Home Renovation Research Articles

The Potential of AI in Information Provision in Energy-Efficient Renovations: A Narrative Review of Literature

<p>Energy-efficient renovation (EER) is a complex process essential for reducing emissions in the built environment. This research identifies homeowners as the main decision-makers, whereas intermediaries and social interactions between peers are highly influential in home renovations. It investigates information and communication barriers encountered during the initial phases of EERs. The study reviews AI tools developed within the EERs domain to assess their capabilities in overcoming these barriers and identifies areas needing improvement. This research examines stakeholders, barriers, and the AI tools in the literature for EERs. The discussion compares the functionalities of these tools against stakeholder needs and the challenges they face. Findings show that tools often overlook methodologies in human–computer interaction and the potential of textual and visual AI methods. Digital tool development also lacks insights from social science and user feedback, potentially limiting the practical impact of these innovations. This article contributes to the EERs literature by proposing an AI-supported framework and outlining potential research areas for future exploration, particularly improving tool effectiveness and stakeholder engagement to scale up the EER practice.</p>

Enhancing vitamin D levels in care homes: the role of healthy building design in preventing respiratory infections.

The recent article by Willcox etal. in the Journal of Public Health highlights the effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis and high-dose vitamin D supplementation in reducing acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in care homes. This correspondence extends the discussion by emphasizing the critical role of healthy building design in enhancing vitamin D levels, which is vital for immune function and ARI prevention. Many care home residents suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to limited sunlight exposure. Incorporating architectural elements such as large windows, skylights, and outdoor spaces can significantly increase natural light exposure, thereby boosting vitamin D levels and potentially reducing ARI susceptibility. Despite the benefits of supplementation, addressing environmental factors through healthy building design offers a sustainable, long-term strategy that aligns with public health goals of preventive care and environmental sustainability. Prioritizing such design principles in care home planning and renovation can enhance residents' health and resilience against infections like influenza and COVID-19.

Energy Efficiency in Seasonal Homes: A Study on the Occupancy, Energy Use, and Renovation of Second Homes in Sweden

The escalating utilisation of second homes has led to an extension in heating periods and, to a certain degree, renovations to elevate the standard, resulting in augmented energy and resource consumption. A comprehensive survey was conducted in Sweden, examining user patterns across different seasons, heating systems, and implemented energy efficiency measures. The results indicate that second homes are occupied for extended periods during the summer season and intermittently throughout the year. Over half of the second homes are heated even when unoccupied, with 12% maintaining a temperature above 16 °C. The predominant heating method is direct electricity (32.2%), followed by heat pumps (29.5%) and stoves (17.5%). A variety of renovations are undertaken, primarily to enhance the standard and technical performance, but also to implement energy efficiency measures such as window replacement, additional insulation, or heat pump installation. Based on the reported user and heating patterns, and the energy renovations carried out, the potential energy savings with different energy renovation strategies were estimated for the Swedish second home stock. The results show that though lowering the temperature when a second home is unoccupied emerges as the most efficient measure, both in terms of cost-effectiveness and climate impact, it needs to be complemented with intermittent heating or dehumidification to ensure that the relative humidity is below critical levels, to avoid the risk of damages caused by, for example, mould growth. Installing a heat pump is the second most energy- and cost-effective measure and has the advantage that the indoor temperature can be maintained at rather high levels.

Queer households and possibilities for shared housing: a policy case study analysis

ABSTRACT Kinship structures among Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) individuals differ from conventional nuclear families. Heteronormative models of family and cohabitation impact housing options, resulting in the marginalization of queer households in Canada. This paper examines systemic factors in federal, provincial, and municipal policies, focusing on two specific policies: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods, which limit housing provision for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Using Toronto as a case study, it evaluates how these policies affect the household needs of 2SLGBTQI+ adults based on queer kinship and identifies opportunities for change.

Understanding users of online energy efficiency counseling: comparison to representative samples in Norway.

To achieve substantial energy efficiency improvements in the privately owned building stock, it is important to communicate with potential renovators at the right point in time and provide them with targeted information to strengthen their renovation ambitions. The European Union recommends using one-stop-shops (OSSs), which provide information and support throughout the whole process, from planning to acquisition of funding, implementation, and evaluation as a measure to remove unnecessary barriers. For this paper, we invited visitors of two Norwegian websites with OSS characteristics to answer an online survey about their renovation plans and energy efficiency ambitions. The participants visited the websites out of their own interest; no recruitment for the websites was conducted as part of the study (N = 437). They also rated a range of psychological drivers, facilitators, and barriers to including energy upgrades in a renovation project. Their answers were then compared to existing data from representative samples of Norwegian households regarding home renovation in 2014, 2018, and 2023, as well as data from a sample of people who were engaged in renovation projects in 2014, which was collected by the research team with a similar online survey. Furthermore, 78 visitors completed a brief follow-up online survey one year later to report the implemented measures. We found that visitors of the websites are involved in more comprehensive renovation projects and have substantially higher ambitions for the upgrade of energy efficiency compared to the representative samples. They also perceive stronger personal and social norms, as well as have a different profile of facilitators and barriers. The findings suggest to policymakers that OSSs should be marketed especially to people motivated to upgrade energy efficiency but lack information and are unable to implement their plans alone. Also, the construction industry might refer interested people to such low-threshold online solutions to assist informed and more ambitious decisions.

MSMEs for economic independence based on local wisdom

Background: The aim of this research is to analyze the empowerment of women in MSMEs for Economic Independence Based on Local Wisdom. Method: The type of research is analytical survey research. This type of data uses qualitative data. Data sources consist of primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques using interviews, documentation studies, and observations. The data analysis technique uses descriptive methods with a qualitative approach. Findings: Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, empowerment of the existence of female MSME actors, members of the Jempiring Women's Farmers Group (KWT), Badung Regency, uses the local wisdom of Tri Hita Karana. Conclusion: This is considered capable of increasing economic independence to help family finances with education costs, able to help carry out home renovations and repairs, able to improve the health of all family members because family finances are already good. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in the empowerment model of women's MSMEs that integrates the principles of local wisdom Tri Hita Karana with a modern economic approach. This model combines entrepreneurship training, strengthening social networks, and preserving local cultural values ​​to create a sustainable and competitive MSME ecosystem while maintaining cultural identity.

Integrated home renovation services as a means to boost energy renovations for homeowner associations: A comparative analysis of service providers’ business models

Across the European Union (EU), approximately 46% of the population resides in apartment buildings. A majority of these buildings are in need of energy renovation and are managed by Homeowner associations (HOAs). HOAs face distinct challenges in renovating their buildings. Integrated home renovation services (IHRS) have emerged as a potential solution to accelerate highly energy-efficient renovations for HOAs. The question arises: How do current integrated home renovation service providers facilitate energy renovations for homeowner associations, overcoming the prevailing barriers to uptake? This paper explores the current state of IHRS providers operating in four European regions with a focus on the Netherlands and Flanders. The study offers insights into the dynamics of their business models, strategies, and ways forward. The methods employed involve a combination of qualitative approaches. Fourteen business models of IHRS providers in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Austria were analysed, to define their strategies within the regional context. The results reveal that while public entities prioritize broad societal challenges, private models focus on operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Public-private partnerships offer a hybrid approach, blending strengths but requiring precise governance to align diverse interests and achieve comprehensive, sustainable outcomes. The findings can inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in developing effective and targeted IHRS initiatives in the EU.

Prevalence and Factors Related to High Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity among Japanese High School Students.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) onset in minors can greatly impact learning and future employment. This study investigated the prevalence of MCS and related factors in high school students to determine whether it was the same as in adults. A comprehensive survey was conducted on 80 high schools in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The survey incorporated the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, as well as items related to allergies, the living environment, and lifestyle. Of the 4630 students analyzed, according to Hojo's cut-off value, 9.0% were classified as high-risk for MCS and 77.9% reported some allergy-like symptoms. Significant factors associated with elevated MCS risk included female sex, having various allergic conditions, having experienced living in a new home or home renovations or extensions, proximity to environmental stressors (freeways, national highway, factories, rubbish dumps, or sources of offensive odors), insufficient physical activity (exercising less than once a week outside of physical education classes), having cold hands and feet, being fatigued, having a bedtime earlier than 11 p.m., and having moderate-frequent subjective stress. Overall, 9.0% of high school students in Japan are at high risk for MCS. Enhancing awareness of MCS-like symptoms and addressing allergies, living environments, and lifestyle habits may mitigate these symptoms.

A case study of residential waste plumbing noise control

Home renovations occasionally include the optimization of the residential layout by changing the use of the original rooms to different uses. A recent residential renovation involved changing a top floor bedroom into a full bathroom to provide the homeowners with a toilet and shower closer to the bedrooms on the upper floor of the residence. With this change, a new toilet on the upper floor was located over a portion of a kitchen ceiling on the lower floor below, raising the concern for fluid flow noise in the kitchen when the toilet was flushed. This paper will review the laboratory testing of pipe noise, conditions associated with plumbing of this case study, the noise control approach that was implemented, and measurements of the mitigation at different times prior to the final result.

The Application of Service Ijarah in Islamic Finance

This research aims to explore the current application of Service Ijarah in Islamic Finance across three major sectors of Islamic commercial finance: Islamic banking, Islamic Insurance, and Islamic capital market. Furthermore, this study identifies potential challenges and risks associated with the use of Service Ijarah by comparing it with alternative Shariah contracts. This research employs a qualitative desk review research method to delineate the practical application of the Service Ijarah. The data was primarily collected from the official websites, product disclosure sheets, and annual reports of Islamic finance and banking institutions in different jurisdictions. Additionally, other secondary sources were used, including Shariah Standards, policy documents, journal articles, and other forms of reports. At least 15 Islamic banks globally have used the contract for financing services such as education, marriage, travel, home renovation, green technology, professional services, and Hajj & Umrah in countries including Oman, UAE, Malaysia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The contract has yet to be practically applied within the Islamic capital market and Islamic insurance (Takaful). However, there is potential for the structuring of service-based Ijarah Sukuk and the development of Takaful products to cover service-ijarah-based financings. The absence of guidelines on Service Ijarah and the difficulty of finding reliable service providers for custom jobs may present challenges for the banks. This research is expected to be beneficial for industry practitioners seeking to explore a contract that remains relatively underutilised in the Islamic finance field and Shariah and regulatory authorities. It also examines the potential for service-based Ijarah Sukuk and AAOIFI's role in facilitating the development of Service Ijarah-based products.

Associations between residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and birthweight and head circumference among term births: The Taiwan birth Cohort study

Exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy may cause adverse birth outcomes in newborns. This study examined links between exposure to various residential environmental characteristics during pregnancy and newborn birth weight/head circumference, using the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS) database with 14,829 subjects. We conducted simple and multiple linear regression analyses to find out the associations between residential environmental characteristics (molds, environmental tobacco smoke [ETS], household insecticide use, and home renovation or painting) and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference), and adjusting for demographics and environmental variables. The standardized beta coefficients were calculated. We also analyzed whether the associations varied by newborn sex and maternal body mass index (BMI). The regression analysis indicated that molds on multiple walls at the residence were significantly associated with lower birthweight (standardized β = −0.025, p = 0.003) and with smaller head circumference (standardized β = −0.023, p = 0.008) than no mold on walls after adjustment. Exposure to ETS did not result in significance for birthweight reduction but a significant reduction in head circumference (standardized β = −0.018, p = 0.047). The birthweight reductions associated with molds were −0.024 SD (standard deviation) for boys and −0.028 SD for girls, whereas the head circumference reduction with molds was sex-specific, being only significant for girls (standardized β = −0.029, p = 0.021). The analysis on BMI-separated data indicated that all significance occurred to mothers having normal BMI. Mold presence correlated significantly with reduced birth weight and head circumference, while ETS exposure only reduced head circumference. Girls and mothers with normal BMI were more affected by these reductions than boys or under/overweight mothers.

The use, energy use and renovation of Swedish second homes in winter sport areas

The use, energy use and renovation of Swedish second homes in winter sport areas

Enhancing efficiency and user-centricity in architectural remodeling: A comprehensive system design for structural renovation

The home renovation industry has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by shifts in lifestyle necessitating adjustments in living spaces. This paper addresses critical gaps in the domain of architectural remodeling, with a particular focus on improving efficiency, referenceability, and user-centricity in structural remodeling. This research introduces a system design tailored for structural remodeling within house renovation, catering to both comprehensive and partial projects to facilitate the creation of structurally viable renovation options and optimizing them to align precisely with user requirements. The proposed system's accessibility and consideration of architectural factors set it apart. While offering substantial benefits, the system has limitations, such as the exclusion of interior furnishing styles in output solutions. In conclusion, contributes to the improvement of remodeling projects and offers a promising approach, particularly in the early stages of these endeavors.

Association Between Home Renovation and Sleeping Problems Among Children Aged 6-18 Years: A Nationwide Survey in China.

Although the indoor environment has been proposed to be associated with childhood sleep health, to our knowledge no study has investigated the association between home renovation and childhood sleep problems. The study included 186,470 children aged 6-18 years from the National Chinese Children Health Study (2012-2018). We measured childhood sleeping problems via the Chinese version of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (C-SDSC). Information on home renovation exposure within the recent 2 years was collected via parent report. We estimated associations between home renovation and various sleeping problems, defined using both continuous and categorized (binary) C-SDSC t-scores, using generalized mixed models. We fitted models with city as a random effect variable, and other covariates as fixed effects. Out of the overall participants, 89,732 (48%) were exposed to recent home renovations. Compared to the unexposed group, children exposed to home renovations had higher odds of total sleep disorder (odd ratios [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 1.4). Associations varied when we considered different types of home renovation materials. Children exposed to multiple types of home renovation had higher odds of sleeping problems. We observed similar findings when considering continuous C-SDSC t-scores. Additionally, sex and age of children modified the associations of home renovation exposure with some of the sleeping problem subtypes. We found that home renovation was associated with higher odds of having sleeping problems and that they varied when considering the type of renovation, cumulative exposure, sex, and age differences.

Removal or preservation in place? A review of the conservation management options for asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties

PurposeInvented in late 1890s, asbestos cement sheeting rose to prominence during the post-Second World War period as a building material for low-cost housing by state housing commissions and low-income families (“fibro homes”). The adverse health effects of asbestos fibres in the building industry and home renovation activities are well documented. Fibro homes of the 1950s and 1960s are increasingly coming under the gaze of heritage studies, which brings to the fore the question of how to deal with the asbestos cement sheeting most are clad with.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides the first systematic review to assess the literature (126 papers were identified in Google Scholar and scanned for content) on the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.FindingsOverall, engagement with the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties was low, with only two sources dealing with asbestos cement sheeting in any level of detail. The studies note that if asbestos cement sheeting is in good condition, it should be left alone. Numerous conservation and repair options do exist, in particular the application of (coloured) sealants that extend the life of asbestos cement sheets and asbestos cement roofing.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first systematic review to assess conservation management options for asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.

Home Renovation as National Modernization: Colonial Fantasies and Postcolonial Aspirations in South African Township Tourism

Home Renovation as National Modernization: Colonial Fantasies and Postcolonial Aspirations in South African Township Tourism

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergic Rhinitis; A systematic Review

Allergic rhinitis (AR), an immunoglobulin E-induced nasal infection, significantly impacts nasal mucosa function and quality of life. Its incidence has risen globally, showing variations across income categories. This systematic study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of AR. Data were sourced from PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase, following PRISMA guidelines. English-language articles (2010–2023) discussing AR prevalence and risk factors were included. A total of 15 articles were reviewed, with surveys and national database analyses being predominant (n=15). The search initially yielded 95 studies, of which 15 met inclusion criteria. Enhanced knowledge of prevalence and risk factors is crucial for future treatment improvements. The prevalence of AR has surged, necessitating evidence-based assessments of risk factors. For adults, risk factors include smoking, asthma, family history of AR, drug and food allergies, pollen allergy history, antibiotic use, occupational dust exposure, home renovation, and middle school education. In children, passive smoking, asthma, family history of AR, allergies, eczema, pet ownership, seafood consumption, male gender, and breastfeeding were identified as risk factors. The study highlights AR prevalence\'s correlation with allergic diseases, familial allergy history, and environmental factors. Comprehending these associations is pivotal for enhancing adherence to preventive management plans.

A JUSTIFIED GRAPH ANALYSIS OF PRAYER SPACE IN FLOODED HOMES

Indonesia's risks of natural disasters force its people to live and adapt. It happens in Samarinda's urban settlements, which flood annually. Indonesia, a religious country, applied religion to most aspects of life. The religious element is persistent even in homes being inundated by floods. Devout Muslims consistently perform the five daily Shalah and sometimes Sunnah prayers in flooded conditions. This paper analyzed the spatial configuration of the Muslim prayer space in the flooded residence from different phases. The study method was based on Justified Graph analysis, and the sample was a stilt house in some periods. The research locus was in the most settlement area covering frequent floods. This research found that Integration and Mean Depth were the critical factors in prayer spaces in flooded homes due to the connection with other spaces, visual control, and interaction. Muslim home renovations should have a prayer space with high Integration value and low Mean Depth. High Integration connects the prayer space to numerous rooms, making controlling and interacting with others during a flood easier. Low Mean Depth allows easy access to the prayer space from the main entrance. A prayer space will ensure the house has a safe area during a flood.

Development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model for spontaneous abortion risk in early pregnancy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and internally validate a prediction model for estimating the risk of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 9,895 pregnant women who received prenatal care at a maternal health facility in China from January 2021 to December 2022. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and mental health were collected. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to develop the prediction model with spontaneous abortion as the outcome. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping techniques, and its discrimination and calibration were assessed. ResultsThe spontaneous abortion rate was 5.95% (589/9,895) 1. The final prediction model included nine variables: maternal age, history of embryonic arrest, thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, assisted reproduction, exposure to pollution, recent home renovation, depression score, and stress score 1. The model showed good discrimination with a C-statistic of 0.88 (95% CI 0.87‒0.90) 1, and its calibration was adequate based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p = 0.27). ConclusionsThe prediction model demonstrated good performance in estimating spontaneous abortion risk in early pregnancy based on demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Further external validation is recommended before clinical application.

Energy use patterns and renovations of Swedish second homes

During and post pandemic more people spent time in their second homes, which is expected to have led to higher energy use for heating. The knowledge of energy performance, heating systems, energy renovation and use patterns of second homes is still poor. The aim of the research is therefore to compile available information from building registers but also to empirically investigate user patterns, heating source and the renovation and energy efficiency measures carried out in second homes. A first step is to synthesize existing knowledge and develop a method for a broad mapping in a next step. The methods used are analysing statistics from national building registers and collecting information from owners/users through a pre-survey that is developed and tested. In this paper statistics on Swedish second homes and results from a pre-survey responded by 92 second homes owners/users are reported. From statistics, the energy performance and the main heating source for second homes with an EPC are identified. Despite the limited sample, the results from the pre-survey give an indication of user patterns, energy renovation measures carried out, and also whether the owners care about cultural values. Based on the experience from the pre-survey, a national survey has been initiated in Sweden.