1931. Between 1908 and 1940, Sears sold about 70,000 kit homes in 48 states through their mail-order Modern Homes program, with 370 designs that you might not readily recognize as a kit. would a S&R house have had bead board on all walls and ceilings?? This is a great resource for people in the St. Louis area. Number18. While the retailer is clinging to life amid a changing consumer landscape, many of the kit homes it designed and sold will stand long after the last Sears store closes. North American Construction Company, Bay City, Michigan. Your comment will appear after it has been previewed and approved by the blog author. In 1940 the last "official" Sears kit house was sold and shipped to its owner. Harris Brothers Company, Chicago, Illinois. It was a Sears, Roebuck and Co. kit home, the Martha Washington, advertised in. The problem starts out front, where the place is just oozing Sears Modern Homes, but the sheer size of the place and unorthodox design left us a bit puzzled as to what exactly we were looking at. There are towns all over America that have railroads running through them, but in which we don't find any Sears houses. sometimes we do find Sears houses in those towns, but also, absolutely, in other towns far away from the railroad line. She says from 1908 to 1942, Sears sold more than 70,000 kits nationwide, and more than 3,000 in the Cincinnati area. New York state is 4th, with 1,679 houses found. How can you spot a Sears Catalog Home? Thank you for this set of photos of your lovely home. 1924 Bowers Beach, Delaware. Wagon loads of house materials were brought wagon-by-wagon in the proper order for construction while the boxcar sat on a siding. I am about to sell and would love any help in finding out more to pass on to the next buyer. And with this stroke of genius, the Sears & Roebuck Kit Homes were born. Great finda Sears "Magnolia" in Canton, Ohio, and its catalog listing. When people say. @Gail Minthorn, As I live in this part of St. Louis, I have been inside some of these houses, have spoken to owners of some of these houses, and have been able to notice details, from the exterior, that show elements on the house that are from other companies. Because kit homes made wide use of already-popular house styles you cannot be sure of a kit status from the photo alone. North Avenue, in Pleasant Valley, NY, a "gothic cottage" Crescent model built in 1932 for $1761. Lake Worth, Florida. On 2022-04-20 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator. . Thank you for the resources. On 2022-02-01 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator. provides examples of clues useful in identifying Sears Catalog Kit Homes. In . Between 1908 and 1940, Sears provided house kits. Any idea where I might find plans from before 1908? If you can find other details such as finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a particular company's kit home and also paging through the kit home catalogs we list to match that roof design and entry porch, for example. Square Footage: 1,356. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. Benefiting from Hunter's work as well as our own search we list a number of kit or catalog home manufacturers here. If My House Is Not A Kit, Then Where Did It Come From?? Nor do I include the collection of homes in Wood River, Illinois (both towns had neighborhoods of Sears Modern Homes kits built by the Standard Oil Company, around 1918). However, we do work with a select group of software companies and service providers that we feel provide real value for our readers. Get actionable real estate strategy in your inbox. Only seven Magnolias are known to exist, including one at 1500 James St., Syracuse. 1. Also note how the large shed dormer comes off the ridge of the roof. Those in bold are ones that I have written blog posts about, and the link takes you to the blog post: A few years ago, author Rosemary Thornton published, I can tell you, definitively, that the following five houses from that blog post, are not, in fact, Sears houses. The updated five-bedroom home is zoned for residential and commercial use, which makes it a great opportunity for a bed-and-breakfast or live-work space. There we list the manufacturers of kit or catalog homes sold in the United States and provide links to additional references, kit home identification, kit or catalog home restoration and repairs, and kit home architectural and hardware details, markings, and stencils. Rock lath plaster systems like the Goodwall sheet plaster product are detailed. We are proud to carry Dutch Housing manufactured & modular homes. Hello! One satisfied Sears homeowner, Edith Sides of Dallas, lived in a home that was built in 1911 and sold to her stepfather in 1917. Their best wall product was Goodwall Sheet Plaster, which was plaster encased in layers of heavy cardboard. Some of the earliest kit houses had few markings or stencils but you still may be able to recognize common Hardware. the author of books on identifying Sears houses, cited at REFERENCES below, and These along with some houses I photographed Sears Archives Home Page Kit homes used drywall, asphalt shingles, and "balloon" style. Sears promised that this sheet plaster was superior to lath and plaster for many reasons, including its fire resistant qualities. I'd like to be able to answer your question but as there were over 100 kit home models made over quite a few decades, with just your description I cannot. For this weeks listing of the week, we decided to find seven charming Sears Catalog homes you can actually buy today. Some early experiments by Sears included selling a kit to build Historic house: Built in 1911, this Sears home sits on a large, corner lot in a historic district, surrounded by antebellum homes. Rosemary Thornton's two books Even better, unlike the other homes weve seen so far, 1670 Whitcomb seems largely untouched from its original design. Most folks turned to their local lumberyard or a local contractor, who would have offered booklets of modest-to-elaborate house plans for American home buyers to choose from (we call these, simply. ), This is a fantastic post! 1917. List of kit home catalogs available at National Trust Library: Log Cabins. 721 Illinois Street, Geneva, IL, 60134 Sold for $390,000. Luckily, the owners also kept lots and lots of original goodies intact that are highly sought after (and highly expensive to build) by design conscious folks across the country. Our national database of Sears houses in the U.S. has over 13,600 homes on it, and, after Ohio and Illinois, Pennsylvania is #3 in U.S. states with, at today's count, 1,963 Sears homes found. after 1940. When most people think of Sears catalog homes, they imagine Cape Cods or Craftsman style bungalows with columned porches. NTL Stacks: NA8480.N61, Aladdin Houses. homes were sold and built before that year, but it is certainly the case that the sale of some models continued to 1940. Here are five recent sales and listings of Sears homes around Chicagoland. by Sears & Roebuck in 1908, and eventually Sears offered 370 different models of residential homes, ranging from small bungalows Long before Amazon Prime, shoppers across America turned to the Sears catalog to purchase all kinds of consumer goodsnot just products for the home, but also the homes themselves. For most of its years in operation, the Sears Modern Homes department served its customers from three locations: In Cairo, Illinois, Sears had a 40-acre lumber and millwork plant. Tucker/Crossroads. at $500. These customizable homes could be manufactured for anyone, anywhere. Continue to look for the kit house identification clues discussed above on this page and in this article series. Other details can include finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a particular company's kit home and also paging through the kit home catalogs we list to match that roof design and entry porch, for example. Any ASHI, NAHI, or other serious home inspector who has been working in the Hudson Valley of New York or for that matter in many other U.S. cities and towns for a decade or more has probably inspected several Sears Catalog homes, even if s/he did not recognize it at the time. match, interior hardware, and stencil marks make the identification of this home as a Sears catalog house quite clear. The clues you already have seem to indicate that it may very well be the Elsmore model - age, interior and exterior designs, and 'provenance' confirmation from previous owner. 1924. Some people like to mention the huge collection of Sears Modern Homes in Carlinville, Illinois, when they speak of Sears Houses in the St. Louis area, but, given that Carlinville is a 90-minute drive from St. Louis County, in a different state, I don't include them in my list. Our client traced the sale and construction of the home to By 1940 home designs, specifications (and building codes) For more information on who we are, and what we do, visit our website: This question was recently posed in a FaceBook group that focuses on St. Louis history. I'm doubtful we can confirm the Sears kit origin from a photo alone; as you note there were Sears kits for popular home designs built stick by stick as well as copycat kits; You'd want to find stamps on lumber, hardware details or other details given above on this page. One of the most fascinating parts of the story, is that the framing lumber was (in most cases) pre-cut and labeled, allowing the homebuilder to follow an instruction booklet to help in the organized construction process. This Sears Sunbeam is a lovely example and in original condition. 1 story, 2 br, chimney In middle. Please call or text 815-603-7338. Customers were given everything needed for basic assemblyincluding the nailsdelivered by rail, and most folks with adequate carpentry expertise could put up their new house in just a few days. A 1925 Colonial-style home in Washington, D.C., that sold last year for $1.06 million had humble beginnings. As an amateur historian and NOCO Realtor, this list will be most helpful. A 1921 catalog of Sears kit homes offers the Magnolia for $6,488. BOOKS ON SEARS AND OTHER KIT OR CATALOG HOUSES. Both sections span from 1886 to today. For some of these items, there were options (type of wiring, heating, plumbing fixtures, for example, or upgrades for flooring and trim wood), and any masonry items were purchased through Sears, but obtained through a local supplier, rather than being shipped by Sears. Three neighbors - three Sears catalog homes were built in a row by Wappingers grocer Adolph Von Vorstel on N. Remsen Ave. in Wappingers Falls. We did not examine the mechanicals closely in this house, as they were not provided by Sears and Roebuck and were obtained locally. Thank you. Or see SEARS KIT HOME IDENTIFICATION FAQs - questions and answers about Sears Kit Houses posted originally on this page. Some Vintage Kit Homes Now Sell for Over $1 Million. Eric: I've looked through the Sears kit house archives (that I do not think are actually complete) and don't see that exact cape cod design with the center chimney and with that lower roof level and smaller window on the right. I have been pouring over house plans and scouring the internet looking at catalogues and am coming up short. This home is in Dansville, NY and was built in 1930. Apartment in Munich, Upper Bavaria. We settled on Vallonia, because of the awning, but the porch and columns are all wrong. Fiberboard could be used as a plaster base or painted, or simply left in its tan-brown color. Price: $334,000. (kit cost) to larger homes costing $5000. Enthusiasts call the Magnolia the "holy grail of kit houses." (Photo: Courtesy Andrew and Wendy Mutch) This past . Additional keys for identifying kit homes are given on the page above. Sears Goodwall was touted as more fire-resistant than alternative plant-based fiberboard sheathing products. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia, Questions & answers or comments about Sears kit homes: sources, history, identification, repair, inspection. A couple of years ago I became more interested in catalog and kit houses as Chicagoland is full of them, many coming from local companies like Sears, Montgomery Ward, and the Harris Brothers. Here are some tips for how to make this career choice work for you. Sears kit homes were shipped via boxcar and came with a 75-page instruction book. We have encountered such a home in northern Dutchess County in New York State, one which looks just like a Sears model but One of many Sears houses built in 1912 by a realty company. NTL Stacks TH4819.P7R42 1915, Robinson's Money-Saving Mill-Made Cut-To-Fit Houses. Thank you again for the response, On 2022-03-06 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator. While sold primarily to East Coast and Midwest states, Sears homes have been located as far south as Florida and as far west as California. Sure, the windows are modernized along with a few skylights and what looks like an addition with vaulted ceilings, but the facade has largely stayed true to its architectural vision. The thickness dimensions do not include field-applied top coat layers of finished plaster. tips and photos with this article. A nationally recognized founder, branding expert, and industry thought leader, Emile cut his teeth in real estate in 2007 crafting marketing strategies for the Chrysler and MetLife Buildings. We've had less success finding details about other kit home companies selling in the United States and Canada, though Rebecca Hunter has compiled a list of a variety of kit house companies. - Keystone homes (50 y.o. Maybe evidence that our Sears model spotting skills are improving, or maybe because of the distinctive peaked entryway and side porch, we immediately pegged 319 Sycamore as a Glen Falls. 920 North Madison Avenue, Anderson, Indiana Asking: $379,900 Sears estimated that a plasterer would charge you $200, which included nailing up all those thin strips of lath and applying three coats of plaster (1916). Each house has a link that you can click on, that takes you to a resource to see the house (blog post, real estate listing, or Google map). Thanks!! by Inspectapedia Com Moderator. Included in the overall purchase, were all elements needed for the house, from lumber to roofing; wiring and plumbing; windows and door knobs, and hinges and nails and screws; staircases and all of their parts, pre-mitered; flooring, bath tubs and sinks and faucets; kitchen cabinets and ironing boards; window screens, window shades, and light fixtures. The following excerpt is from Rosemary Thornton's book cited on this page: In 1915, Sears offered Wood Fiber Wall Board, an early sheetrock-type alternative to lath and plaster. A Sears catalog home fan website, searshomes.org discusses the plaster systems used in older homes, including Sears kit homes. If you look at an old Sears catalog, youll find that while kit houses did not include plaster (due to shipping weight), your 12,000-piece kit house did come with good quality lath. They were shipped by rail, with pre-cut lumber stamped for assembly. In short, it's a house whose blueprints and building supplies were ordered from a specialty Sears catalog, and all of these supplies were shipped, by rail (primarily), to the homeowner (who either chose to build the house himself, or use a contractor to arrange the construction). then left the rest to the construction company. Since 1971 Sears Mfg. Oddly, there is no sales blurb included in the Sears Modern Homes catalog for this one. Above is the original catalog description of this home at 15 N. Remsen, Wappingers Falls, NY Three neighbors - three Sears catalog homes were built in a row by Wappingers grocer Adolph Von Vorstel on N. Remsen Ave. in Wappingers Falls. Only the very wealthy would have hired their own architect to design their home. More than 100 years of history now available online.Sears has a rich, long history to tell dating back to 1886 when Richard Sears sold the first batch of watches. A local example of this is LaPorte, Indiana, where Sears sold 50 houses in one subdivision. The group has identified 2,700 Sears homes in Ohio and 2,300 in Illinois. In 1908, when Sears began selling homes by mail, one-fifth of the country subscribed, according to a 99 Percent Invisible podcast about the program. However the owners and listing realtor had been unable to identify the Sears catalog model. Price: $489,000 Livability in Lexington: Built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this four-bedroom home has been meticulously maintained over the years. inspectapedia.com/Design/Kit_Houses.php We also fell in love with the stone facade, leafy front yard, and awesome built-ins inside. Later volumes offered up to 370 designs. @Sara, we'll look through our references to see what we can add to the Sears kit home notes above for those earlier models and will follow up here. Added to our resources on Sears Kit homes is a now-available archive from Sears itself: http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/byimage.htm The best place to start would be see 2 Additions later and its still standing. And, boy, did that post get some answers 743 comments, last I saw (of course, probably 50 or more of those, are my comments, trying to clarify and correct some of the answers that were, So, I thought maybe it's time to do a definitive blog post about where, in fact, the, Sears Modern Homes kits were sold from 1908 through about 1942, There were other major kit-house companies, (only a "possible"very likely NOT Sears, but a "lookalike"--possibly an Aladdin), The Back Story Of Kit Houses vs Non-Kit Houses. Sometimes, people will say. We pinpointed nine models from across the country that still stand tall as a testament to American ingenuity. I am licensed in just Missouri and Kansas, however, I have a great network of agents with a few good ones in eastern Tennessee. 8 September 2005. What About The Train's Role In All Of This? Offices Locations.jpg download. While it's absolutely true that Sears Modern Homes house kits were shipped by train, in several box-car loads, by rail, I think that the whole concept of the railroad being part of the story, has been greatly misunderstood. Geoffrey's Toy Box - toys, video games, videos (Revival of Toys R Us) Harvey Norman - furniture, housewares, electronics; Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Slovenia and Croatia. Sears Houses: This article series provides detailed photographic and historic clues to assist in by Inspectapedia Com Moderator. In the 1930s, during the Depression, the housing market took a sharp downturn, and by 1940, Sears stopped selling kit homes, as many people had lost their jobs and defaulted on their loans. We have a Sears Craftsman home that was built in 1910-1912 and would love to identify the style off home. 1. Some of those houses are still around, and the custom houses shown in the photos from the Sears archives we have located. Sears Modern Homes were catalog and kit houses sold primarily through mail order by Sears, Roebuck and Co., an American retailer.. From 1908 to 1942, Sears sold more than 70,000 of these houses in North America, by the company's count. 35 Point St., New Hamburg, NY, a 936 sq.ft. There is no list of homes sold by Sears, as all of their records were discarded. My neighbors grandfather helped build my home. The homes were sold through the Sears Roebuck catalog from 1908 to 1940. So before you open up yet another Superior Realty, check out these examples, branding tips and our very own name generator. Here are those we know of from Lewis Homes, Gordon-Van Tine, Wardway (Montgomery Ward), and Aladdin: . That's because, unfortunately, just finding a house in a catalog that looks like your home does not mean yours is a Sears kit. Details on the first floor indicate original to 1925 as the deed says. which lacks the Sears identifying stencils on framing and other key details. Between 1908 and 1940, more than 70,000 of these Sears Kit Homes were built across America. After 1940: However some homes could have been purchased around 1939 or 1940 but not completed until several years later, depending Ready Built House Company, Portland, Oregon. A highly modified Sunbeam model Sears Modern (we think) this house also had a tasteful, adult hip renovation that looks like a Southern Home spread brought to life. Of course, the home has been heavily modified from what we think its roots were as an Elmhurst model Sears catalog home, but that just adds to the charm, not to mention the square footage. As you've indicated, you already have some helpful information from your home. Most of the interior has been untouched other than the kitchen, which was remodeled by the previous owner (son of the builder) - the woodwork and detail is truly beautiful! Here are two examples of plans-only books, available through lumber yards and construction companies: Nonetheless, We're Always Looking For More Sears Modern Homes Kit Houses!