Builders, Renovation, Design, Furniture, Decorate

Just imagine your elementary-school-age daughter perusing through home decor magazines to pick out countertops, flooring, and decorating styles for her very own home; or how about your son picking out the finish for his deck on the back of his very own house -- yes, even children are getting into the real estate game. When kids are ready to become homeowners, Bobby Lux builder of Just 4 Fun Playhomes is there for them.

"I build quality custom homes for children. Their parents pay for them, but I work for the kids and try to get them a good quality product that's going to last," says Lux.

Lux has been building playhomes for kids for about 15 years. It started as a project for his grandkids and soon turned into a job.

"I built them a really nice playhouse out here by my house. We had a lot of fun in it," says Lux.

The playhouse could be seen by cars passing by on the street. It soon prompted numerous requests from parents for similar playhomes.

Lux takes his business very seriously. He is passionate about creating a look that is unique and representative of each child's style. His clients pay a premium for his service. A playhouse can range from $1,400 to nearly $10,000 depending on the style and features of the home. His goal is to have the home last and be passed on to future generations.

"Basically it's very similar to building a [real] house. I put vinyl floors, carpet, I put electrical in it -- it's all low voltage for the children so they won't get shocked. I put lighting systems in. They have countertops, stainless steel sinks, running water -- if they'd like. I build miniature appliances like microwaves and dishwashers," says Lux.

One house Lux built even had formica put in for the countertops. Another home used marble flooring that was left over from when the family built their home.

As you can imagine, "I am pretty popular with the young girls," boasts Lux. However, the boys aren't left out.

"One of the last houses I built was a craftsman style in La Jolla. It was a gorgeous house and the little boy had come up and played in my playhouses. The little boy was four years old and he walked right in [to his new playhouse] and started putting stuff into the refrigerator and bringing stuff over to the sink and washing things. He was right at home; he loved it," says Lux.

What's the most unusual playhouse Lux has built?

"We built a lighthouse [style playhouse] with a walk-around deck upstairs. It had a light in it that actually rotated. It had a light-keepers house connected to it with built-in bookcases and cabinets," says Lux.

The playhomes can be built in about a month. For more details visit just4funplayhomes.com.

Lux says playhomes allow children to have fun while also teaching them to be responsible for their own space and to appreciate quality in homes. One day they'll be seeking that same level of quality in a real home -- if only the prices were the same!

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