1. “It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.”
Types of Housing
“It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.”

2. Two Main Types
Single Family designed to shelter one family. The house can be attached to others or a freestanding house.
Multi-family are designed to house more than one family.

3. Overview of Housing Options
Attached Homes
Single-Family
Alternative Housing
Apartment Homes
Custom-built homes
Age-Restricted
Townhomes
Factory-built homes
Assisted living
Condominiums
Site-built homes
Nursing home
Cooperative
Owner-built homes
Group home
Students will define this list and make a booklet with examples of these types of houses.

4. Multi-Family Housing
Apartments
Cooperative
Condominiums
Townhouses

5. Types of Apartments to Rent
Penthouses
Garden Apartments
Efficiency or Studio Apartments

6. Condominium- housing unit that an individual owns, inside a building with other such units and common grounds and facilities shared with others.
Condominium- A housing unit that an individual owns, inside a building with other such units and common grounds and facilities shared with others.

7. Cooperative Housing Complex (co-ops)
Co-op: a multi-unit apartment building where each resident has an interest in the entire building, and a lease (or contract or share of stock) enabling the owner to occupy a particular apartment unit there
Co-op: a multi-unit apartment building where each resident has an interest in the entire building, and a lease (or contract or share of stock) enabling the owner to occupy a particular apartment unit there

8. Townhouse – Tall houses (attached)

9. Single-Family Homes
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

10. Custom-Built Homes
A house that an individual plans that is built to the owners specifications. Designed by an architect and built by a contactor.

11. Owner-Built
A house that is physically built by the owner.

12. Factory-Built Homes
Modular
Manufactured/mobile

13. Site-Built
A home built at the location where it will be inhabited or lived in.
Home built “on-site”

14. Alternative Housing Options

15. Age-Restricted Communities
Also known as “active adult” or “55+” communities.
Community is for older people who are healthy, independent, and interested in the social benefits of living among peers.
These communities cater to older adults who have a common preference to not have younger folks around.
The focus is on an active lifestyle, so many communities have well- equipped clubhouses and other amenities, such as tennis courts and golf courses.
Many age restricted communities don’t allow multigenerational living arrangements.

16. Assisted Living Homes
Provide personal care and support services or help with basic daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Comfortable private, or semi-private, rooms
1-to-3 daily, home cooked meals
Housekeeping and laundry service
Medication management
Social programs and activities
Transportation to doctor's appointments

17. Nursing Home
Facilities provide skilled nursing care for older adults who require it.
Nursing homes have nurses and doctors on staff.
Nursing assistants provide most of the help with basic, daily activities, and nurses direct medical monitoring and intervention when necessary.
Speech, occupational, and physical therapists work to keep residents strong

18. Steps in the Process Visit a number of residences; don’t see just one.
When you take a tour, be sure to talk to residents, staff, and visiting family members.
Ask staff members how long they’ve worked there; a good sign of quality is low turnover.
Check with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities ( Many assisted-living residences, nursing homes, and CCRCs voluntarily apply for accreditation, which means they meet many quality measures.
Be sure you get clear information on costs and the details for all financial arrangements.
Talk with your loved one about what is important to him or her as you narrow your options.

19. Group Home Private residence
For young children who can’t live with their families.
Can also be for adults or seniors with chronic disabilities or with dementia.
There is always at least one caregiver in the residence at all times.

20. Housing Trends “Tiny” houses Relocation to downtown areas
Individuals and families
Company offices
Sustainable homes and communities
Green building
Urban gentrification

21. Debrief Questions
What are the positives/negatives of multi-family housing options?
What are the positives/negatives of single-family housing options?
What type(s) of housing do you feel are the most sustainable from a community perspective?
Would you want to raise a family in a rural, suburban, or urban community? Why?
What would be the challenges/rewards of working in an assisted living community for the elderly or a group home for individuals with disabilities?