- Materials: Most houses were built with wood, although brick and stone were also used, especially in urban areas.
- Framing: Wood-framed houses were the norm, with balloon framing being the most common method.
- Insulation: Insulation was not widely used, although some homes had fiberglass or mineral wool insulation in the walls and attic.
- Roofs: Roofs were typically made of asphalt shingles, although wood shingles and slate were also used.
Exterior:
- Siding: Wood clapboard siding was the most common type of siding, although asbestos shingles and stucco were also used.
- Windows: Single-hung windows were the most common type of window, although double-hung windows were also used.
- Doors: Doors were typically made of wood, although metal doors were also used.
Interior:
- Layout: Most houses had a central hallway with rooms on either side. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were typically located on the first floor, while the bedrooms were located on the second floor.
- Floors: Hardwood floors were the most common type of flooring, although linoleum and tile were also used.
- Walls: Walls were typically plastered and painted, although wallpaper was also used.
- Ceilings: Ceilings were typically plastered and painted, although wallpaper was also used.
- Heating: Most houses were heated with a wood stove or coal furnace.
- Lighting: Most houses were lit with electric light bulbs, although some homes still used kerosene lamps.
- Plumbing: Most houses had indoor plumbing, although some homes still used outhouses.
Appliances:
- Refrigerator: Refrigerators were not yet common, but some families had iceboxes.
- Stove: Most families cooked on a wood-burning stove, although some homes had gas stoves or electric stoves.
- Washing machine: Washing machines were not yet common, but some families had hand-cranked washing machines.
- Radio: Radios were common, and they were often used to listen to news and entertainment programs.
Overall, homes in 1939 were much simpler than homes today. They were typically smaller and had fewer amenities, but they were still comfortable and functional.