Kathleen R. Parrott

Housing Satisfaction of Asian and Pacific Island Elders in the United States

Abstract This study examined housing satisfaction of Asian and Pacific Island elders, focusing on demographic, housing, and neighborhood characteristics. The research framework was based on the housing adjustment theory (Morris & Winter, 1975, 1978). The sample was Asian and Pacific Island households with a head aged 65 years and over responding to the American Housing Survey (AHS) from 1995 through 2007 (N = 1,039). Asian and Pacific Island elders included long-time U.S. residents as well as recent immigrants. Multiple statistical methods included: descriptive statistics, one-way Analysis of Variance, multiple regression, and simple regression. Overall, housing satisfaction tended to be high. Variables that influenced satisfaction included education, family income, Census region, household size, housing quality, structure size, and neighborhood rating. Those having more education or higher income were more likely to express higher satisfaction, but those having larger household sizes tended to have lower satisfaction. Those living in the Northeast had lower housing satisfaction than those living in the West. Respondents having more adequate housing and larger structure sizes were likely to express higher housing satisfaction levels. Neighborhood rating had a positive relationship with housing satisfaction. Data analyses with the secondary datasets can assist housing researchers, educators, nonprofit organizations, or policymakers in their future studies or development of policies.

Cultural Background and Housing Satisfaction

Abstract Diversity of culture is a major issue in many societies; however, it has been neglected in housing research. Few studies have been conducted to explore relationships between cultural differences and housing satisfaction, preferences, or needs. This research was an exploratory study to examine the relationship between residents’ cultural background and housing satisfaction. National origin was assumed to be an indicator of cultural background. An on-line survey was administered to Virginia Tech graduate students living in apartment communities. Respondents were grouped according to their national origin. There were 169 useable questionnaires from students who were originally from the U.S., Korea, India, China, and Europe. Respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with 22 housing features related to size, layout, interior, and other features as well as overall housing satisfaction. Findings were as follows: (a) national origin was significantly correlated with satisfaction with 11 different housing features and overall housing satisfaction, (b) differences were found among the satisfaction of respondents of the various national groups with 16 of the features and overall housing satisfaction, and (c) Koreans were significantly less satisfied with most housing features.

The Role of Housing Characteristics in the Home-Remodeling Process

AbstractThis paper investigates housing characteristics that impact on factors in the home remodeling process including the type of remodeling project, how the remodeling was planned and carried out, and the resources invested. Households who had applied for building permits to enlarge or alter their homes were sampled in a mail survey (70% response). The hypothesis predicted no significant associations between selected housing characteristics and the remodeling process. Chi-square tests or one-way analyses of variance with Duncan’s multiple range test were used to test for significant associations. Housing-related characteristics having significant associations with the home remodeling process include value of the house, length of residence, age of the structure, and equity. Factors in the home remodeling process with significant associations were planning the remodeling project, the goal of the remodeling project, the purpose of the remodeling project, and how the remodeled space was used.

Kitchen Remodeling: Exploring the Dream Kitchen Projects

Abstract The faculty of the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design at Virginia Tech responded to a growing interest in kitchen remodeling with the Explore Your Dream Kitchen workshop to educate the consumer on working with a designer and comparing the multitude of products available to the consumer planning a new kitchen. This article reported on a survey of 192 participants in 13 of the workshops who actually remodeled or built a home with a new kitchen (N = 72). Descriptive findings included project cost, reasons for remodeling, professional assistance, choice of design features and products, and satisfaction with the remodeling process and product choices. Analysis of the reasons for product choice showed appearance to be an important factor, while durability and cost were less important.

Environmental Concerns and Housing

AbstractEnvironmental issues are of concern to consumers and housing professionals. This paper presents information about key environmental concerns as they relate to housing and includes study questions, learning activities, glossary and resources to enhance the teaching of these concepts.

SUSTAINABLE MULTIFAMILY KITCHEN DESIGN: A STUDENT ELICITATION APPROACH

Abstract This case study focuses on the sustainable design of a demonstration kitchen space within a multifamily residence through a student lens. A project-based learning opportunity for undergraduate students in a senior-level kitchen and bath design studio was created to redesign a multifamily starter kitchen space into a multifamily sustainable kitchen space within the Center for Real Life Kitchen Design at Virginia Tech. Upon completion of this student project, a content analysis was employed to uncover sustainability themes within these student projects. As students are making the environment and sustainability priorities in their shopping choices, uncovering student themes regarding multifamily sustainability kitchen design criteria can uncover trends important to this millennial generation (The Nielsen Company, 2015; Timm, 2014). Furthermore, as demand for sustainability increases, comparing student themes to multifamily industry sustainability certification systems may unearth potential gaps in t...

Perceptions on residential environments for urban low-income elderly homeowners aging in place

ABSTRACT With a qualitative phenomenological approach, residential environment (neighborhood and city) perceptions were explored for urban low-income elderly homeowners who were aging in place. In-depth interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 30 urban low-income elderly homeowners, and content analysis was employed. Results showed that low-income aging homeowners were most likely to like their neighborhood because of neighbors’ helping each other, a friendly/nice neighbor (hood), quiet environment, or privacy. They were most likely to dislike their neighborhood if it was an unfriendly neighborhood, noisy, lacking safety or maintenance. Friendliness levels were responses for both the most and least favored attribute for the neighborhood. In terms of their city features, low-income aging homeowners liked conveniences within the city (i.e., easy access to retail or service facilities) and the feeling of a hometown, but also disliked city features such as crime, lack of safety, or no friendship. Four themes were suggested for the urban low-income aging homeowners: informal support; convenience; residential environment (neighborhood and city) problems; and opportunities. This study is meaningful in providing an opportunity to better understand urban low-income elderly homeowners’ living environments that have been less visited with a qualitative approach in the field of housing.

The Psychological and Social Aspects of Single Female Home Buying

Abstract The desire for homeownership in the United States is longstanding (Shlay, 2006). Marriage, leading to family household formation, has been the traditional path to homeownership. However, in the boom years of the mid 1990s to 2000s, unmarried women made up more than one-third of the growth in real estate ownership (Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2005). Further, twice as many unmarried women as unmarried men bought homes during that period (Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2005). Utilizing an interpretative qualitative paradigm, in-depth interviews, and social identity theory, this research explored the social, psychological and symbolic meanings that single, never-married women in their 30s and 40s attributed to the home buying experience. This work consisted of 12 in-depth interviews and included participants from two eastern states. In total, nine social and psychological themes emerged; seven were strongly supported and identified by at least 6 of the 12 participants, while two received moderate support and were discussed by at least 3 of the 12 respondents. The themes discussed in this paper identified and answered the question of why single women bought homes and focused on the symbolism of homeownership. Findings revealed that women buy homes to take control of their lives, to feel more grown up and to gain a sense of security or stability. At the same time, homeownership can be stressful to the women and intimidating to the men in their lives. This analysis would be of use to professionals in the housing industry to better understand the motivations of single female home buyers.

Kitchen Space Planning in Small-Scale Houses

Abstract This article discussed the desirability of small-scale houses and focused on kitchen space planning as critical to well-designed housing. People live in small-scale homes for a variety of reasons; some by necessity and some by choice. Designers and builders of small-scale housing need to offer different options in kitchen design to meet the variety of needs of residents of these households. Kitchens in small-scale housing should not necessarily be just a smaller version of a large kitchen in a large house. A well-designed small-scale house needs to recognize how Americans use, or do not use, their kitchens. Small-scale housing, perhaps more than larger housing, needs well-planned kitchen storage, including pantries, drawers, and interior cabinet storage devices. Recognizing how a kitchen is actually used for food preparation and beyond offers flexibility in designing small-scale housing adapted to different lifestyles. Successful kitchen space planning in small-scale houses is not achieved just by making the room smaller. It needs a rethinking of how residential spaces are conceived.

Kitchen Activities of Twenty-First Century American Households

Abstract Space standards used today to design kitchens have evolved from analyses of work in the home. Lifestyle and demographic changes, however, suggest that kitchen users and activities have changed since basic research on work centers and workflow was first conducted. A national telephone survey of 630 households assessed kitchen activities by household type and size. Survey results revealed that, in general, households cook meals on a regular and frequent basis and entertain at home despite the perception that Americans regularly eat carryout foods. Fresh produce is widely used. Households with an older adult present perform more basic cooking activities, like scratch cooking and baking. The microwave oven takes a dominant place in the cooking activities of most cooks. Households also have many small appliances in their kitchens. One person usually conducts the meal preparation, but many non-cooking activities take place in the kitchen during meal preparation and throughout the day.