Household Remodeling: A Step Toward Integrating Independent Research

Abstract

This study examines and compares data from two previous studies on the home remodeling process. Previous research on residential adaptations suggests that household and housing characteristics should have significant associations with the homeremodeling process. The two studies used similar theoretical models, were conducted during the same time frame, and asked similar questions, yet one sample consisted of urban residents and the other sample was rural. Results of the comparison show that, despite differences in household and housing characteristics, there are strong similarities between households that remodel in the areas of housing satisfaction, housing aspirations, and the remodeling process. This suggests that home remodeling is a field of housing adjustment that needs additional research to further define the theoretical base. The applicability of this paper should encourage similar efforts to integrate various research studies in order to continue developing a more complete understanding of theory in the field of housing-adjustment behavior.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathleen R. Parrott

Kathleen R Parrott is an Associate Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg.

Kathleen Ann Lodl

Kathleen Ann Lodl is an Instructor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.