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Based on the survey results, the authors also home buyer’s list, but the preferred conveniences
defined a composite “Five Star House.” It included listed in the survey results paint a picture of a very
a full basement complete with a recreation room, different standard of living 80 years ago.
laundry, fruit and vegetable storage (pantry) and In order of preference, “conveniences” that
an “automatic heating plant with provision for prospective home buyers wanted in 1938 included
circulation of air” (aka, a furnace). A dumbwaiter an automatic water heater, a mechanical
was also high on the list. refrigerator, an oven heat controlled stove, a kitchen
Much like today, buyers said essential features on ventilating fan, a bathroom heater, a disposal, and
the main floor included plenty of electrical outlets, a a dishwasher sink, an early-1900s concept that has
separate dining room, a dining nook in the kitchen, since been re-introduced to the market. Today, all of
a bedroom or den, a lavatory, kitchen cabinets, a those items are likely to be standard in a new home
kitchen ventilating fan and an entrance vestibule. and some are required by code.
Optional features included a laundry chute, a porch If there was any doubt about shared values
and an attached garage. between today’s home buyers and buyers in the
On the second floor, the respondents wanted three 1930s, the list of pet peeves makes it clear there are
bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of closet more similarities than differences. The number one
space. Options included a sleeping porch and complaint about homes in 1938 was “not enough
additional storage space. closet space.”
Perhaps because of their New York location, the It was closely followed by: “not enough electrical
survey respondents showed a strong preference outlets,” “can’t heat the room evenly,” “poor kitchen
for colonial-style homes, particularly the so-called arrangement,” and “draftiness.” The authors
“Dutch colonial” with a gambrel roof. The survey also found it noteworthy that much like today’s
respondents also strongly preferred brick exterior consumers, more than half (51%) said they must have
walls. wall and ceiling insulation and 48% indicated they
Amenities are always at the top of a prospective would like to have it. NAHB FEB 2018

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MARCH 2018 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 15