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Ask Jack HowIf you're here, there's something in my website that drew you to the point of wanting to contact me. Before you do, keep in mind, this website is my fun place away from my normal job. It's my way of showing off my hobbies and hopefully inspiring others to follow along. Don't be offended if you contact me and I don't jump through hoops to get your business. I am not desperate to build something to sale and I do not rely on this website to support me. I build what I build because I want to. My project calendar is limited and due to time constraints, I choose my projects carefully and only do a few each year. It's common for me to have a 2-6 month waiting list, so if you wait till the last minute, you are too late.
If you are interested in purchasing my DIY project plans or DIY Plans to build a swing set, please visit OtterWorks USA. All questions or information needed after purchase from OtterWorks USA should be directed to OtterWorks USA. |
TreeMail: [email protected]
If the link above does not work, cut and paste my treemail address to to your email server.
Scroll Down to see my FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Reach Out
I build a limited number of custom projects each year and try to focus on the right fit for both sides. A little upfront clarity helps me point you in the right direction quickly.
Project Types & Typical Ranges
That’s completely fine. Many people are early in the process and just need help sorting through ideas.
I offer a short phone consultation (about 20 minutes. Longer consultations are available for a fee.) where we can talk through your space, your goals, and what direction makes the most sense — whether that’s a custom build, a phased approach, or something simpler.
Planning vs. Building
If you’re looking to build something yourself, I can help guide the planning process through consultation. I don’t offer pre-made treehouse plans, but I can help you think through layout, structure, and future expansion.
A Quick Note on Budget
Project cost is driven less by platform size and more by how the structure is supported, how it ties into the trees, and what features are included.If you’re reaching out about a custom build, including a general budget range helps me give you realistic guidance without overbuilding or missing the mark.
I build a limited number of custom projects each year and try to focus on the right fit for both sides. A little upfront clarity helps me point you in the right direction quickly.
Project Types & Typical Ranges
- Custom Treehouses - Most projects typically fall in the $15,000–$30,000+ range depending on size, layout, and features. Larger or more complex builds (multi-tree designs, bridges, enclosed structures, etc.) can exceed this range.
- Custom Playsets (Ground-Based) - If you’re looking for a simpler setup, I also build custom playsets that still offer a creative, “make it your own” feel. These typically start around $5,000.
That’s completely fine. Many people are early in the process and just need help sorting through ideas.
I offer a short phone consultation (about 20 minutes. Longer consultations are available for a fee.) where we can talk through your space, your goals, and what direction makes the most sense — whether that’s a custom build, a phased approach, or something simpler.
Planning vs. Building
If you’re looking to build something yourself, I can help guide the planning process through consultation. I don’t offer pre-made treehouse plans, but I can help you think through layout, structure, and future expansion.
A Quick Note on Budget
Project cost is driven less by platform size and more by how the structure is supported, how it ties into the trees, and what features are included.If you’re reaching out about a custom build, including a general budget range helps me give you realistic guidance without overbuilding or missing the mark.
Do-It-Yourself
Q: I have the skills and tools to build my own. Are you willing to offer your experience so I can build great treehouse?
A: Absolutely. Most of my builds start with a brief phone consultation. I can do the same thing to get you started. From there we advance to an onsite visit. My consultation fee starts @ $300 and goes up from there depending on location. A typical onsite consultation will usually last 1-3 hours. This does not mean I'm coming to help you build a treehouse. The consultation will serve to explore possibilities and begin the design process. Additional time and general advice can be billed by the hour.
A: Absolutely. Most of my builds start with a brief phone consultation. I can do the same thing to get you started. From there we advance to an onsite visit. My consultation fee starts @ $300 and goes up from there depending on location. A typical onsite consultation will usually last 1-3 hours. This does not mean I'm coming to help you build a treehouse. The consultation will serve to explore possibilities and begin the design process. Additional time and general advice can be billed by the hour.
Custom Treehouses
Q: I've been looking at getting a treehouse and there seem to be a few options in your area, but I noticed some treehouse companies have outside contractors to build their structures. Do you still build them all?
A: I started slowing down a few years ago and my time in the trees is not what it used to be. I still create all the designs and offer backyard consultations. Now days my son Spencer leads the building crews. After a lifetime of working with me, he's pretty good at building what's in my brain. I'm not there everyday, but I do participate when I can. We do not let outside contractors build your dream treehouse project. We take this personally and want all the glory for ourselves.
A: I started slowing down a few years ago and my time in the trees is not what it used to be. I still create all the designs and offer backyard consultations. Now days my son Spencer leads the building crews. After a lifetime of working with me, he's pretty good at building what's in my brain. I'm not there everyday, but I do participate when I can. We do not let outside contractors build your dream treehouse project. We take this personally and want all the glory for ourselves.
Q: How much is a custom treehouse?
A: $15,000 and up. Average runs $30,000-70,000. If this budget doesn't scare you off, send me a wish list, an expected project timeframe, a picture of your area and a good contact number and I'll be in touch. You should also include a budget number so I can get an idea of the scale of your project. The more equipment or the more detailed your wish list is will directly affect your expected expense.
A: $15,000 and up. Average runs $30,000-70,000. If this budget doesn't scare you off, send me a wish list, an expected project timeframe, a picture of your area and a good contact number and I'll be in touch. You should also include a budget number so I can get an idea of the scale of your project. The more equipment or the more detailed your wish list is will directly affect your expected expense.
Go Out on a Limb and Send me a Treemail.
Consultations
Q: Do you offer consultations for DIY projects like treehouses, playhouses, or playsets?
A: Absolutely! Whether you're planning a backyard playset, a custom treehouse, or a DIY-friendly outdoor structure, I offer consultations via phone, Zoom, or in-person (within my local service area).
A: Absolutely! Whether you're planning a backyard playset, a custom treehouse, or a DIY-friendly outdoor structure, I offer consultations via phone, Zoom, or in-person (within my local service area).
Q: What types of consultations do you offer?
A: You can tap into my real-world building experience for:
A: You can tap into my real-world building experience for:
- DIY treehouse plans and layout feedback
- Backyard playset designs and materials advice
- Playhouse construction tips (from simple to full-scale structures)
- Swing set planning with safety and spacing considerations
- General yard layout advice to help maximize space, sunlight, and play zones
- Build troubleshooting for DIYers hitting snags in framing, anchoring, or material selection
Q: Where do you offer consultations?
A: Onsite Consultations are available in-person within my local service map (see map above on this page). 🌐 Phone & Zoom Consultations are available nationwide — and worldwide. Whether you're building in Texas or Tasmania, we can meet virtually to discuss your backyard build.
A: Onsite Consultations are available in-person within my local service map (see map above on this page). 🌐 Phone & Zoom Consultations are available nationwide — and worldwide. Whether you're building in Texas or Tasmania, we can meet virtually to discuss your backyard build.
Q: What are your consultation rates?
A: It depends on the type of consultation you need. For most DIY projects — including backyard playsets, playhouses, yard layout planning, and general build advice — my rate is $50 per 30 minutes, scheduled in advance.
A: It depends on the type of consultation you need. For most DIY projects — including backyard playsets, playhouses, yard layout planning, and general build advice — my rate is $50 per 30 minutes, scheduled in advance.
- Onsite Consultations (within my local service area) – Start at $300 and may increase depending on your distance from Columbus, Texas. Perfect if you want me to walk your property, review your build location, and give hands-on feedback.
- Phone or Zoom Consultations – Available anywhere in the world for $50 per 30 minutes. Great for reviewing your plans, materials list, or getting expert input before you start building.
Q: Why consult with Jack?
A: I’ve spent years designing and building custom backyard structures that are both practical and creative. My approach is rooted in craftsmanship, experience, and a clear understanding of what works in real-world backyards. Whether you're working with tools for the first time or already deep into a build, I can help you:
A: I’ve spent years designing and building custom backyard structures that are both practical and creative. My approach is rooted in craftsmanship, experience, and a clear understanding of what works in real-world backyards. Whether you're working with tools for the first time or already deep into a build, I can help you:
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Select the right materials
- Plan layouts that grow with your kids
- Get personalized feedback on ideas, drawings, or pre-built kits
Custom Playsets
Q: How much is a custom playset?
A: $5,000 and up. Average runs $8,000-20,000. If this budget doesn't scare you off, send me a wish list, an expected project timeframe, a picture of your area and a good contact number and I'll be in touch. You should also include a budget number so I can get an idea of the scale of your project. The more equipment or the more detailed your wish list is will directly affect your expected expense.
A: $5,000 and up. Average runs $8,000-20,000. If this budget doesn't scare you off, send me a wish list, an expected project timeframe, a picture of your area and a good contact number and I'll be in touch. You should also include a budget number so I can get an idea of the scale of your project. The more equipment or the more detailed your wish list is will directly affect your expected expense.
Jack's Custom Wood Products
Q: How much is a porch swing?
A: Well, that depends on the model and size you’ve got in mind. For years, I only built these porch swings for friends and family—but they kept telling me I should share them with the world. So now, you can find these handcrafted porch swings right here in Columbus, Texas, at my storefront and online at Colorado Valley Wood Products. Whether you’re after a cozy two-seater or a grand family-size swing, each one is built with the same care and quality I’ve always put into my work.
A: Well, that depends on the model and size you’ve got in mind. For years, I only built these porch swings for friends and family—but they kept telling me I should share them with the world. So now, you can find these handcrafted porch swings right here in Columbus, Texas, at my storefront and online at Colorado Valley Wood Products. Whether you’re after a cozy two-seater or a grand family-size swing, each one is built with the same care and quality I’ve always put into my work.
General Information
Why doesn’t Jack’s Backyard build in Dallas?
Treehouse projects require ongoing site presence, crew coordination, and follow-up. For projects outside Central Texas, maintaining that level of service becomes impractical. Rather than compromise quality, we limit full builds to regions we can properly support.
What’s included in a Dallas-area consultation?
An onsite evaluation of your trees and space, design guidance, feasibility feedback, and practical advice you can take directly to a local builder. No sales pressure, no obligation to build with us.
Can you design the treehouse and have someone else build it?
Yes. Many clients use the consultation to inform design decisions and then work with a local contractor. Ongoing consulting is also available if needed.
Is the $500 consultation applied to a build later?
The consultation is a standalone service. If a future build with Jack’s Backyard becomes feasible, that can be discussed separately.
Treehouse projects require ongoing site presence, crew coordination, and follow-up. For projects outside Central Texas, maintaining that level of service becomes impractical. Rather than compromise quality, we limit full builds to regions we can properly support.
What’s included in a Dallas-area consultation?
An onsite evaluation of your trees and space, design guidance, feasibility feedback, and practical advice you can take directly to a local builder. No sales pressure, no obligation to build with us.
Can you design the treehouse and have someone else build it?
Yes. Many clients use the consultation to inform design decisions and then work with a local contractor. Ongoing consulting is also available if needed.
Is the $500 consultation applied to a build later?
The consultation is a standalone service. If a future build with Jack’s Backyard becomes feasible, that can be discussed separately.
Q: I looked your map and we are not in Texas. Do you build outside of Texas?
A: Yes. It's rare for projects outside of Texas, but we are willing to travel for the right project. A healthy budget will be a motivator. We are always ready to go North during the summer months.
A: Yes. It's rare for projects outside of Texas, but we are willing to travel for the right project. A healthy budget will be a motivator. We are always ready to go North during the summer months.
Some of these inquiries seem like reasonable request
and others are ridiculous, but these are actual questions.
Q: Where are you?
A: At my desk writing these FAQ's. I'm willing to travel outside of my normal range for the right project. See map posted above for my normal area.
Q: Need Playset. Thanks.
A: If this is how you communicate, we will not get along.
Q: Do you have a number where I can reach you?
A: No, but you you probably have one where I can reach you. Once you're my client, you can have my number.
Q: I prefer to text. Can I text you?
A: I don't text.
Q: My son/daughter is having a birthday party next weekend. Can you come over and a build a treehouse before Friday?
A: I can have one ready for their birthday next year.
Q: How much is it to move or install a swingset?
A: I do not move or install swing sets. If you're in Texas, contact [email protected] for any type of residential Playset Service.
A: At my desk writing these FAQ's. I'm willing to travel outside of my normal range for the right project. See map posted above for my normal area.
Q: Need Playset. Thanks.
A: If this is how you communicate, we will not get along.
Q: Do you have a number where I can reach you?
A: No, but you you probably have one where I can reach you. Once you're my client, you can have my number.
Q: I prefer to text. Can I text you?
A: I don't text.
Q: My son/daughter is having a birthday party next weekend. Can you come over and a build a treehouse before Friday?
A: I can have one ready for their birthday next year.
Q: How much is it to move or install a swingset?
A: I do not move or install swing sets. If you're in Texas, contact [email protected] for any type of residential Playset Service.