Remember the old Sears houses from a century ago? You could order them out of the Sears Catalog and the entire package of materials needed to construct the entire house would arrive on your site a few days later. The idea of kit houses has surfaced again in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It makes sense because it speeds up the reconstruction process by avoiding the inevitable material shortages that will only get worse as the recovery construction gets into full swing. Currently, Lowe's is the only participant in the Kit House phenomenon with four plans (see details below,) but check back here often for the latest news of expansion of the Lowe's program or news if anyone else enters the field. MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Lowe's Companies, Inc. announced on August 23, 2006 that it finalized a licensed agreement with designer Marianne Cusato to be the exclusive retailer of housing plans and associated building materials needed to construct Lowe's Katrina Cottages. Four designs of the cottages will be initially available in Lowe's stores throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. "Lowe's is committed to the rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast and we believe this is a tremendous opportunity for area residents to establish a permanent place to call their own," said Larry D. Stone, senior executive vice president of merchandising and marketing at Lowe's. "We recognize that the home is our most valuable asset and we want to do all that we can to protect our customers' investment. That's why we're proud to make the (Lowe's) Katrina Cottage available - it's an affordable, realistic housing solution we believe will help families begin to rebuild their homes and communities." Lowe's Katrina Cottages are designed to withstand heavy rain and winds up to 140 miles per hour, meet most hurricane codes and the International Building Code. The first four plans Lowe's intends to offer its customers range from 544 square feet to 936 square feet. Some of the plans are designed to grow as large as 1,200 square feet, though a limited number of additional designs at 1,340 square feet are forthcoming. "What makes the (Lowe's) Katrina Cottage so appealing is that it's a true solution, whether the cottage remains the same or grows structurally with the homeowner as time and funds allow," said Stone. "At Lowe's, it's important for us to offer our customers a permanent housing solution and that they know we're here for them every step of the way." With the exception of construction costs of building the home, HVAC and foundation materials required by local building codes, the cost of a Lowe's Katrina Cottage is virtually all-inclusive comprising of premium quality products like rot- and termite-resistant siding, durable 25-year warranted metal roofing, moisture and mold resistant drywall, framing, insulation, fixtures, electrical, plumbing and even appliances. "Our vision for the (Lowe's) Katrina Cottage is to provide homes that are safe and affordable, yet beautiful and dignified. With the help of Lowe's, the vision is now a reality," said Cusato. "I am pleased and honored to team up with Lowe's to bring the best in design, quality materials and new options for affordable housing to Lowe's customers." Lowe's expects the Katrina Cottage plans to be available in select Mississippi and Louisiana stores beginning in late Fall of 2006.