Brent New Housing Survey 2008

2 Introductions James Cialdea –Computer Science, Upton MA Douglas Heath –Civil Engineering, Andover MA Ryan Lawrence –Mechanical Engineering and Business, Somerset MA Anthony Richardson –Civil Engineering, Haverhill MA

3 Massachusetts WPI James Anthony Doug Ryan

4 Why We Are Here We are here completing our Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) requirement –Part of the requirement for graduation from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) –Gives us valuable experience working in a professional environment

5 Outline Objectives Methods Findings Recommendations Acknowledgments

6 Objectives Research characteristics of new housing developments –Homes created within the last five years Specific goals were to obtain information regarding: –Household size –Overcrowding –Resident Satisfaction

7 Summary of Methods Postal questionnaire was distributed to all residents living in new homes –17.3% response rate A cash prize draw and reminder letters were used to increase response Database created for quick and easy data entry

8 Postal Questionnaire Question Design –Easy to understand –Two page limit Cover Letter Design Address List –Over 97% of homes created in last 5 years Initial Mailing – March 18, 19, 20 Reminder Letter Mailing – April 4

9 Database Design Used Microsoft Access 4 main tables for storing data Response entry form designed for speed Queries for different types of analysis

Responses Versus Time 10 4 April8 April

11 Response 4661 mailed 98 bad addresses 4563 recipients 17.27% response

12 Summary of Findings Average household size is 2.48 –Affordable housing has a larger average household size Recent migrants from outside UK have higher average household size Overcrowding has increased in new housing –Having more children increases overcrowding Residents are satisfied with their homes –Providing a garden or balcony improves satisfaction

13 Average Household Size by Ownership

14 Household Size of Recent Migrants Number of Responses Avg Household Size UK Residents of 5+ years Migrants within last 5 years Residents who moved to the UK within the past five years have larger household sizes –87% confidence

15 Definition of Overcrowding Having more persons in a household than livable rooms –Livable rooms include large kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms or, lounges –Livable rooms do not include bathrooms or rooms used for storage space Having more persons in a household than bedrooms We chose the first definition in our project

16 Overcrowding in 2001 and 2008

17 Overcrowding by Ownership Type 16.19% 24.04% 31.66% 36.72%

18 Average Persons Per Room Overcrowding with Children

19 Satisfaction with Number of Rooms

20 Amenity Space Satisfaction

21 Extra Amenity Space Satisfaction

22 Summary of Recommendations Provide more amenity space in future developments Increase the size of homes in new developments Conduct further research in the areas of: –Overcrowding –Migrant household trends Surveying recommendations: –Ensure adequate time –Use reminder letters –Use cash incentives

23 Provide More Amenity Space in New Housing Our data show that having a garden increases resident satisfaction –Whether garden is private or communal does not matter Providing a balcony or patio also improves satisfaction –Could be used in areas with limited space

24 New Homes Need to Be Larger 27% of newly developed homes are overcrowded Many overcrowded homes have children in them –We support LDF suggestion of changing the definition of family sized housing from two or more bedrooms to three or more

25 Investigate the Effects of Overcrowding Satisfaction is not decreased in overcrowded homes Investigate other possible negative consequences of overcrowding –Spread of disease and negative effects on education Look into standardizing the definition of overcrowding

26 Investigate Migrant Household Trends Our data show with 87% confidence that recent migrants have larger household sizes Investigate: –Why? –Characteristics of housing developments migrants move to –Causes for migration

27 Surveying Recommendations Ensure adequate time is available –Time constraints limited what we could do Short questionnaire –Residents are more likely to fill out a questionnaire if it will not take long Use reminder letters –Response rate increased after reminder letter was mailed Use cash incentives

28 Acknowledgements Michael Maguire Ken Hullock Amy Tyler-Jones Ben Martin Business Administration office Alisdair Maclean Post Room Our WPI advisors Everyone else for your hospitality and support

Questions?