A Housing-Decision Framework: Development and Application

Abstract

This paper explains the theoretical bases and procedures used in developing and testing a housing-decision framework. The framework presented 1) assumes that consumer choice among housing alternatives is a function of available knowledge and predictability of intertemporal or future impact of a decision, and 2) requires the rating of six socio-economic and production factors on three conditions of choice resulting in an 18-cell matrix for assessing a housing-decision score (HDS). Four alternative housing types (active solar, passive solar, retrofitted and earth-sheltered) are evaluated using the housing-decision framework. Application of the framework results in the following HDS ranking: retrofitted 1, passive solar 2, active solar 3, and earth sheltered 4. Results of this procedure are then compared to three measures of consumer acceptance of the four alternatives from 1,804 respondents in the S-141 Southern region housing project, “Housing for Low- and Moderate- Income Families. “ For each of the three measures, consumer preferences for the four housing alternatives are consistent with consumer preference ranking from the application of the housing-decision framework.

During the past two decades, major modifications abound in conditions external to the family that affect housing choices available to consumers. Consumers often lack adequate knowledge of both the alternatives and the impact that some alternatives have.

The purpose of this paper is to identify the theoretical bases and procedures used in developing a housing-decision framework and in using the framework to understand consumer preferences for four housing alternatives. The framework developed relies heavily upon existing theory as well as on an accumulated body of knowledge related to the production and distribution of four energy-efficient alternative housing systems; retrofitted, passive solar, active solar and earth sheltered.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacquelyn W. McCray

Jacquelyn W. McCray is Professor, Agricultural Research Program, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Margaret J. Weber

Margaret J. Weber is Professor, Department of Housing and Design, Oklahoma State University.

P. L. Claypool

P. L. Claypool is Professor, Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University. The results of this paper are based on analyses of data obtained from Regional Research Project S-141, “Housing for Low- and Moderate- Income Families,” funded by USDA Agricultural Experiment Station Regional Research funds under the Hatch and Evans-Alien Acts.