Other minor repairs and basic maintenance tasks, such as removing debris or checking the roof for damage, can also be done in a half-hour. Truly the home of the future. Its a whole book about deconstructing a Lustron. For our all-porcelain-enameled steel Lustron house (c. 1950), I'm interested in doing some sort of comprehensive waterproofing treatment on the modular "tile" roof panels and ridge line. Cool. Alternate floor plans were eventually an option for the two-bedroom models. There is also a 2-car carport, and the lot, unexpectedly, extends WAY past the carport. Not surprisingly, a large number of Lustron Homes still exists, spread widely throughout the Midwest and eastern seaboard. Types of Home Equity Loans. Other factors that influenced Lustrons eventual downfall were the companys lack of capitalization, the deterioration of the economy, and pressure from the government to repay outstanding loans.5 While modest in size, the Lustrons design successfully integrated evolving concepts of modern convenience with traditional ideas about the single-family domicile. As architect Carl Koch recalled of his efforts to redesign the Lustron shortly before the companys closure, a reduction in the number of dissimilar components, an increase in interchangeability, and a reduction of total component weight all would have reduced production costs and assembly time in the field.4 While the company did not last long enough to integrate his redesign strategies, the intended reduction from 3,000 dissimilar parts to 37 would likely have dramatically affected the Lustrons prospects for success. They currently have six erection crews at work, 12 houses under construction, and a backlog of 61 firm orders. (919) 340-1500. ABOVE: The all-steel interiors were softened by rugs, upholstered furnishings, and curtains. Sacramento, CA 95811 As normally you would apply two coats, preferably on the inside, it's probably smart to disassemble roof sections and do the dirty work in the garage. Thus, the dream of Carl Strandlundbecame reality, and Luston built around 3,000 homes between 1948 and 1950, whichsold for between $8,500 and $9,500. Even though Lustron Homes was receiving loans from the government, they could never hit the 100 homes per day construction goal that they set for themselves. But Lustrons were created between these two eras, and they have their own distinct period aesthetic, as exemplified by the two images above. ABOVE: In the linen closet is the original flooring. I just bought a Lustron in Saint Louis. Those additional measures will affect time, and a longer repair time will typically cost more money. But at least they are still in place. You can use it to pay for major expenses, including education, medical bills, and home repairs. Lustron House, 504 S. Edgewood Ave, Lombard, IL (updated with composite roof, vinyl siding, and new windows) Lustron House, 1127 E Division St, Lombard, IL; Lustron House, 257 East Madison St, Lombard, IL; Lustron House, 321 East Madison St, Lombard, IL . in various states of repair, are thought to still exist. Promotional literature promised low maintenance costs, since all interior and exterior surfacesincluding the roofwere constructed of porcelain enamel panels. By the end of 1949, the Lustron Homes distribution network included 234 dealers in 35 states, reaching from New York to Florida and South Carolina to Texas. Specializes in repairs . Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Current owners documentation of repair strategies, original sales information, and other historical details recall the impact of the experiment.7 They also remind us of the Lustrons strange mix of visionary and pragmatic influences and the dream of a technologically advanced domicile for a new and better world. Terri is also fond of another feature unique to Lustrons: metal walls inside and out. Regular roof repairs are essential to keeping a house safe and protected from weather and wildlife. The four existing Lustrons in Rock Island are located at 3316 7th Avenue, 2920 9th Street, 2113 22 1/2 Avenue and 2507 28th Avenue. Definitely post-war machine-age. It really shouldnt take three months to decide that taupe and lavender is the absolute perfect color combination for the room with the water heater. Though they require continual maintenance and inspection, repair costs are typically low compared to the initial installation cost or replacement cost. Less than 3,000 Lustron homes were manufactured between 1948-1950, with 15 of those houses still located in Brentwood, Missouri and 21 in Webster Groves . All 3,000 parts could be shipped from the factory in Columbus, Ohio, in a single 35 foot tandem trailer and be site-assembled in 350 hours. Flashing (small holes, corroded spots, resealing), Extensive treatment of environmentally-caused issues (mold, gas, etc. They cost between $1,000 to $3,000 per square, including labor. And it can be yours for $49,000. Overall, the house has held up remarkably well, especially considering the rough weather it has endured. We have to deal with a leaky roof and if anyone can help with possible solutions, we would really appreciate it. Its estimated that each home had 3,300 unique parts that were put on trailers and delivered to a building site. Powered by Mai Theme. [/caption] Since these homes are often prefabricated in a factory, builders maintain a higher-quality standard and homes are erected faster. Your email address will not be published. Only 2,680 Lustron houses made it off the assembly line before the company ceased production in 1950. Your question about painting the interior of this historic steel home is a good one and I think totally doable if you . Whoee! Current national average cost for repairs: $1,500. How Much Does A Home Security System Cost. . Current national average cost for repairs: $400. Use a 50/50 solution of water and ammonia; especially in the kitchen and the bathroom. They spun off Lustron as it was Government funded. The Lustron is this post is at 617 Lincoln. Very fun! The Lustron Corporation geared up to produce thousands of the homes from its re-tooled aircraft factory in Columbus, Ohio, before financing misjudgments and corruption in federal housing agencies forced its premature closure. . The roof panels have rusted through the bottom of them-We are just now searching for a sealer, etc. ZIP Code Get Estimates Now Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 69,191 HomeAdvisor members. . The enameled-steel design was promoted as a structure that didnt require painting and would: Lustron Homes made use of mass manufacturing, with a steel framing system that allowed for: Strandlund wanted to construct gas stations initially, but due to regulations on steel, the Truman administration would only allow the builder to obtain steel if they agreed to build residential units. Peter Rogers: "For our all-porcelain-enameled steel Lustron house (c. 1950), I'm interested ." - Sealant for enameled steel Lustron roof? In practical terms, this design means that for every house part that needs repairing, many more must be dismantled to reach it. Lustron home with original steel siding, roof and windows and added foundation trim. Despite this history, the Lustron offers an abundance of useful experience, including some important successes, regarding the opportunities and pitfalls of architectural prefabrication. I just put one under contract in St. Louis. . We can only see the damage when were in the small attic area. I think about this every time I pass 720 Beech Ave. Why? AIA California, arcCA 02.3, Building Value.] ABOVE: Whoee! Its just not architectural enough for me. . I would find find tiles that came as close as possible to the originals in terms of color and design, and have them all re-cut to 1010. First, and perhaps most prominent among the Lustrons successes, was the surprising degree to which it reached its target market and captured the popular imagination. They probably only sold in a limited service area in the midwest. . The family is trying to determine if they want to tear it down or if the metal panels can be sold, etc. The first Lustrons off the assembly line were two-bedroom, one-bath, 1,000-square-foot models. She has over five years of experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angies List). Initially, the builder offers a 1,000 square-foot bungalow home featuring two bedrooms and 2-foot square steel panels for the exterior. Both the 02 and 03 standard designs were Westchester models. She also loves to do small home improvement projects any chance she gets. For example, some kinds of roofs, like an especially steep option or one thats more custom, will need additional labor, safety precautions and material. The hopes for the Lustron Homes success were fueled by a postwar political climate in which mass production efforts of private companies had played an important part in helping to win the war; with such successes in mind, the U.S. government poured $37.5 million in loans into the Lustron Corporation. The Lustron Homes The Lustron Homes Aurora has seven all-steel Lustron houses (named for "luster on steel"). Strandlund realized that G.I.s were returning from World War II and there werent enough homes on the market to meet demand. Before you spend a lot of money on your roof, decide which category your repairs fall into. Where about is yours? There is a Lustron a 10 minute drive from me and I am rather surprised it is still standing, given the amount of new homes built around here. I also have a bathroom door. From our earliest history, we gather and tell stories. These roofs cost between $250 and $350 per square and need regular maintenance and repairs in order to stay functional. Sign up! Promotional literature promised low maintenance costs, since all interior and exterior surfacesincluding the roofwere constructed of porcelain enamel panels. Get free quotes from roof pros near you. Contractors would pour a foundation and in two weeks, the house would be ready for move-in. ABOVE: The back of the house. Todd and Terri pore over the vintage owners manual to get clues for repairing their living room, which boasts original built-in bookshelves. Lustrons are made of porcelain enameled steel11 tons of it molded into 30,000 parts, all of which fit together like a giant, three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. And thats assuming you have a house, thereby successfully navigating the home-buying process. They are super sturdy panels that interlock and there is no rattling at all other than when using a sliderand that isnt remotely noisy either. Overly ambitious initial projections had indicated that the factory would produce at a rate of 400 houses per day. In the kitchen, where you might have a grease buildup; in the bathroom, where you might have a soapy residue buildup. Wachsmann and Gropius General Panel house and early Package house also appeared to be headed for intensive mass production efforts at about the same time the Lustron experienced its best years, but the most successful General Panel house production effort only reached 150 to 200 units.6 As long as they look from the era (the ones we have are reddish brown), they would look at home. Have you ever had an experience that made you want to scream, pull your hair out and collapse on the floor in a dead-weight tantrum like a toddler at Walmart? Wouldnt it be nice if there was one! he jokes. Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new roof! CS and Hazel Worley. ABOVE: The most popular model, the two-bedroom Esquire. The prefabricated design allowed them to be mass produced on the cheap. I have a mild aversion to it and could never live in one. The most serious issue with this Lustron is how the floor slab has settled in this area. Fetters provides the most complete survey of the Lustron production history, including factors that contributed to both its creation and demise. Common repairs: Moss growth and insect damage, debris removal, adding coats of preservative and sealing and water damage. Painting An Historic Steel Home: Lustron Homes originally built for returning WWII veterans, DIY Shouldnt be Dangerous: How to Find Safer Paint Strippers, FrogTape Multi-Surface Painters Tape Creates Clean Lines for Painting, Home Improvement Tips & Advice: Show #0501061, How to Floor Your Attic for Storage Without Wrecking Your Roof, Best Paint Colors to Increase The Value Of Your Home, Does Leaf Filter Gutter Guard Work? Im not sure this thread is active. Roof repairs are typically classified into minor and major repairs. Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Community! I really like these houses. The 207-page book, delivered to each house site along with a truckload of parts, is one of Zeigers favorite aspects of Lustrons. North Carolina received the most houses (339), while Illinois (307), Ohio (275), and Indiana (142) also were leaders. Metal roofs come in a variety of alloys and pure metals, with steel being the most cost-efficient and common. The Dymaxion was never produced, except for two prototypes, one interior and one exterior. Once an order was received, the materials moved from the warehouse and were delivered, literally in stacks, on the property. 1 H. Ward Jandl, Yesterdays Houses of Tomorrow: Innovative American Homes, 1850 to 1950 (Washington, DC: Preservation Press, 1991). This is the most original Lustron bathroom I have ever seen. To help meet these additional mandatory continuing education licensure requirements, AIA California is offering a variety of on-demand ZNCD courses through our partner aecKnowledge. All Rights Reserved. Located at 617 Lincoln in Emporia Kansas. If youre not familiar, then youve obviously never gone to IKEA. Youll get immediate responses. Get a Quote. Current national average cost for repairs: $710. log in. We live at 10 Holmes Place in Fredonia NY. After all, these men were returning home from the war. . The Hudsons are selling their Lustron for $389,000. Often such houses suffer from rusting steel panels, replacement windows, and replacement siding. Where holes exist, paint over a patch of plastic screening. Surely one of them will be able to answer your questions. Not bad for an all steel home! The furnace was meant to heat the metal ceiling tiles, with the idea of the entire home being heated. Roof repairs, roof-overs, and partial replacements cost $250 to $3,000 per square (100 SF), depending on the material. The bigger the scope and square footage of damaged roofing, the more you can expect to pay. We could not find any to use on the damaged portion of the roof so had to replace it. This compensation comes from two main sources. Projected site assembly times were similarly aggressive and were projected at 150 hours per unit, although typically under the best conditions the time usually amounted to 350 hours. ABOVE: You can see how replacement windows SO do not look right on a Lustron! Lustrons had an extremely odd but fascinating heating system. Taken together, they suggest both a timeline (plan ahead!) 617 is the only Lustron I know of in Emporia. What could be better than a $10,000 home that lasts 100 years without the need to paint, re-shingle or repair? [/caption] The houses were made of metal, allowing them to be durable and fast to build. This is one of the things I love about Lustrons: they were incredibly well thought out.