I want a dollhouse.  Where do I begin?

As you browse ebay's vast array of kits and ready-built dollhouses, it's very hard to figure out what would be the best project for you.  You are faced with kits that range from $5 to a whopping $800... and that doesn't even include the already-built dollhouses that can go anywhere from $5 for the smallest, rattiest house, to thousands of dollars.

Start by asking yourself these questions:
1. Is this dollhouse for me (an adult collector) or for a child?
2. How much work am I willing to dedicate to this new hobby?

These are important questions.  Whether the house is for a child or an adult determines the quality of house you're looking for.  You don't want to spend $4,000 on a gorgeous hand-hewn colonial and give it to a child--nor do you want to spend $5,000 perfecting a house that is made of inferior quality materials.

DOLLHOUSE KITS:
Some kits are more complex than others.  There are kits (Example: Dura-Kraft, Real-Good-Toys) that are fairly simple to assemble--and have the siding and shingles already 'stamped' into the building materials, so it saves you several steps.  These kits also have modular add-on items, like extensions, porches, etc, that can be purchased to customize your house.  There are also working windows and doors that can be purchased that fit the openings perfectly.  These houses can be quite easily assembled, pre-papered/painted, etc.  They are 'instant gratification' kits.  They are also very heavy, but pretty sturdy houses.

Other kits are not super-easy to assemble, but present a fair bit more detail and architectural interest (Greenleaf, Corona).  Some of these houses are utterly superb.  They feature curved roofing, complex gingerbread, and more.  They are die-cut into plywood, and are tab-assembled.  They require more time, more planning, and they don't have as many 'modular' options as other kits.  It doesn't mean you can't customize them --many people 'bash' these kits, and do all sorts of creative things to them to make them unique.  However, you should be fairly brave or slightly experienced--they might require cutting, widening of windows, etc.  These kits are not highly recommended as first-time kits, however the same companies do provide simpler models which would be excellent platforms for you to gain experience. 

The message is: if you're doing a kit, start small--even with the simpler ones.  There are all sorts of applied lessons you will learn about building a dollhouse from a kit; including what best finishes to use, how to install electricity; the more you do, the more complex your projects will be.  And you will learn as you go along, all the options you have and exactly how far miniaturists are willing to go to perfect their projects.

PRE-BUILT DOLLHOUSES:
Buying a pre-built home allows you the chance to delve into the more stress-free aspect of miniatures.  It also gives you a chance to find out all the ins and outs of the miniature community, and yes, there is a community of miniaturists.  You can use the shopping and the finding to gain experience about building and creating miniatures; develop knowledge about the hobby, and create ideas for your longer-term projects and future builds.  It will help you learn where the best shows will be to acquire what you need for larger projects. Furniture can be bought in whole rooms, from fine collector quality to sturdy, hardy furniture made for children's use.

Benefits:  All the hard parts have been completed by someone else; it's like moving into a turnkey home.  You can always change cosmetic things, like paper, windows, floors, etc. later on.  Nothing's permanent.  There are no rules saying you can't make major changes--just like a full-scale house.

Challenges: Shipping a ready-built house can be costly; pictures don't always portray the true state of the house.  Ready-built dollhouses are usually fairly expensive since hours of labor have already been invested into them.

HAPPY MEDIUM:
There are many 'almost-built' dollhouses out there.  They sometimes call them 'blanks' or 'shells'.  These houses are already assembled, but they lack windows, paint, siding, etc.  It leaves all those choices up to you.  On ebay, if you search, you'll find a host of gorgeous accessories and building materials to fill your kit or almost-built house--from spiral staircases to french doors, transom windows and bays.  There are conservatories, and garages to add onto your project, not to mention the array of finishes, like real brick, siding, stone-work, and more.

ALL IN ALL:
The only drawback it seems to both kits and assembled kits, is that they are not really 'unique'.  If you're enterprising, you can find custom houses, or you can plan your own dollhouse to build.  However, even with kits, there's room for imagination, and you can take elements of the kit that you love and add to them using another kit, or even making your own additions.

In summary, the advice is, start small at first.  Start with 1:12 scale too; you can always go smaller when you're more confident.  Your practice projects can teach you a lot about the hobby, and you can always donate your first product to a good cause, gift it to someone, or sell it to finance the next project.  Dollhouses, especially well-made dollhouses are not just 'toys' they're heirlooms.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Dollhouse projects are time consuming, involved, require a taste for detail, but are fulfilling activities.  The more detail you put into it, the more satisfaction you get from your efforts.
• Building a dollhouse with someone makes it all the better.  Buy a kit, and have your child help you assemble it.  It's a wonderful bonding experience, and the kind of hobby a child will happily share with a parent or grandparent.  Going shopping together for materials and accessories can be very fun.
• Building a dollhouse can also open a door to other talents you didn't know you had. You might figure out you're good at crocheting tiny things, or building furniture from basswood, or creating food or dolls from polymer clay.  Exploring all the talents you have to create a perfect world in miniature can't be a bad thing. :)
• Have fun.  That's what it's all about.  And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me.

Greenleaf's Beacon Hill.