Housing The Family - 092311
Housing The Family - 092311
Housing The Family - 092311
e) Prefabricated Houses
Unlike the traditional forms of housing, prefabricated houses are named according to the
type of construction used rather than the design.
- The individual parts of the house like the walls, floors, parts of the roof partitioning, are
imported or made in a factory.
- The parts are assembled on the building site on an already prepared foundation.
f) Row/ Terrace Houses
These are a row of houses joined together. These are very common in the police barracks.
They sometimes consist of several rooms sharing common veranda and other facilities.
g) Factors that Influence House Choice/ Factors affecting the choice of a house
i . Economic factors: The type of housing a family builds or chooses depends on the
economic status of the family. This means the money available to the family. The high-
income family with more money can build big houses, while low-income families can afford
smaller or multi-family houses.
ii. Location of the house (site): The family should choose location that is near or easily.
accessible to
family members' school, places of work, shopping centre, etc. The location must be safe in
terms of health and property.
iii. Size of the family: A large family will require a larger house than a smaller family.
iv. Family life cycle: Every family goes through a cycle. At the beginning stage the family
needs a smaller house, at the expanding stage they need a bigger house but at the
contracting, stage, they need a small house.
v. Special needs of family members: Some family members may have special needs that will
make living in a type of house difficult. For instance, a person with some leg injury might
have to live in a bungalow and not high-rise building. This is the plan or layout of the house.
This must suit the family.
Ventilation and lighting: The house should be properly ventilated and have good light. These
are important for good health.
vi. Taste and Lifestyle of family: This includes the interests and activities of family members.
It includes how people live their lives and those things they enjoy doing.
(vii) Neighbourhood: People may want a neighbourhood where the people have similar
values, economic status, lifestyle, taste and have good standard of sanitation and
cleanliness.
Functions of a House
(i) A house provides physical protection for its occupants. It protects them against hazards of
the weather such as rain, wind, storm, heat from the sun and against external intruders such
as wild animals and thieves
(ii) A house also provides its occupants privacy and space for physical necessities of life.
(iii) A house provides members of a family a place to relax and enjoy the company and love
of family members.