<P> To bring the White House's history closer to the people, President Truman conducted the first television tour of the White House on April 22, 1952 and opened the mansion to public tours; previously tours were only by way of Congressional appointments . </P> <P> A significant effect the reconstructed house had on the lives of its occupants and on the operations of the presidency was due to air conditioning . Previously the operations of the White House and West Wing were significantly reduced as people departed the heat and humidity of the capital for more tolerable climes . Afterwards the White House could operate year - round without regard for summer heat . </P> <P> Neither the Commission nor the president were satisfied with the work of the general contractor . When the Commission published its official account of the project, it described the work of nearly everyone of significance to the project, except the general contractor, whose name was all but omitted . President Truman publicly expressed praise for the completed work, but the night of his return to the White House he wrote in his private diary: "With all the trouble and worry it is worth it--but not ​ 5 ⁄ million dollars! if I could have had charge of the construction it would have been done for half the money and in half the time!" </P>

When was the last time the white house was remodeled