1.02 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

Traditional/Cultural Factors Traditional influences in housing came from Native Americans, early colonists, and the periods of time 1600s—early 1900s Culture is a combination of all customs, beliefs, and ideas of a group of people. It also includes values, traditions, and social habits.

Societal Changes The following changes affect housing: Household size-family size is smaller Household composition- Blended, extended Older population/People with disabilities Affordable housing Changing roles of males and females Leisure time Working at home Mobile society

Economic Factors 1.Involve the production and consumption of goods and services related to housing. 2.The level of interest rates for home loans, unemployment, inflation, and the cost of living are economic conditions that can delay home purchases and dictate what types of homes are purchased (single family, condos, mobile home, etc.)

Environmental Influences on Housing Natural: provided by nature (land, waters, trees, etc.) Constructed: changed by humans (building a structure that has heat, cooling, landscaping, etc) Behavioral: area created for humans so they can interact with each other (schools, churches, malls, stores). Emotional are a part of this environment also

Technological Knowledge of tools, materials, processes and practical application of products used in housing Technology changes over time as new and better ways of meeting human needs are discovered and created.

Governmental Federal, state, and local government have a great influence on housing The Housing Act of 1937 created public housing that provided decent, sanitary housing for low-income families.

HUD: Housing and Urban Development Promotes the following 1.Decent, safe, sanitary home for all Americans 2. Provides for low-income rentals, group housing, funding for aging adults and people with disabilities FHA: Federal Housing Authority: insures banks/lenders against the borrower defaulting on mortgage

Building Codes Establish minimum standards for materials and construction methods, including plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems, roof styles & heights placement of stairs and exits. Constantly changing Uniform Building Code most adopted model of building codes in world

Zoning Regulations Are government requirements that control land use. Specifies the type of building and activity for a certain area Residential, commercial, industrial Ex: Wal-Mart in middle of residential neighborhood types use)types use)

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) safeguards the natural environment, including the air, water and land upon which life depends. assists with voluntary pollution prevention and energy conservation programs.

CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) purpose is to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products recalls unsafe products or require their repair, 15,000+ products used in and around constructed environment

ADA (American Disabilities Act) bans discrimination against Americans with disabilities and requires that all people be considered equally when purchasing new construction or making changes to existing structures. ALL public buildings MUST be accessible for all people regardless of their disability. (Braille on elevators, handrails on stairs and in bathrooms, automatic doors opening, ramps, etc)