#kit house

[poison-photos]

A Lustron House. 1940s kit house made of enameled steel

[sears-official]

How many of you would buy a Sears kit home if they existed today? I know I would.

[thirstywhitedad]

Hey so this might sound weird, but I'm looking for a very specific kind of home, I've started doing research on it today. It was what's known as a kit home, a home in which all of the pieces and materials were pre cut and then delivered to someone who wanted to build a house. This was popular in the first ~third of the 1900s. This one in particular ran roughly from 1915 to 1920. Its distinguishing features include two bay windows next to eachother in one corner, with a bay window tower above them, and then two triangular segments on top of the tower. I would really appreciate it if, in the event that you know of one of these homes, that you tell me about it! The first image is actually my home, which is why I am interested.

[necromanticowboy]

Does anyone have any experience with these Menards kit houses?

[movingtothefarm]

The Story on Sears Houses

For more than 30 years, the Chicago-based retailer was the king of catalog Sears houses.

What if customers could pick a plan for their dream house from a Sears catalog? Then, instead of selling building materials in random bits and pieces, Sears could market them in a coordinated package—one containing exactly what was needed to build a particular house and shipped directly to the railroad station nearest the building site. One order could include everything—nails and screws, paint and roof shingles, windows and doors, woodwork, staircases, and mantelpieces.

The company’s first 44-page Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans, issued in 1908, brought an immediate and enthusiastic response.

[cheapoldhousesunder50k]

Sears Kit House Spotlight Tuesday - The Whitehall

Sears Kit House Spotlight Tuesday – The Whitehall

Sears kit house, The Whitehall, was described in the 1918 Modern Home catalog as a “modern type of two-story home that is seen in the better residential neighborhoods. It is dignified and substantial, and was designed with three important objects in view; Economy of floor space; quality of material; and value giving.”   Exterior The front elevation had a first and second floor bay window,…

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[timberframehomes]

The Advantages Of Building Timber Frame Homes

Building a timber frame home has many distinct advantages over traditional building techniques. The following article highlights some of these benefits.

Original article was published here: http://www.interiordesigningtrends.com/7-things-to-consider-when-designing-your-timber-frame-home-plan/

Creating a timber frame home plan is an exciting process, and it’s easy to get so caught up in the creation that you forget about some of the most important factors. When designing your own timber frame home plan, make sure to consider the following:

1. Start with your home site

Can the land support a timber frame home? Can you connect to public utilities or do you need to install a septic tank and/or well? Your game plan will also be very different based on the views. Are they the same all around or do you have a focal point you’d like to emphasize, like snowcapped mountains or a crystal-clear lake? If so, you may want to make sure you include large windows or even a balcony in order to capitalize on this asset. If the views are more consistent on every side of your home, or it will be built deep in the woods, consider crafting the rooms to focus and reflect more on each other than on the outside landscape.

2. Identify the size and style of timber frame home you would like to build

This is an extremely important step to consider so you can begin planning your budget. Building a custom home may already be a pricey endeavor, but many homebuilders do not think about unexpected costs that can pop up throughout construction. On average, medium to high-quality timber frame home plans cost about $150 per square foot. Plan ahead, give yourself a financial cushion, and you will most likely be less stressed and more successful in the long run.

3. Think about the future

Is your new timber frame house a vacation home? Do you plan on retiring there later? Do you plan on raising kids, or even hosting grandchildren there eventually? These are just a few of the many questions you should consider when creating your timber frame floor plan. If you plan on living there when you are much older, make sure to install handrails on both sides of every stair case. If you plan on children living and growing up there, make sure to incorporate plenty of storage space to accommodate your family as you grow. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to incorporate whoever you may want to reside there, but not so many that the home feels cavernous.

4. Spend more on higher quality materials at the start

Doors, windows, and flooring are essential parts of your timber frame home and often cost more to replace later. By incorporating high-quality materials into timber frame home plans, many people end up saving money in the long run. Do yourself a favor and save the stress. Use high-quality materials to ensure your timber frame home reaches its highest living, and lasting, potential.

5. Bring the outside in

Chances are, if you’re planning on building a timber frame home, you are doing so in a nature-rich beautiful environment. Large windows, balconies, and screened-in porches can be a great way to embrace and incorporate the scenery around you. Be careful with what windows you chose if you decide to build large windows. Using cheaper windows may save you money in the short-term, but this can lead to unwanted air leakage and high energy bills later on. Building an outdoor deck can also be a way to capitalize on floor space and home size. Be careful, however, that the decks and railings do not interfere with your desired view from inside the home.

6. Maximize your space

Storage can often be the last thing a home builder considers when creating timber frame floor plans, but we all know how important it truly is. Many homes don’t capitalize on extra space, such as cupboards underneath stair cases. This can be a great place to start looking into extra storage areas that you know you’re going to need. By incorporating as many out of sight storage spaces as possible, you will be able to maximize the rest of your floor plans, allowing you to focus on more important areas of the house.

7. Think about how you want your home to feel

Would you like your timber frame home to feel more formal or informal? There are many different things to consider when thinking about the flow and overall feel of your home. If you would like a more formal feel, hallways are a great place to start. Hallways create invisible boundaries that can lead to a higher sense of privacy. In contrast, timber frame floor plans that show a master bedroom sharing a main wall with a living area can seem very informal. Large open areas may allow more of a natural flow to your indoor living space, but keep in mind how much privacy you should provide for not only yourself, but also for guests.

[kathleenmaryparker]

Sears 227, Sears Castleton in Dayton Ohio by Rachel Shoemaker Via Flickr: This 1924 Testimonial for FW Grisso in Dayton Ohio sent me directly to a Sears Castleton aka 227. This foursquare model was first offered in 1911 as the number 227 and in 1918 renamed the Castleton. It was last offered in 1924. MY BLOG ABOUT MAIL ORDER-CATALOG HOMES MY FACEBOOK PAGE SINCE 2009