Today's playhouses come in an incredible range of sizes, styles and prices, from pre-cut kits that a consumer can assemble in a few hours, to prefabricated models assembled by the manufacturers, to custom designed and built miniature houses, castles and forts, complete with real windows, dormers, shutters and all the details of a real kid-sized house.

Manufacturers offer pre-designed playhouse models with menus of options and some will custom design and install playhouses. Upscale options include electricity, running water, a variety of flooring, siding and roofing options - details never dreamt of when a big cardboard box and some boards were "home."

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com