvex house wrap is out. Look at the reflector-type insulation, thin and light weight. If you use 1/4" ply you may get condensation/mold between the inner and outer walls. Plywood isn't good in rainy environs, consider the 1/8" exterior particle board, its not really particle board, but something like that, the name escapes me at the moment.

[BRPORSCHE]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Plywood isn't good in rainy environs, consider the 1/8" exterior particle board, its not really particle board, but something like that, the name escapes me at the moment.

Hardyboard?

[LWJ]

Keep it dry. Seal the air leaks as good as possible. Make it easy to sweep the spiders and such out.

I have a similar deal in the same climate. Maybe if I ran the Wii out there it would get more use?

[jyl]

Reviving this old thread.

After ignoring the treehouse for several years, my son suddenly rediscovered it this spring. He and two buddies spent a weekend cleaning it out, patching a hole in the roof, cutting out a branch that went through the sleeping attic (a “green” design feature that never quite worked). He pulled rubber mats, an extension cord, and power strip up there, installed latches on all the windows and a lock on the door, and started moving in.

He goes out to his treehouse most afternoons, does his homework, plays video games, hangs out. He’s accumulated quite the comforts up there. I climbed up this weekend and counted: small TV, VCR, Wii console, a couple of retro joystick games, many pillows, some blankets, books, iPhone speaker and charger, electric heater (the oil-filled radiator type – I nixed the other one for safety reasons).

So I’ve gotten motivated to resume the treehouse improvement tasks. We installed electrical last week. A reverse (male) receptacle in a weatherproof enclosure down on one of the support posts, that is where the extension cord plugs in. PVC conduit up into the treehouse, exterior cable, master switch, and GFCI outlets in the walls. Next week we’ll place insulation between the studs, panel with ¼” ply (generously donated by herr oberst), and paint. He’s asked his mom to make blackout curtains for the windows (trying to keep it a bit “stealth”, since the treehouse overlooks a main road). There is still a damaged roof panel that needs to be replaced.

Some indoor-outdoor carpet for the lower level floor, a comfy chair or two, a fire extinguisher and his boy-cave should be complete. I think I'll give him our thermostatic camping cooler to use as a "mini fridge". He has suggested air conditioning, and yes it does get hot for about a month each summer, but I think he’ll just make do with a fan this year. The deal is, if he gets straight A’s in his freshman HS year, I’ll put one of those small freestanding AC’s up there for next summer.

[masraum]

sounds awesome. when is the elevator going in?

[jyl]

Elevator - ha. There is a pulley operated basket from ground to the deck, but no-one uses it. When I first built the treehouse he was only 7 y/o and needed both hands to climb the ladder. Now he simply walks up the rungs no-handed.

I was at one time going to install an intercom to the house, but now he has an iPhone which he brings up there so no need.

Looking at Hugh's post above, he mentioned a risk of mold if I panel with 1/4" ply. I assume the problem is that plywood doesn't breathe? Suppose I drill small vent holes in the ply, at the top and bottom of each space between the studs?

[kach22i]

double post

[kach22i]

My old office was my tree house, had to give it up though.

[jyl]

The treehouse will receive some upgrades this summer.

Bought a $25 window AC unit, going to frame that into one of the walls.

Already have an oil radiator heater, fan, mini-fridge, lights, comfy armchair, hammock.

Also going to put shake shingles on the exterior. Thinking of buying an electric brad nailer or stapler to help - recommendations?

Wife wants me to insulate and drywall the interior, but I'm resisting - seems it won't feel like a treehouse anymore.

Sleeping loft upstairs has problems with critters getting in. I've nailed aluminum sheeting and metal mesh screens to various places. But to completely stop critters - mainly don't like the raccoons - I'd need to either make doors for the openings, or cover with mesh. Not sure I like either. Anyone have luck with electronic buzzers like people use to keep pets off couches?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jyl

Anyone have luck with electronic buzzers like people use to keep pets off couches?

I have a virtually new solar electric fence gizmo. My pal in NC encircled his wife's dog agility training area with it to keep the bears out. Not enough power. He upgraded. End of bears.

This one will zap coons like a boss. So dirt cheap you will have trouble getting me to ship it out. Just a thought.............

Put the box in the sun, run the wires, kill the box before ascending.

Tens of dollars.

[jyl]

You will have a PM shortly . . .
I like the idea of hearing raccoons yelp at night.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jyl

You will have a PM shortly . . .
I like the idea of hearing raccoons yelp at night.

I'll dust it off and get it charged up for a field test. Pics coming.

[red-beard]

Add some plumbing, and you'll have an unpermitted apartment...

[TheMentat]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Add some plumbing, and you'll have an unpermitted apartment...

even without plumbing, this thing sounds like something you could AirBnB

[bivenator]

Weren't you having problems with a dude sleeping under your home at one time? This treehouse probably getting some offers near a million if location is right, other than being in a tree.

[daepp]

Great project - great dad!

[Bob Kontak]

The solar powered electric fence is the one the fellow is installing in the video. 10 mile range.

It says to have the unit in the sun for three days before powering on to charge batteries.

Will advise. Battery life may be an issue. It's probably three years old, just unused, except for the trial bear episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am2BUjXvKSc

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

The solar powered electric fence is the one the fellow is installing in the video. 10 mile range.

It says to have the unit in the sun for three days before powering on to charge batteries.

Will advise. Battery life may be an issue. It's probably three years old, just unused, except for the trial bear episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am2BUjXvKSc

Thanks! I just need to ward off raccoons, squirrels, etc.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by jyl

Thanks! I just need to ward off raccoons, squirrels, etc.

Cool. It's snapping across a 1/8 gap after two partial days in the sun. I will PM.