Sears Sold Up to 75,000 Kit Homes in 447 Styles Between 1908 and 1939

From 1908 to 1939, Sears, Roebuck & Co. transported 25-ton house kits via rail, which included 30,000 pre-cut components, plumbing, electrical fixtures, and 750 pounds of nails. They offered between 70,000 and 75,000 homes in 447 different styles, ranging from Craftsman to Cape Cod. Approximately half were constructed by the homeowners themselves, while the remainder were built by professionals. The inaugural catalog showcased model 125, an eight-room bungalow priced at $945. In 1918, Sears updated names of models such as Adeline and Magnolia, the latter costing $6,488 from 1913 to 1922. Three construction grades were available: Honor Bilt, Standard Built, and Simplex Sectional. Buyers had the option to customize their designs with submitted blueprints. Kit House Hunters have identified over 18,000 remaining homes, predominantly located in the Northeast and Midwest.