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Chapter 1 The Human Need for Housing
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
The role of a wage earner can also impact
housing choices. A lawyer may work from home,
needing an offi ce for working with a seating area
for greeting clients. A professional tailor needs
space for storing supplies, cutting fabric, and sewing
garments, as well as space for clients trying on and
modeling their fi nished clothing. People whose
work involves entertaining at home have other
requirements to address before the housing meets
their needs. Ideally, housing should meet the needs
of all its members in all their roles (Figure 1.13).
Lifestyle
A lifestyle is a living pattern or way of life.
Together, all the various roles of the occupants
make up the lifestyle of a residence. How you
live infl uences the type of housing you choose to
enhance your way of life.
When thinking of lifestyles and their infl uences
on housing choices, consider everyday activities in
the home. The following questions can help identify
activities related to lifestyle:
• Are members involved with hobbies that
need space, such as furniture refi nishing or
indoor gardening?
• What type of entertaining, if any, occurs in the
home—both inside and outside?
• Do any adults work from home and need a high-
tech offi ce?
• Are the occupants retired, traveling frequently,
and not spending much time at home?
The answers to these and other related lifestyle
questions determine the type of housing selected.
For example, people who love the outdoors seek
housing with a view of nature or a private patio
or garden. Those who spend little time at home
often prefer a maintenance-free residence close to
major thoroughfares so they can travel quickly to
their various commitments. Retirees may choose a
retirement community with a convenient central
dining room plus on-site recreation and grooming
services (Figure 1.14).
Income also infl uences lifestyle. Higher incomes
allow people to spend more money on their homes.
Consider the example of those who enjoy swimming.
They can use a local recreation center to enjoy
their favorite form of exercise, but if they can
afford it, many install a pool at home. Depending
on their income, installation of a new pool may be
Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1.13 A home office is a common feature of many residences since greater numbers of people are working from
their homes.