Many people have fond memories of the Sears catalog. However, did you know that in 1906, you could order a home from the catalog? Sears offered many different styles of homes through the early 1920s.
HGTV uncovered a few happy homeowners who still reside in a Sears catalog home. The Birks’ house was built in 1928, and it is still in remarkable shape. Matt and Mary Birk love their quaint home.
Mary tells reporters that the home was a ‘Martha Washington,’ the 2nd most expensive one in the catalog at $3700. It features window seats, a beautiful staircase, and french windows.
Matt commented that many windows were needed because no home had air conditioning in 1928. The Birks love the charming feel of their Sears home, and their neighborhood has 10 other homes made from the Sears catalog.
Starting in 1906, Sears sold homes in model kits, and they could be assembled right on your lot when ordered. They wanted to sell more than just home furnishings, so they branched out into home sales.
After a customer ordered their home, it would be shipped by train. Every piece was numbered and cut to order for easy construction. The kits contained everything needed, including heating, wiring, and even plumbing.
Sears offered different styles that fit every type of neighborhood. These houses were built to last, and some even had 10 to 12 rooms. They ranged in price from $800 to $6,000. Different models were referred to as ‘Four Squares, Bungalows, and Craftsman.’ It is incredible to see the workmanship, durability, and pride still standing in America’s Sears homes.
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