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BRAE,E

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Lumber Dealers, Magazine, Helped Spur Progress

Three years ago, this special l2-page House & llorne report relates, lumber dealers-to meet the growing competition of prefabricators offering builders ready-made, factorysized components-developed their ris'n LuReCo (Lumber I)ealers Research Council) pre-assembled panels of standard dimensions on an 8-foot, ceiling height module, and a 4-foot u'idth module.

During the past trvo years, it adds, still more progress was made 'lvhen the American Standards Association, the Research Institute of the National Association of Home Builders, and House & Home sponsored a series of six industry Round Tables on coordinated parts and standardized modular dimensions for all home building components, materials, products and appliances.

At present, the magazine reports, 1,000 LuReCo dealers offer a full line of house-framing components pre-sized to fit together in modular-designed houses of virtually any size and room layout. Explaining the rnain features and advantages of these LuReCo units, it says:

"Lumber yards have the volume to knock 'lvall panels, roof trusses, and gal>le ends together on jigs cheaper than most builders, but the prices they charge still shorn' a wide range. Some dealers (mostly in the South) sell solid exterior r,vall panels for as little as $6.50;many others charge $13.50. Some dealers sell 24-foot clear span trusses for $16 ; others ask $22. Average price for 4xS-foot solid panels rvith Plyscord sheathing is about $11.50; average price for 24-foot clear span {-fctot-I2 foot trusses u'ith overhangs is about $18; corresponding gable ends average about $37.75.

"One reason Bob Schmitt, of Berea, Ky., can build $3,000 under his FHA appraisal is that he buys his rvall panels all ready for erection from his lumber dealer, paying $8 for 4x8-foot solid panels, $56 fcir windorv panels rvith a doubleglass at'ning bedroom r'vindow and screen in place; $71 for door panels complete rvith storm door. Says Schmitt:

"I could make these panels on my own jigs for the same direct cost as my lumber dealer, but ifI did I would run up my purchasing cost, my supervision cost, and my handling cost. I would slow down my erection and tie up more capital longer."

One section of this llouse & Home report is devoted to a new research house of the National Association of Home Builders that has been erected primarily with coordinated components, including LuReCo panels and trusses, and some ne\ r, factory-assembly modular bathroom components.

New Advances Being Introduced

Emphasizing the trend of many prefabricated house manufacturers to tap a second market by selling their cornponents rather than pieces, the magazine arlcls :

"Just this month one of the country's biggest prefabricators has decided to sell a full linc of fitted components. Thyer is announcing a new Modular Building Products clivision to sell the most complcte line of coordinated components ever marketed by a single supplier all the components LuReCo offers but also rnechanical components sized to fit them. And whereas LuReCo sells only cornponents that can be made in a local lurnber yard, Thyer will enlist the help of many otl-rer manufacturers. All Thyer components will be designed to fit the standard 8-foo: high ceiling and a 16-incl-r wall module. Many will offer important new features not otherwise available."

ond out...

lVestern Red CedarThis giant cedar reaches its finest development in the rainy forests of British Columbia's southern coast, where it may grow to 200 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter. With its straight, beautiful grain, light weight, working ease and exceptional all-weather durability. Western Red Cedar is highly esteemed by home builders the world over, for both exterior and indoor use. It has a very low shrinkage factor and its cellular structure gives it a very high insulating value. Heightening the interest of this fine wood's attractively figured grain is its wide color variationranging from a delicate straw tone to a dark ruddy brown. Left in its natural state, or stained, bleached, varnished or painted, Western Red Cedar graces every setting with a rich look of warmth and character.

Manufactured

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