Housing...Inside and Out

April 7, 2000
What Housing Features Are Important

One of the major considerations in selecting satisfactory housing is the design and layout. You may find a house, apartment or mobile home in an ideal location, but if the design and floor plan of the dwelling do not meet your housing needs you may become dissatisfied with your choice.

When you evaluate a dwelling, consider whether the traffic flow is direct, convenient and logical. The traffic patterns should not interrupt family activities or inhibit privacy.

There should also be three separate activity areas. These are the living area, the sleeping area and the working area.

The relationship of one room to another influences the use of space. For example, kitchen and dining areas should be adjacent to one another. Bedrooms should be separate from noisy living areas.

The physical arrangements can encourage some patterns of behavior and discourage others. Design should allow for expressing an individual's identity.

In evaluating exterior design, consider simplicity, patterns and texture as well as balance of buildings. Shape, pattern and form increase its individuality. Landscaping can also greatly improve uninteresting buildings.

The location of the home plays an important role in satisfying you and your family. The neighborhood may add or subtract from the home's value, as well as provide friends and services.

Also consider the location in relation to work, stores, schools, churches and other important places.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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