Kit homes – Endangered & important
By : J. David Chapman/February 6, 2025
Kit homes, once a staple of American homeownership, represent a fascinating chapter in real estate history. In the early 20th century, companies like Sears, Roebuck & Co. revolutionized home construction by offering mail-order houses, shipped in thousands of pieces via rail. These kits contained everything from framing lumber to nails, plumbing, and blueprints—allowing aspiring homeowners to build quality homes at an affordable price. Buyers would receive detailed instruction manuals, enabling them to construct their homes with the help of family, friends, or hired laborers.
Between 1908 and 1940, Sears sold an estimated 70,000 kit homes across the U.S., many of which still stand today. Other companies, including Aladdin Homes and Montgomery Ward, also contributed to the phenomenon, making homeownership accessible to working- and middle-class families. With solid materials and customizable designs, these homes blended durability with architectural charm, featuring styles from Craftsman bungalows to Colonial Revivals. Many of these homes were designed with modern conveniences, such as indoor plumbing and electricity, making them highly desirable at the time.
Julie and I have a deep appreciation for these homes—not just as relics of the past but as living, breathing parts of our community. We own two kit homes, built in 1915 and 1918, and we’re currently transforming one into a commercial space. Instead of tearing down history, we’re preserving its character while adapting it for modern use. The craftsmanship of these homes, evident in their sturdy wood and thoughtful design, and their important contribution to the American built environment, makes them worth saving. As we renovate, we uncover details that speak to the care and precision that went into their construction, from hand-cut beams to original moldings that have withstood the test of time.
Kit homes helped shape the built environment of countless American towns. Their legacy can be seen in neighborhoods where these homes still stand as testaments to resilience, ingenuity, and the spirit of homeownership. Some cities have even recognized them as historically significant, offering preservation incentives to maintain their original charm. By restoring and repurposing them, we honor that history while ensuring their utility for generations to come. As more people discover their value, kit homes continue to be appreciated not just for their historical significance but for their enduring quality and craftsmanship. If you have an interest, and want to tour our “kit home” residential to commercial conversion project – I am available.
J. David Chapman, Ph.D., is professor of finance & real estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).