Home Construction Research Articles

Home construction financing and search frictions in the housing market

This paper studies the effects of financial frictions in construction on housing market dynamics. To this end, we build a search-theoretic model of the housing market in which there is endogenous entry of buyers and developers face credit constraints. We capture credit frictions by assuming that developers must search for financing before building a home à la Wasmer and Weil (2004). Our model explores a novel channel that links credit frictions faced by developers to the housing market. We calibrate the model to quantify the size of the credit channel during the 2012–2019 housing market recovery. Through a series of counterfactuals, our model predicts that the credit channel had a large impact on housing liquidity, construction, and the vacancy rate. Furthermore, it accounts for around half of the rise in prices during the 2012-2019 housing market recovery.

A novel sustainable wood-based negative air anion generator utilizing in-situ polymerization of polylactic acid to reinforce the cellulose framework

The generation of negative air ions (NAI) by furniture contributes to indoor air purification and enhances the living environment. However, commercially available furniture typically relies on surface coatings to release NAI. Over time, the degradation of these coatings leads to a significant decline in NAI release performance, presenting a persistent challenge for sustained effectiveness. Here, a novel sustainable wood-based negative air anion generator (SWNG) had been developed, utilizing a cellulose framework as the substrate. The in-situ synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) within the wood incorporated titanium dioxide (TiO2), tourmaline (TL), and cellulose acetate, firmly anchoring these materials within the wood structure. Compared to the cellulose framework alone, the NAI production of the SWNG had increased by 406.67 %. The impregnation with PLA enhanced the enduring photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and TL in this innovative wooden NAI generator. After undergoing 200 cycles of testing between −40 °C and 50 °C, it continued to sustain NAI production, demonstrating exceptional antibacterial performance. Overall, this study introduced a novel sustainable wood-based negative air ion generator as a highly stable material with sustainable properties, offering significant potential for applications in improving indoor air quality and in the domain of home construction.

Effect of occupational exposure to ADCA on the incidence of allergic respiratory reactions - a literature review

1,1'-azodi(formamide) (ADCA) is widely used as a blowing agent, a chemical substance designed to induce foaming processes. In Poland, ADCA is manufactured by a company specializing in the production of polyethylene foam bags and laminates used in various industries including home appliances, electronics, construction, furniture, automotive, and sports and leisure. The mechanism of action of ADCA involves thermal decomposition, resulting in nitrogen, carbon monoxide, as well as ammonia and carbon dioxide as the main gaseous decomposition products. These penetrate the polymer matrix, contributing to expansion and foaming properties. Most studies evaluating the relationship between occupational exposure and the development of allergic respiratory diseases focus on workers involved in ADCA production or its use as a blowing agent in plastics. The objective is to assess the respiratory sensitizing effects of ADCA in humans due to occupational exposure, based on literature data. The presented data confirm that long-term occupational exposure to ADCA can lead to persistent bronchial hyperreactivity symptoms in workers. 1,1'-azodi(formamide) can induce occupational asthma, with initial symptoms including nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, wheezing, and cough. Subsequently, symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, and nocturnal cough attacks may appear, with a latency period of several years observed before symptom onset. In some cases, symptom progression was noted with continued ADCA exposure, while in others, exposure was discontinued after initial symptoms, preventing observation of symptom exacerbation. Prior exposure to allergens, such as working in bakeries, appears to accelerate symptom onset. Improvement in allergy symptoms has been noted during weekend breaks from work. There is no safe concentration identified for ADCA that would not result in adverse health effects for workers. A concentration of 0.036 mg/m3 is considered the lowest observed adverse effect concentration, causing critical reduction in lung spirometric parameters. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5).

ANALYSIS OF LABOR PRODUCTIVITY OF BEAM AND FLOOR PLATE WORK WITH WORK SAMPLING METHOD

Productivity is a crucial parameter in achieving project objectives. This research aims to obtain the value of labor productivity on the beam structure and floor plate in home construction using the work sampling method and analyze the comparison of the labor coefficient to the Analysis of Unit Price of Work (AHSP) in 2022. Experimental quantitative research describes this approach, utilizing information gathered through documentation, questionnaires, and participant observation. Data analysis in this research includes Data Uniformity Analysis, Data Sufficiency Analysis, Labor Utilization Rate (LUR), and Spearman Correlation. The findings revealed that the beam concreting job in home construction achieved a labor productivity rate (LUR) of 61.61% and 84.417 kg/person. In the floor plate concreting work, labor productivity reached 98.787 kg/person with a LUR value of 54.10%. Meanwhile, in formwork work, labor productivity reached 3.577 m/person with a LUR value of 53.37%, and in casting work, labor productivity reached 1.287 m/hour with a LUR value of 53.37%. Correlation analysis shows a positive relationship between Labor Utilization Rate and labor coefficient in concreting and formwork works. This indicates that the more efficient the labor, the higher the productivity in carrying out these activities, and the smaller the coefficient value obtained

Factors Influencing the Success Criteria of ICT Project Management Case Study Constructions in Mogadishu

Being a developing nation, our nation's project construction is advanced in comparison to earlier years. Therefore, the overall goal of this study is to evaluate and examine the local elements influencing the success criteria of ICT project management in the construction sectors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the technical factors that affect the success of ICT project management in the Somali construction industry. To determine the organizational factors that affect the ICT project management success in the Somali construction industry. And to investigate the cultural factors that affect the success of ICT project management in the construction industry. The most recent study to look at environmental factors influencing the performance of ICT project management in the Somali construction industry. The report focuses on construction initiatives completed in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu. Both interviews and questionnaires were used to gather the data. The questionnaire was completed online using Google Form, and the respondents were clients, consultants, and contractors. The researchers used practical sampling to gather 100 surveys. There are four case study companies that I have chosen as an experiment construction companies are utilized as a case study for this research project. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS to produce the average index from the study; Dalbile construction and contracting company, Bile home repair and Construction service, Qidmad Construction Company and Gaabow Construction Company. Due to the growing technological uncertainty, the building sector is dynamic. Building projects are getting easier and more advanced today. The coordination between the project participants is what has an impact on how well construction projects execute when using the design build method of procurement. The Somali government should establish and enforce strict penalties to combat fraudulence activities, the licensing of contractors and consultants should be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that they are qualified and have the tools necessary to perform their jobs, and the contractors should enhance their estimation methods and take into account all external factors that could affect their projects.

Chagasic megacolon: First report and management in a case from the 24 de Mayo canton, Manabí province, Ecuador

Introduction: Chagas disease is a disease belonging to the group of Neglected Tropical Diseases. The vector is Trypanosoma cruzi. In this context, Chagas megacolon constitutes an underdiagnosed condition in favor of Chagas heart disease. Case report: Consequently, a clinical case is presented in an 80-year-old male patient. The set of clinical parameters such as chronic constipation, fecaloma; Megacolon imaging and serological results of specific antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi led to the diagnosis of Chagasic megacolon, with surgical intervention on three occasions for correction and treatment. Discussion: Prevention through vector control is essential in the fight against this disease. The main strategies should focus on the construction of decent homes, free of domestic animals inside, such as chicken coops, pigeon coops, hutches, caves, nests and other shelters for animals, where the vector could proliferate.Conclusion: It is the first report of Chagas megacolon in the province of Manabí. The need to promote greater clinical, epidemiological and comprehensive psychological care is highlighted for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Work from home, polarization, and new residential construction during COVID-19

ABSTRACT This article examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home trends on residential construction. We document a decline in building permits filed early in the pandemic, followed by a substantial increase in permits filed during the late 2020 and 2021. Pre-pandemic trends of building in urban areas continued, while substantially less permits were filed in Democrat-voting counties and counties in states with Democrat governors. Our results suggest political re-sorting during the pandemic that may continue in a work-from-home environment.

The Effect of Occupant Behavior on the Residential Visual Environment: A Case Study from Annaba, Algeria

The construction of comfortable, energy-efficient and health-friendly homes is more crucial than ever at a time whenthe health crisis is forcing us to reconsider our way of life. This article used a post-occupancy evaluation of theinhabited space in residential buildings at Oued El-Fourcha neighborhood in Annaba to assess user satisfaction withoccupied buildings, examine the impact of daylighting and human behavior on the lighting ambience. The results ofthe study were processed by SPHINX Lexica software, focusing mainly on the qualitative aspects of daylighting in theinhabited space, taking into account occupant preferences. The study demonstrated an unfavorable level of internalilluminance, and that adequate lighting also needs to meet occupant requirements in order to make these windowsusable, which must satisfy a number of socio-cultural, climatic and environmental factors.

Housing amenity and affordability shape floodplain development

Flood damage has severe and long-term repercussions for households and communities, and continued housing development in floodplains escalates damages over time. Policies and interventions to reduce damage depend on assumptions about housing stock and residents, but assessments of flood exposure to date largely focus on community-scale characteristics at a single point in time, masking potential within-community differences and their evolution through time. We measure residential development in the floodplain nationwide over time to characterize the type and value of U.S. floodplain housing stock and to assess how new development contributes to flood exposure. Over 4M U.S. residences built from 1700 to 2019 (4.8% of all residences built during that time) are located within current regulatory floodplains. These residences are concentrated at the affordable and expensive extremes of the housing value spectrum, reflecting deep differences in the social vulnerability of floodplain residents. Floodplain housing stock often differs substantially from the local market, with coastal floodplains containing relatively expensive housing and inland floodplains containing relatively affordable housing. New housing development has not occurred equally across these contexts. In the past two decades, more floodplain development has occurred in communities with relatively expensive floodplain housing, and mobile home construction in floodplains has slowed. The bifurcated patterns in floodplain housing, across values and geographies, demonstrate the importance of considering the specific population at risk and how it may differ from the broader community when tailoring flood risk management approaches.

Stress Strain Behaviour of Solid Block Masonry Prism under Axial Compression

Masonry is possibly the primary construction element currently in widespread use throughout the world. Load-bearing masonry building is prevalent in developing countries for home construction. When properly constructed, masonry is frequently a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to reinforced concrete for wall building. In addition to performing the dual roles of supporting weight and enclosing space, structural masonry boasts a high level of fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, and exposure protection. The remarkable durability and low maintenance costs are further evident benefits. Masonry has a significant role in building construction, particularly in structures, as it is regarded as the primary component of the building. The eco-friendly solid block is prepared by adding the following by-products like coal ash, granite powder, olivine sand etc., all these ingredients used for manufacturing the solid block are waste materials from various industries. Thus, extensive testing is necessary to assess their load carrying capacity and secant modulus accurately. Masonry prisms were developed with five-layer solid blocks and tested for their stress-strain characteristics and secant modulus and the test outcomes were compared with conventional fly ash cement blocks. Eco-friendly solid blocks offer a persuasive substitute for ecologically conscious approaches to building by preserving structural integrity and functionality while promoting sustainability.

Multiple Unbelongings: Filipino American Theology and the Problem of Home

After centuries of colonial violence, Filipino American identity and Christianity are characterized by experiences of unbelonging. To show this, I trace these developments historically and sociologically, highlighting pastorally and ecclesially significant ways this unbelonging manifests, as US Filipinos negotiate Christian faith with increasing distance from the Philippines itself. This unbelonging sets Filipino American Christianity and community apart from other Asian Americans, and this uniqueness must be understood in order for Filipino American theology to be grounded contextually. Finally, I demonstrate that Filipino American theology and ministry are works of “home construction,” as the idea of home is continuously contested and reconceived. 1

Building a sustainable future: Exploring the nexus between climate awareness and thermal insulation choices in new home construction

Climate change is considered a major threat to the environment and society as a whole. Reducing building energy consumption through the use of thermal insulation is one way of combating climate change. This study examines the impact of climate change awareness on the pre-construction decision of Lebanese homeowners to use thermal insulation in their new homes. A model building consisting of a typical 160 m2 single-family home was used and its thermal loads were calculated in two cases: insulated and uninsulated case, in three different locations in Lebanon: Beirut, Chtaura, and Bcharre-Arz. The thermal loads were calculated using two methods: the degree-days empirical method, and the Hourly Analysis Program software numerical method. The computations showed energy reduction ranging between 23% in the coastal region to 52% in high mountains when thermal insulation of thickness 5 cm was used. The investment payback period ranged from 4.3 years in the coastal region to 1.5 years in the high mountains. A survey addressed to 100 respondents was used to understand how Lebanese homeowners’ decision to use thermal insulation was affected by knowledge of the obtained results. The survey results showed that climate change awareness has a high impact on this decision; however, the cost seems to play an important role in the owners’ final decision on whether or not to use thermal insulation. Spreading awareness about climate change and the payback periods of building thermal insulation will increase its use since the number of respondents refusing to use thermal insulation drastically decreased after being informed about its payback period.

Sound insulation performance of different built-in acoustic materials for new multifamily residential

ABSTRACT The Building Technical Regulations in Taiwan, Article 46–6, Section 1. require that the impact sound insulation performance △LW be greater than 17 dB. Although the regulation has been in effect for over 2.5 years, installations of qualified acoustic materials have not yet been found in the market, as they are not required to be listed for building permit applications until 2021. Owing to the slow increase in new home construction, sound insulation mats are estimated to take five to seven years to be widely adopted. To characterize the material performance, the built-in permanent sound insulation layers of various materials were tested in an unfinished residential building. Practical experiments were conducted as per the CNS 15160-7:2021standard on the 7th floor of new buildings in northern Taiwan. Eleven insulation materials were selected from different manufacturers. The insulation mats made from these materials were placed in the same environment of approximately 10 M2, then incorporated underneath the mortar substrate of the polished floor tile using the wet construction method; the 6th floor of the building was utilized to evaluate sound reduction in accordance with the CNS 8465–2:2019 standard for different materials.

Home- and Community-based Elderly Care and the Life Satisfaction of Chinese Elderly Individuals

Objectives: With the accelerated aging of Chinese society, the demand for high-quality care services for the elderly population is rapidly increasing. In response, the Chinese government promotes the construction of home- and community-based elderly care (HCBEC) systems, which significantly influence the life satisfaction (LS) of this group. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the accessibility of HCBEC and LS of the elderly population in China and further examined the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) using an ordered logit model. Results: HCBEC significantly enhanced the LS of the elderly population, with more pronounced positive effects observed among females, unmarried persons, rural dwellers, and those with chronic diseases or physical disabilities. These services also increase their satisfaction by enhancing accessibility to anticipated care and medical services. Conclusions: This study theoretically complements research on LS. The use of large-sample data analysis ensures the reliability of the results, providing practical implications for China's proactive response to population aging and policy, and enhancing the subjective well-being of the elderly population.

A Revolution in Sustainable Development

The way we are currently developing our building structures is unsustainable, with a large amount of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions being a direct result of the production and implementation of the materials used in our buildings. The purpose of this honors thesis is to better understand the potential and feasibility of hemp biocomposite materials in construction. A case study will be examined, where a house plan will be taken, and utilized in two homes, one being constructed with conventional materials such as lumber, while the other with hemp biocomposites. Because the same house plan is used in both homes, we can objectively quantify the carbon footprint and monetary cost of both dwellings, and directly compare them. This side by side analysis can allow developers, architects, and hemp-based construction material companies to see the difference in cost and carbon footprint associated with switching to hemp biobased materials. Using professional journals, peer reviewed literature, and interviews with hemp companies, a building product analysis was conducted. This section shows the advantages and potential drawbacks of current building materials, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of transitioning towards hemp biocomposites. Through the building analysis and case study, this thesis is an extensive tool that shows the potential of hemp in future residential home construction. The carbon sequestered through hemp biocomposites is nearly double its conventional counterparts, and its higher cost can be justified as its benefits could be argued to outweigh the difference in total cost when it comes to the price of the home. For the full text, please visit https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/rx913r48x.

Analysis of the Application of Ferrosement Method to Earthquake-Resistant Houses Affects Cost

In the context of building earthquake-resistant houses, the use of ferrosement technology can be an effective solution to face unique environmental challenges. The sustainability, strength, and earthquake resistance provided by ferrosement make it an attractive option in an effort to improve the quality and safety of buildings in areas prone to earthquakes. This study will use a comparative method to analyze the cost needs of building earthquake-resistant houses using Ferromen technology. The total cost of materials for ferrosemen houses with type 7 x 6 amounted to 69,783,571,131. The use of ferrrosemen technology in home construction offers significant cost efficiency potential compared to traditional construction methods. This is mainly because the raw materials used in fermenting, such as local soil and fiber, are generally more affordable and widely available. 2. Focus on Strength Ferrocement technology focuses strength on the foundation of the house which uses an inverted T foundation with woven concrete iron, which is much stronger than the river stone foundation. Although further research and local adaptation are still needed, the use of ferrrosement technology is promising as a more economical alternative in house construction. This can be a sustainable solution to improve access to affordable housing for people in various regions, especially in developing countries. However, it is important to consider factors such as soil conditions, climate, and availability of local resources in effectively implementing this technology.

For Want of Membership and Money: The 1936 Hitler Youth Law and the Hitler Youth's Home Procurement Campaign

Abstract This article offers a much-needed reconsideration of the Hitler Youth law's purpose and impact. It contends that Hitler's cabinet adopted the 1936 law for two reasons: first, to pressure boys and girls to join the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls, and second, to compel municipalities to finance the construction of thousands of new Hitler Youth Heime (homes). The first part of the article focuses on the drafting of the Hitler Youth law and locates the origins of the Hitler Youth's Heimbeschaffung (home procurement) campaign. It argues that Nazi leaders deliberately inserted language into Article 2 of the final law that would pressure municipal and district authorities to fund the construction of new homes in their communities. The second part of the article documents Nazi leaders’ repeated efforts to persuade and compel municipalities to finance new construction, assume the costs of ongoing maintenance and, after 1939, pay rental and maintenance costs for temporary accommodations.

Надомна робота і дистанційна робота: методологічний аспект розмежування понять нетрадиційних форм організації праці

The article aims to characterize home and distance work and establish the distinction between these concepts, considering the methodological aspect. The author notes that the pandemic of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which swept the world in 2020, as well as the full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022— acted as a catalyst for legislation on non-standard forms of employment because the usual form of employment with the performance of work at the employer’s location began to threaten the employee’s life and health. The genesis of the legal regulation of home and remote work is considered, emphasizing that, in essence, the legislator initially reduced two concepts to a synonymous understanding. The legal constructions of home and remote work are analyzed by establishing their features. It was concluded that homework and remote work are different legal phenomena and different forms of labor organization, the demand for which has increased many times over the last five years. The main conceptual difference between these forms of work organization is that home work is characterized by what is performed by the employee at his place of residence or in other premises defined by him, which are characterized by the presence of a fixed zone. Here, there is no possibility of performing work on the employer’s territory or premises. Remote work involves the performance of work by an employee outside the workplace or territory of the employer, in any place of the employee’s choice, without a fixed area for the performance of work by the employee. Attention is focused on the different legal nature and essential features of these forms of labor organization. It is substantiated that the clear distinction between the concepts of home and remote work, which is finally contained in the Labor Code of Ukraine, generally corresponds to the methodology of the science of labor law, considers the achievements of scientists in the field of labor law and the different nature of these concepts. That is, the current codified act on labor contains ordered definitions and does not differ in legal equilibrium. It is also summarized that the current definitions of home and remote work no longer allow for confusion in these categories and, therefore, reduce the risk of violation of the labor rights of employees, providing a legal basis for exercising their right to work in less dangerous conditions, which are typical for work at an employer’s company, when the entire workforce is gathering. Keywords: right to work, labor relations, legal regulation, employment contract, employee, employer, labor rights, employment, home work, remote work, remote worker.

Policy for material efficiency in homes and cars: Enabling new climate change mitigation strategies

AbstractMaterial efficiency (ME), making products with less material or substituting with less carbon‐intensive material without a loss of functionality, can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and complement other strategies to mitigate climate change. Seven ME strategies for cars and homes in the G7 countries were recently modeled in a study by the International Resource Panel. Modeling indicates that ME strategies focusing on construction and use of homes could lower the overall cumulative emissions in the G7 between 2016 and 2060 by 8.5 Gt CO2e (20%), while ME strategies for the production and use of cars could reduce up to 12 Gt (24%). For both homes and cars, the strategy of more intensive use—where fewer or smaller products are required to provide the same basic service—showed the greatest potential. A review of existing ME policies reveals that attention to ME in climate policy has been limited. Policy toward ME has historically focused on waste management rather than GHG reduction. Ex post evaluation of policies that do exist, especially for recycling and related waste strategies, is infrequent. Framing efficient use of materials as a measure primarily intended for climate mitigation is relatively recent and uncommon. Production‐related policy opportunities have been neglected because using ME to reduce GHGs is novel in some sectors and because increased ME faces economic and social barriers. Rebound effects where reduction of the cost of housing or transportation can increase material consumption offsetting potential gains, a problem for all efficiency‐based approaches, is understudied and not currently addressed through policy.This article is categorized under: The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand

Working Posture and Low Back Pain among Female Home Convection Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant contributor to global musculoskeletal disorders, often associated with uncomfortable working postures prevalent among home convection workers. This study investigates the correlation between work posture and LBP incidence in 36 female home convection workers aged 20-55, selected through total sampling. This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Conducted from March 31 to June 17, 2023, in Sragen, the study utilized RULA with an ordinal scale for posture analysis and the Modified ODI questionnaire, also employing an ordinal scale for LBP measurement. Results revealed 52.78% with low-risk and 47.22% with high-risk postures. Most LBP cases were mild (35 individuals). Kendall’s tau correlation test showed no significant relationship between work posture and LBP incidence (p-value = 0.175, p 0.05). This research concluded that there was no significant relationship between work posture and the incidence of LBP among female home construction workers. However, no significant correlation was found; 47.22% faced a high risk of other musculoskeletal disorders, highlighting the need for immediate posture changes among these workers.