I think I bought a sears home. I am just wondering because the chimney appears to be in a different area that the original floor plan? There is also a covered front porch. Could these things have been switched when building the house? Maybe custom options? I think this is the sears "puritan" model. Please help. Thanks!

Was there a competitor (another house builder) that would have made the same design?

Is this it?

It's possible. Sears did custom work, but the first step is measuring the house. If the measurements are the same as the Puritan, then you can go further with Sears.

As for other kit house companies ... there were national and regional companies and they all borrowed from each other. Look for identifying marks on framing, rafters, and beams in the attic and in the cellar.

However, it's just as likely that your house came from a plan book or even a magazine.

A pictorial tour of the Puritan - Sears Kit Home - Dutch Colonial Revival

The covered porch doesn't worry me. Sears offered all kinds of optional extras like bigger porches and sunrooms and such. I'd like to see the side of the house. The Puritan had a distinctive side window in the attic, and also some unique windows on the lower floors.

What is the footprint of the house? Is it 24 x 24? Now the footprint *is* a big deal.

Gordon Van Tine did offer a little Dutch Colonial that was nearly identical to the Puritan. I'll see if I can find a post of photo of that.

Let me know about the footprint and see if you can post some photos of the house from other angles.

Rosemary Thornton
www.uglywomansguide.com
author, The Houses That Sears Built