Housed alongside an old Jewish temple that turned into an avant-garde art gallery and shared space for whoever wants to make their imprint on its walls, lives Rebel Bread. The not-so-normal bakery, with a small counter space and kitchen in the back wide open for display, is only open Friday through Sunday for retail. A simple rack shows off all the artisan bread and pastry you could hope for as a weekend morning breakfast. Cookies and cakes are not the specialty here; instead, it is the labor-intensive five-bread doughs that require unwavering love for the best execution. The creation of this bakery seemed inevitable to owner Zach Martinucci, who recalls watching in awe as his uncle took mounds of dough and formed perfect spheres in his cousins bakery. He grew up entranced by the world of food, growing this love by studying food anthropology at UCLA. His studies demonstrated our relationships with food and how it binds us in ways outside physical nourishment. From then on, he stayed in California to attend the esteemed School of Artisanal Bread in San Francisco. There, he learned the art of making bread dough for every occasion. After years of slaving away in large-scale product, he switched to open his own spot in order to continue the conversation about the relationship between us and food while also putting a spin on the beloved classics.

Only recently did Rebel Bread expand to creating laminated doughs, which have buttery, flaky layers that melt during each bite. We can thank the French for this amazing creation as they are the creators of the beloved croissant. The bakerys expansion came after scoring a cheap laminating machine and a remodeling of the tightly-packed kitchen. However, the brioche, ciabatta, baguette and San Francisco sourdough have been staples since the institute first began. Much like other esteemed bread companies, Rebel Bread loves the power of the oven and allows it to do magic on the bread by giving it a deep caramel color. The greatest mistake that a bread baker can make is fearing a loaf having too much color and throwing aside bread that has a crisp exterior, making for a perfect contrast to the pillowy interior. That juxtaposition makes eating each bite that much more divine. The flavor of these four staple loaves comes immediately with the pungent taste, reigning supreme to sea salt and vinegar chips. It is truly a unique profile that cannot be copied by an average country loaf. A shmear of butter and a hint of flaked sea salt tops it perfectly, but they offer their house-made tomato butter for an homage to Italia. The sourdough comes by the loaf, but the taste can make it feasibly a single serving size.

From these four bases, their display holds sweet and savory options that satisfy any craving, even though they are a bit unconventional. Though their bagels are seemingly ordinary, the shape is the only thing connecting them to their origins. These circular breads are made of baguette dough, which is often seen as the skinny long loaf that is in the bags of everyone shopping at a French market. Its beloved for its versatility with accepting other flavor profiles because its the essential white bread of France. Baguette does have a bit more going on that most other breads with tender, air-pocket interior crunchy exterior. Often, it is the base for bruschetta in Italy, but at Rebel Bread, it is topped with flaked sea salt, rosemary, sesame or parmesan. Dont forget to ask for a swipe of cream cheese so you can enjoy it immediately. If you are going to save it for later, you might as well forgo the small one and buy the family-sized bagel, which is almost as big as a small pizza.

Another interpretation of the bagel at Rebel Bread is the bagel bomb. They named it well as it explodes with a bunch of different flavors as you continue to devour it. It comes in a small monkey bread configuration, with many separate pieces baked together and torn apart until there is nothing left. Made with brioche doughoften seen in thick and rich French toasteach piece is rolled in their house blend of iconic everything bagel seasoning, fragrant dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, funky parmesan cheese and surprisingly, sunflower seeds. Together, this makes each bite erupt with bright flavor. No bagel is left dry; instead they put a healthy dollop of Dijon cream cheese to ensure this bagel is unforgettable.

Other uses for their rich and spongy brioche is their one-of-a-kind development of the Denver Danish. Normally, these pastries use the same dough as croissants, but Martinucci takes brioche and bakes it again after dressing up each slice a bit. The classic pair of blueberry and almond tastes similar to a blueberry muffin, while the other sweet options are meant to represent cheesecakes with either lemon curd or raspberry jam for the much-needed splatter of color. Martinucci really highlights the sweetness in the dough by injecting the brioche buns with chocolate hazelnut spread that fills the bread like a cream puff. His final masterpiece is the cinnamon swirls that get a devilish helping of orange-amaretto glaze that drips everywhere. The cinnamon flavor brings the joy of the holiday season whenever Rebel Bread is open. This swirl takes the white bread with butter and cinnamon sugar that every kid craves for breakfast to new heights. The sweetness isnt overpowering, and the flavor of the brioche remains intact.

The ciabatta is where individual bakers shine, because in addition to the plan loaf, they do an olive with rosemary and a flavor of the week. All alone, the ciabatta is fantastic. With a denser chew of sourdough and a hint of salt, it can be the perfect sandwich bread or simply dipped in olive oil. Their addition of flavor gets a stylistic twist because the loaves are shaped in anything but a normal rectangle. Instead, they have done butterflies, wreathes, and trees. Sometimes it doesnt have a clear definition at all, yet the taste remains. The olives notes of fruitiness are accentuated by the rosemary, but it still is a savory bread. The other loaf is often sweet. One baker, Liz, is known for doing a pairing of chocolate. In the past, she marbled swirls of dark chocolate cocoa butter with walnuts and dried cherries. With a vague resemblance of a trail mix, it far surpassed any version of nuts, fruit and chocolate combination. Its always interesting to walk into the shop and see what shape and flavor are up for grabs this week.

Even though Friday through Sunday is their only retail time, Rebel Bread distributes their unique provisions to local coffee shops throughout Denver. While it is tucked away between LoDo and RiNo, Rebel Bread can definitely bake well enough for you to search out this little gem. While youre there, make sure to talk to Martinucci about his background; even though hes young, hes got a world of knowledge about food. If you really have a passion for baking, they also offer classes to expand your personal understanding of bread and baking. This bakery wont hide anythingjust come in and learn all you can for yourself, because youll be glad you did.

Read more:
Breaking all the bread rule at Rebel Bread - DU Clarion

Maria and Michael Harris started Bry-Jo Roofing and Remodeling in Richardson two decades ago. (Olivia Lueckemeyer/Community Impact Newspaper)

I saw a deficit in our industry of quality contractors who were being honest, Michael said. I wanted to be somebody that people could trust, someone they knew was going to do the right thing.

Trustworthiness is valued by the Harrises in any business relationship, but especially when a client has been through a traumatic experience, such as the Oct. 20 tornado, Michael said.

In the days following the storm, it was all hands on deck at Bry-Jo, Michael said. Staff reached out to every former client living in the tornados path to offer help if needed, Michael said.

It is not uncommon for storm victims to be preyed upon by crooked contractors looking to profit off the wreckage, Michael said. So in addition to being hired for projects, the Bry-Jo team is often called in to repair damage left behind by unskilled workers.

But because major storms do not happen every day, the roofing side of the business is feast or famine, Maria said. To balance the equation, the company also offers home remodeling.

Our custom work really started as a result of the fire restoration work that we did, Maria said. Once people got past the trauma, they started to get excited about building back and upgrading things.

The companys remodeling projects include room additions; kitchen and bathroom remodels; and garage conversions. The Harrises pride themselves on maintaining hands-on relationships with clients and sticking to a set schedule.

We have a well-oiled machine, Maria said. We dont really have a history of jobs taking longer than we expect them to.

Bry-Jo has a steady foothold in the industry, but that reputation was hard-earned, Maria said. The construction business tends to attract workers who are not committed to the long haul, Maria said. But that was never the intention with Bry-Jo.

From the very beginning, we knew that this was a legacy. The intention was that we are going to be around for a while, Maria said. Thats who we are. We are not going anywhere.

Bry-Jo Roofing and Remodeling

681 N. Plano Road, Ste. 119, Richardson

972-669-7807 http://www.bryjo.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.

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Richardson business Bry-Jo Roofing and Remodeling committed to 'doing it right the first time, every time' - Community Impact Newspaper

The 1099 miscellaneous is one of the most common tax forms. So who gets one? Typically, this form is issued to independent contractors, janitorial services, third-party accounts and other workers paid for services who are not on the payroll.

But like many IRS regulations, its not quite so simple. But there are some helpful guidelines to determine whether a 1099-MISC is needed.

Its a common belief that businesses dont need to send out 1099-MISC forms to corporations. And this is true sometimes.

In general, you dont have to issue 1099-MISC forms to C Corporations and S Corporations. But there are some exceptions, including:

You can read about other exceptions here.

If you contract with a business that is an LLC sole proprietorship, you will need to send out a 1099-MISCform. An easy way to tell is by looking at the Form W-9 your worker provided. If the W-9 indicates they are an LLC that is taxed as a sole proprietorship, you need to send a 1099. If their LLC is taxed as an S- or a C-Corp you do not (unless an exception applies as described above).

If youre unsure, its always best to file a 1099-MISC. Theres no penalty if you file one but you didnt need to. On the other hand, not filing one that is required can lead to hefty penalties.

And one more tip: Always get the W-9 before you issue payments to any vendor who may be required to get a 1099-MISC. Less-reputable vendors might not be around when you need their information at tax time.

The fastest, most efficient way to file your 1099s (and meet the January 31 deadline!) is with eFile4Biz.com. This one-stop shop allows you to easily enter your data online. Then eFile4Biz electronically files your forms with the IRS as well as prints and mails copies to your independent contractors and other recipients.

Image: Depositphotos.com

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Working with Independent Contractors? Learn Who Gets a 1099-MISC Form - Small Business Trends

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Morrisville, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/19/2019 -- For homeowners looking for some design inspiration for home improvement projects in the new year, Beco Designs are showcasing a range of kitchen and bathroom designs in their Morrisville-based showroom. As the most reputable provider of countertops, islands, and kitchen cabinets in Newtown, PA, Beco Designs have provided kitchen and bathroom remodeling services for over sixty years. Their showroom spans 3,000 square feet and is the perfect environment for homeowners and architects to pick up design inspirations for upcoming projects.

Renovating or redesigning a kitchen has several benefits, including an improvement in functionality. As a kitchen is renovated, homeowners can choose to make additions or reductions, with all renovations aimed at improving the overall functionality of the kitchen space. Kitchen redesigns can also reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, improve comfort and safety, and modernize the space.

There are also five significant benefits that a bathroom renovation can offer for homeowners. Minor bathroom remodels can give sellers a 102% return at resale, which is fantastic for people looking to put their property on the market in the new year. They also help to reduce clutter, can make bathrooms more eco-friendly, and can save money in the long run that would otherwise have been spent on ongoing maintenance.

For residents searching for kitchen ideas in Newtown, PA, or nearby regions, a complete makeover can offer them their dream space, while adding value to their home. Beco Designs cover Pennington, NJ, Newtown, PA, and anywhere else in Greater Delaware Valley, Their unique selection of colors and finishes can fully customize any kitchen or bathroom space.

For additional information, or to contact Beco Designs, visit https://www.beco-designs.com/ today.

About Beco Kitchens and BathroomsBeco Kitchens and Bathrooms provides kitchen and bathroom remodeling services in Bucks County, PA, Main Line, PA, and Mercer County, NJ. The company has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1956. Their 3,000 square foot showroom features top brands in cabinetry, countertops and sinks.

For more information, visit http://www.beco-designs.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/beco-designs-invites-southeast-pa-and-central-nj-residents-to-their-exclusive-kitchen-and-bathroom-showroom-1268867.htm

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Beco Designs Invites Southeast PA and Central NJ Residents to Their Exclusive Kitchen and Bathroom Showroom - Press Release - Digital Journal

On Saturday, Muertos Kitchen & Lounge closes its doors as we know it. On Jan. 2, it will re-emerge as Two Goats & The Goose, a pub-style eatery that won't be a culture (or culinary) shock for loyal customers.

Owner Shawna Haddad Byers said she was inspired by the thought of a next chapter.

"I saw a brilliant post by a fantastic life coach, Kym Showers, that said, 'It's 70 days to a new decade, what do you want to do?' About day 60, I decided let's just embrace something new."

The restaurateur is comfortable with change and adapting to downtown dining needs, having done so for nearly 20 years. Operating Fishlips in the Padre Hotel, pre-remodel, she carried on when it moved to 18th and Eye and grew as a music venue. She consulted on Texas 28, the restaurant that took over that space when Fishlips closed. And she opened Muertos in 2012 in Wall Street alley in the space once home to Suds Tavern and Pacos Tacos. She also launched CraSh Lounge, an upscale bar that serves small plates, around the corner on Eye Street in 2014.

Haddad Byers' love of family continues in her work: While Muertos was designed in part to honor her late grandmother, Sittie, Haddad Byers said Two Goats & The Goose pays tribute to her Aries husband and son and her nickname from her dad.

"Goose is the nickname my father has called me since I was 2. I like to do a play on words."

She added, "My husband and son are both Aries, charming, hard-headed, stubborn goats."

(Even though Aries is often depicted as a ram, a goat is also acknowledged.)

Over the next week and a half, the restaurant will undergo a design refresh but no major remodeling, Haddad Byers said. Fresh paint and at least one mural, installing televisions inside and on the patio for game-watching and darts for that pub touch.

The menu will be mix of fan favorites, daily specials and new items.

Haddad Byers promises chile verde and fish and chips will be available daily and the specials will rotate rather than the same item offered on the same day of the week.

"We're not starting from scratch," she said. "We're not reinventing the wheel."

But she's revamping the hamburgers. While you'll be able to order versions of your favorites (Hudson, James, Homeboy, etc.), the focus will be on a build-your-own burger. Haddad Byers said regulars have always customized their orders but now it will be front and center on the menu. They'll be available with side options of french fries, salad or grilled green beans.

"We've always served them," she said of the beans grilled with mushrooms. "But we're going to highlight them."

Appetizers will still include popcorn pork, now called pork bites, and the fried mushrooms.

"I think if I took the mushrooms off the menu someone would take a pitchfork to me."

Hot dogs and tacos will remain as well with new additions such as beer-battered cauliflower tacos with sweet Thai chili sauce and ones with spicy chicken and jack cheese (which Fishlips diners might recall as Primus tacos).

There will be more entrees, developed with cooks Matthew Tidwell and Filadelfo "Homeboy" Vaquero. In addition to grilled salmon and seared ahi, Two Goats will have steaks and grilled pork loin.

If this sounds like a lot of meat, Haddad Byers also points out there will be more vegan and vegetarian options. Her son and husband's recent journey into veganism has sparked some new ideas, which she thinks will take off downtown, given the success of vegan spots Better Bowls and The Hen's Roost.

Two Goats will continue to offer beer and wine, along with beer- or wine-based drinks such as the sangria, micheladas and blood orange jalapeno margarita. Longtime serverSarah Kirchner, who developed the aforementioned beverage, will also come up with more, which may include spirits down the road.

Local beers will also be highlighted, with Kern River Brewing Co., Great Change Brewing andDionysus already on board.

For now, these are the only changes Haddad Byers has planned but she said that's she's always has a need to keep creating.

"In five years, if I'm feeling a different way ... I'm a Gemini. It's never it."

Two Goats & The Goose opens Jan. 2 at 1514 Wall St.

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.

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THE DISH: Muertos closing, will become Two Goats & The Goose in 2020 - The Bakersfield Californian

For Sale/Rent

Say goodbye to below-zero weather and hello to these toasty and inviting homes for sale in and around Boston.

Photo via Compass

A Brick-and-Beam Duplex on the Waterfront112 Fulton St. #1A, BostonPrice: $1,569,000Size: 2,404 square feetBedrooms: 3Baths: 2.5Open house: Sunday, December 22, 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Photo via Santana Properties Team

A Brand New Townhouse in Somerville14R Glen St. #14R, SomervillePrice: $949,900Size: 1,762 square feetBedrooms: 3Baths: 3.5Open houses: Saturday, December 21, 1 2:30 p.m.Sunday, December 22, 1 2:30 p.m.

Photo by Julie Gaunt

A North Shore Single-Family77 Magnolia Road, SwampscottPrice: $574,900Size: 1,700 square feetBedrooms: 3Baths: 2Open house: Sunday, December 22, 2 3:30 p.m.

Photo via William Raveis R.E. & Home Services

An Open-Concept Condo in South Boston49 L St. #5, BostonPrice: $849,000Size: 1,126 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 2Open houses: Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m. 12 p.m.Sunday, December 22, 11 a.m. 12 p.m.

Photo via William Raveis R.E. & Home Services

A Colonial Manse in Milton321 Atherton St., MiltonPrice: $3,895,000Size: 7,970 square feetBedrooms: 7Baths: 4.5Open house: Sunday, December 22, 1 3 p.m.

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

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Five Open Houses with Fireplaces to Check Out This Weekend - Boston magazine

Good food is best enjoyed in good company, and the Taste Team has a great way to combine the two with a Middle Eastern appetizer feast for two from the new Medical Center restaurant Al-Amir Cafe & Grill. It leads Decembers list of five things to eat and drink in San Antonio bars and restaurants right now.

The month brings a solid mix of hot, cold and comforting options from the new Tlahco Mexican Kitchen on San Pedro Avenue by Oblate; tiny Thai Dee on Blanco Road near Hildebrand; the Barrios familys La Hacienda Scenic Loop on Boerne Stage Road; and the revamped Earl Abels near the Pearl.

Meze appetizer feast

Theres something for everyone in the Middle Eastern meze appetizer sampler for two at Al-Amir Cafe and Grill ($29.99). The 10-plate tasting incorporates familiar favorites such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and tabbouleh, then branches out into the dried sausage called sujuk, the minced meat surprise of fried kibbeh and fattoush salad made with fried bread. Dont worry about the names. Just roll up some warm pita and eat. 8620 Fredericksburg Road, 210-281-8632, Facebook: Al-Amir Cafe & Grill

Chicken tortilla soup

In just a few short months, Tlahco Mexican Kitchen has become one of the citys best Mexican restaurants, in part because of chicken tortilla soup ($6.95) served in a thick terra-cotta bowl stocked with avocado, fried tortillas and dried chiles. Hot soup, warm tortillas. It doesnt get much more December-y than that. 6702 San Pedro Ave., 210-455-0135, Facebook: @tlahcoSA

On ExpressNews.com: Review: Tlahco Mexican Kitchen is one of San Antonios best Mexican restaurants

Chicken khao soi

Thai Dee has turned a tiny space next to a convenience store into a destination for solid Thai cooking, including a chicken khao soi curry ($13) that brings together soft and crunchy noodles for a filling journey of texture and flavor. Bring your own wine; theyll supply the long-stem glasses. 5307 Blanco Road, 210-342-3622, thaideesa.com

Margarita trio

The Barrios family added La Hacienda Scenic Loop to their stable of Mexican restaurants in 2017, and that means another chance to get the frozen margarita trio ($10.50). Three small glasses bring icy swirls of mango and strawberry, a tangy guava and lime mix, and a respectable house margarita. Dont roll your eyes. Sometimes all you need are a nice patio, cheesy nachos and something sweet with tequila in it. 25615 Boerne Stage Road, 210-687-1818, lahaciendascenicloop.com

Fried chicken

Earl Abels on Broadway near the Pearl reopened in November after the latest change of hands, a quick remodeling and menu revamp. Earls Famous Original Fried Chicken Dinner ($9.95 for two pieces and two sides) is the primary reason to take a seat. Its earned that famous tag, with a craggy and well-seasoned crust over perfectly cooked, juicy yardbird. 1639 Broadway, 210-444-9424, earlabelssa.com

Food writer Paul Stephen contributed to this report. Mike Sutter is a food and drink reporter and restaurant critic in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking

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Middle Eastern appetizer feast from Medical Center restaurant Al-Amir Cafe & Grill the best thing to eat in San Antonio this month - San Antonio...

Tarzana, CA - With unrivalled experience and more recognitions than any other company in their field, Finesse Remodeling prides itself on being the preferred remodeling company in Tarzana, CA and the neighboring areas. This proudly locally owned and operated business has been serving its community since 1989. Now the #1 choice for many homes and business owners in the area, its unparalleled services have always exceeded its clients expectations in terms of quality and availability. Finesse Remodeling is owned and operated by Avi B. Dov, a fully licensed and experienced designer who has dedicated his life to providing award-winning designs for both commercial and residential needs.

Avi Dov and his staff have strived to provide services of the highest quality by working along with their clients to understand their ideas and bring them to reality using high-quality materials, regardless if it is a large or small project. These expert technicians implement a thoroughly organized methodology guaranteeing that every project will be handled based on a meticulous case study which considers their clients' needs and budget.

"Our core values, availability, commitment, and adaptability, are driven by our overarching desire to improve the lives of our clients through expert home improvement. Whether your home is in need of a complete bathroom remodel or a kitchen transformation, we renovate with passion, dedication, and enthusiasm. It is no surprise that Finesse has been a leading choice for Los Angeles home remodels for over 3 decades," the spokesperson for Finesse Remodeling said about the quality of their services.

As the experts in remodeling and consulting services, Finesse Remodeling - Kitchens Remodeling offers an extensive variety of services, including kitchen remodeling services, bathroom designs, and construction, additions, exterior/interior paint, hardscape and landscape, patio enclosures and covers, complete home renovation, and more. All their services are performed using the finest material, state-of-the-art equipment and covered with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition, the company also specializes in design consultation services.

Finesse Remodeling prides itself on being a member of many prestigious organizations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and the California Contractors State License Board. Additionally, the company prides itself on being one of the best-rated companies on Google, Yelp, Angie's List and a certified, screened and approved contractor by Houzz, Home Advisor, Service Magic, and Trust Link.

Finesse Remodeling is open to receive its clients from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Visit them at 4600 Arriba Dr., Tarzana, CA, 91356, US. For professional and affordable Kitchens Remodeling, contact them via phone at 818-881-8383 or via email at avi@finesseremodeling.com. To learn more about their services or request a free quote, visit their website.

Media ContactCompany Name: Finesse RemodelingContact Person: AVI BEN DOVEmail: Send EmailPhone: 818-881-8383Address:4600 Arriba Dr City: TarzanaState: CACountry: United StatesWebsite: https://finesseremodeling.com/

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Finesse Remodeling, a Top Kitchens Remodeling in Tarzana Offers Unparalleled Remodeling Services and Consultant in Tarzana and the Neighboring Areas -...

I strongly recommend that you buy a new prehung exterior door unit, which comes complete with a new frame, exterior molding, sill and weatherstripping already installed. If its not practical to replace the entire door and frame, then consider leaving the frame in place and just replacing the door itself. Any door shop can route the hinge locations and drill the knob hole in the new door to match the exact locations of whats on the existing frame, which will make the change-out quick and easy.

Q: I have a concern with my friend, who removed her dryer vent hose to clean it. When she couldn't replace it she placed a sock around the vent opening and secured it with a zip tie. She said her mother did this and it worked just fine. This has me worried that this is a fire hazard. Is this safe?

A: While I applaud your friend for cleaning her dryer, what shes done is definitely NOT safe! All that a sock (or a piece of pantyhose, or whatever) will do is collect some of the lint so it doesnt go flying into the house. It does nothing to stop all that warm moist air from collecting in the house, where it becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and eventually causes structural damage. Secondly, and even more important, as it dries all that lint creates an extreme fire danger.

Please tell your friend that she needs to have her dryer correctly vented all the way to the outside of the house! And while shes at it, she needs to take care of her moms dryer, as well.

Have a home repair or remodeling question for Paul? He can be reached by email at improvingyourhome@ykwc.net.

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Paul Bianchina: Best to rectify those missing permits before selling - Oklahoman.com

LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio As Houses go, they aren't the most beautiful on the block. They're boxy, a bit odd looking and small, and strangely...they are made of steel.

Actually it is a "porcelain enameled sheet metal" said Hannah Brevoort a museum interpreter for the Ohio History Center in Columbus.

"That why's it's a metal house and doesn't look rusty after years of use," she said.

And they have been in use a long time ago...about 70 years.

It was in 1948 that Lustron Homes, headed up by Columbus businessman Carl Strandlund birthed the idea to create prefabricated homes out of steel and to build all their component parts in a factory so they could be trucked to a home site and assembled in just a few weeks.

It was a good idea and with prices starting at around $5,000 and ranging to $10,000, the cost was not exorbitant, although a bit more than the average stick-built house at the time.

In two short years Lustron built and assembled about 3,000 homes, mostly in the Midwest. But with production and financing problems, the home of the future, became a home of history. Lustron folded.

The Ohio History Center in Columbus has one of the Lustron homes in its museum which it says it one of its most popular attractions.

"They were very much marketed as the Home of the Future" and in the post war age, it was believed that people would want a new type of home".

The History Center's model was one that came from Arlington, Virginia in 2013 when it was earmarked for demolition by a contractor.

"It was going to be torn down and the board of Arlington County decided to give it to us instead, we had been trying for years to get a real Lustron home because of the local connection."

The model is featured as an example of what the Lustron Home offered to the modern families of the 1950's.

It is set up now as a "living" exhibit and fully interactive with a full array of artifacts and objects from that post-war era. It is exhibited as if the family was still living there and just stepped out for a walk.

The vintage black and white TV set even has Ozzie and Harriet playing in the living room and in the dining room, classic dinnerware is set on retro table of the era.

The metal interior wall bookcase that looks like wood is not. A couple of knocks and on the wall, and the familiar metallic ring of steel answers back.

In the kitchen and utility room, the original Lustron homes came with a host of modern appliances for the day, which included a unique and rare combination dishwasher and clothes washer.

Of the 3,000 homes that Lustron manufactured during its two-year existence, about 2,000 remain standing and in use. Most have withstood the test of time.

About 30 were built in the Toledo area, and about 20 of them remain intact.

They appear to be rust-free, and in good condition for a 70-year-old home.

Most have not needed any remodeling and still have their original steel roofs.

While the homes are usually about a 1,000 square-feet in size, much smaller than most average size homes today, they still offer a maintenance free lifestyle for those who own and occupy them.

No painting is needed on the exterior and on the interior, the porcelain walls just need to be wiped down from time to time.

Continued here:
Lustron, Homes with a past and a future - WTOL