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Abstract
A study of households that had remodeled their homes was undertaken to determine factors affecting satisfaction with the remodeling process. The factors investigated included characteristics of the household, housing characteristics and the remodeling process. Overall satisfaction with housing, change in satisfaction with the dwelling as a result of remodeling and satisfaction with the remodeling process were studied.
A sample of 250 households in the Lincoln-Lancaster Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA), who applied for a building permit to enlarge or alter their owner-occupied, single family home during 1984, were contacted by a mail survey during 1985.
Highly satisfied households were significantly different than not highly satisfied households. Households highly satisfied (HS) with their housing were characterized as: older; higher socioeconomic status; strong consumption value orientation; higher value homes; longer residence; homes more than acceptable; and less "do-it-yourself" remodeling projects. Households with high change in dwelling satisfaction (HCDS) were similar, with remodeling projects involving space additions, higher cost, and professional assistance. Households highly satisfied with the remodeling process (HSRP) were similar to HCDS households.
Family life cycle stage, length of marriage and socioeconomic status were characteristics of the household having the greatest effect on the remodeling process variables of extent of "do-it-yourself", planning the project, and use of space. Value of the house, length of residence, age of the structure and equity were housing characteristics having the greatest effect on the remodeling process variables of planning the project, purpose and goal of remodeling, and use of space.
Major findings included: (a) "do-it-yourself" activities were negatively associated with satisfaction; (b) greatest increase in satisfaction after the housing adjustment of remodeling was associated with housing satisfaction before remodeling; (c) planning the remodeling project and consulting with experts was positively associated with satisfaction; (d) a strong consumption value orientation was positively associated with satisfaction; and (e) resources invested in remodeling was positively associated with satisfaction.
