Unit 1 Housing—Human Factors and Infl uences
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decisions. Families and households that value such
relationships make decisions to benefi t all members,
not just some. A family is two or more people living
together who are related by birth, marriage, or
adoption. A household consists of all persons living
together in one dwelling.
When concern for family and group
relationships is an important value, several areas
of the house can be designed for group living.
For example, a great room is useful for family or
group activities. A large, eat-in kitchen may be
desirable so members can cook and eat together, as
in Figure 1.12. An outside area may offer space for
group recreation.
Costs
For most people, the cost of housing is an
important factor in making housing decisions.
Whether people rent or buy housing, it costs money.
Additional expenses include the furnishings and
equipment that go into a dwelling plus the bills for
repair and maintenance. Utilities, such as electricity,
gas, and water, also cost money.
When money is very limited, people choose
dwellings that provide just enough space for their
needs. They buy only the furnishings and equipment
they can afford. They save money by conserving
energy, as in turning off lights in empty rooms
and setting thermostats at moderate temperatures.
People can also maintain their homes well since
maintenance bills nearly always cost less than repair
and replacement costs. These owners do their own
home repairs whenever possible.
Roles
Roles are patterns of behavior that people
display in their homes, the workplace, and their
communities. Usually each person has more than
one role. An adult female, for example, may have
the roles of a wife, mother, teacher, and hospital
volunteer. An adult male may be a husband, father,
grandfather, carpenter, and neighborhood soccer
coach. You currently balance the roles of a student
and son (or daughter). Perhaps you are also a
brother (or sister) and even a part-time worker.
The roles people have can affect the type of
housing they choose and how the housing is used. To
fulfi ll the role of student, a home needs a quiet area
for studying. If young children live in a home, they
need space to play with toys and each other. People
involved in sports and hobbies need room for their
supplies and equipment.
Volt Collection/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1.12 An eating area next to the food preparation center allows family members to spend more time together.