<p> Interior Design Unit One HousingHousing NeedsNeeds NotesNotes FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSING CHOICES</p><p>The most influential factors upon housing choices:  location  climate  cost--recommended range for housing is 25-35 % of monthly budget</p><p>Other important factors to consider:  financial o pros and cons - buying vs. renting o monthly payment/rent in relationship to percent of income  environmental o local climate o topography o population density o culture o public service availability o indigenous building materials o social trends city/county zoning laws often influence:  multiple- or single-family units  public transportation  location of shopping areas  physical disabilities mobility  ability to relocate, frequency and ease of moving housing choices  multi-family dwellings: o duplex o apartments o condos  single-family home dwellings: o prefabricated home o track o custom o mobile home</p><p>Housing needs. (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2005, from Utah Education Network Web site : http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/downloadFile.cgi?file=3997-6- 3240Housing_Needs_Notes.doc&filename=Housing_Needs_Notes.doc. </p>