PART D
HOW TO ENUMERATE THE
AMERICAN HOUSING SURVEY
Table of Contents
Chapter D1 - Overview of the AHS Instrument
Chapter D2 - The "Front" of the AHS Instrument
Chapter D3 - Update and Listing (UPDT) Module
Chapter D4 - Housing Units (HU) Module
Chapter D5 - Noninterview (NOINT) Module
Chapter D6 - Demographics (DEMOS) Module
Chapter D7 - Inventory (INV) Module
Chapter D8 - Equipment (EQP) Module
Chapter D9 - Problems/Breakdown (BRKDN) Module
Chapter D10 - Home Improvements and Repairs (HMR) Module
Chapter D11 - Neighborhood Quality (NHQ) Module
Chapter D12 - Recent Mover (RMOV) Module
Chapter D13 - Alternate Housing (ALH) Module
Chapter D14 - Journey-to-Work (JTW) Module
Chapter D15 - Real Estate Transaction (RET) Module
Chapter D16 - Mortgage (MORT) Module
Chapter D17 - Housing Costs (HCST) Module
Chapter D18 - Second Homes (SECHOM) Module
Chapter D19 - Income (INC) Module
Chapter D20 - Housing Costs/Income Ration Verification (RVER) Module
Chapter D21 - Rating (RATING) Module
Chapter D22 - Manager (MGER) Module
Chapter D23 - Non-Relative Income Plus (NRIPLUS) Module
Chapter D24 - Lead Paint (LDPNT) Module
Chapter D25 - Observation (OBSER) Module
Chapter D26 - The "Back" of the AHS Instrument
We refer to the computer software that runs the questionnaire as the instrument.
This chapter describes how the questions are selected for each interview, contents of each module, methods of entering responses, and the uses of the special function keys (F1 through F10).
There are instructions for starting the interview program, for resuming a partially completed interview, and recovering from program errors.
The AHS instrument is broken into three sections known as the front, middle, and back. Chapter D2 deals with the front of the instrument, Chapters D5-D25 covers the middle (including the demographic and noninterview questions), and Chapter D26 describes the back of the instrument. Explanations/instructions found in italics indicates that the information can be found as "help screens" for a particular question. To determine if a help screen is available, look for the bold "H" on the right-hand side of the screen.
AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF QUESTIONS FOR EACH INTERVIEW
The interviewing program decides which questions to display, based on data input about the address, plus the information you enter about the household members.
For example, the income questions are not asked about anyone who is under 15 years of age.
You ask demographic questions the first time you interview a household to determine the composition of the household and the characteristics of its members. In the next enumeration period, the instrument passes information forward for you to verify and correct if necessary. This is known as dependent interviewing. Dependent interviewing is made possible by computers.
CONTENTS OF EACH SCREEN
Throughout the program, each screen displays the question you will ask. It contains response options (if applicable), and information about what to do next.
The computer fills appropriate proper names, pronouns, verbs, and reference dates into the text of questions. Below is a sample screen from the program.
INC1
In the past 12 months, how much did Jane Doe earn in wages, salaries, tips, and commissions before deductions?
(IF DON'T KNOW, ASK FOR BEST ESTIMATE)
You have two types of on-screen instructions: general and specific. First, there is the constant line of codes that appear at the bottom of every screen. This line tells, in abbreviated form, what function key options are available to you within the instrument. Notice that these function keys work differently here than in the case management program.
The specific instructions refer to items currently on the screen. These include messages such as:
A different type of message may appear on rare occasions, caused by a problem in the computer program. The message may contain an error number, or refer to a "run-time error". In this situation, the word ERROR refers to a problem in the computer, not your entries.
If you see an ERROR message during an interview, the program will not continue normally. Do not continue to press keys; instead, follow the instructions for program error recovery in this chapter.
Most of the time, the computer displays just one item or question on each screen. In a few cases, several related items appear on the same screen. An example is the month, day, and year of someone's birth date, as illustrated below.
More Than One Entry On the Same Screen
WHENMOVE
When did you move to this house?
FR: Enter (X) if mother lived here when person was born.
ENTER 4 DIGIT YEAR:
What month was that?:
METHODS OF MAKING ENTRIES
For most items, you make an entry by pressing a number or letter, followed by <enter>. For a few questions, you type several words, such as the name of respondent, and press <enter> when finished typing the answer.
Frequently, the instrument displays a list of options, illustrated below. You can select a key to press from this list. When the option list shows digits, letters, or the names of other keys enclosed in brackets, type only the enclosed character(s), or press the indicated key. Do not type the brackets. The brackets are there to draw your attention to the material to enter.
Sample Screen With Options List
REL
What is [name's] relationship to [reference person]?
(20) Spouse (Husband/Wife)
(21) Unmarried Partner
(22) Child
(23) Grandchild
(24) Parent (Father/Mother)
(25) Brother/Sister
(26) Other Relative of Reference Person (Uncle, cousin, mother-in-law, father-in-law, etc.)
(27) Foster Child
(28) Housemate/Roommate
(29) Roomer/Boarder
(30) Other Non-relative of Reference Person
If the respondent does not know the answer for a certain item, try to obtain an estimate by neutral probing. If you cannot, then press D to indicate "don't know".
Information to fill a "don't know" item sometimes come up later in the interview (for example, the person who knows the answer may come home from work). In this case, you may be able to use the function keys to skip back to the item(s) and replace the D with a better answer.
If the respondent declines to answer a certain question despite our persuasive efforts, press R for "refused".
NOTE: You can enter D or R for most items. They are not always displayed on the screen because they are only for situations where you cannot get a valid answer.
If you enter an unacceptable response, the computer beeps and TRY AGAIN appears. This happens, for example, if you press "3" when the options shown on the screen are (1) for yes and (2) for no. It also happens if you enter a letter other than D or R when the screen shows a list of numeric responses. when the computer says TRY AGAIN, erase your previous answer using the backspace key. Then type a new entry and press <enter>.
You can not leave an item blank. If you press <enter> without first typing a response, the instrument prompts you to TRY AGAIN. Type the response, then press <enter>.
When there is a list (such as race), hand your Field Representative Information Booklet to the respondent. Ask him/her to tell you the name of the correct response.
USE OF SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS
The instrument function keys allow you to do several useful things during the interview. For example, you can back up to a previous screen to correct an entry or add notes to explain an unusual response.
F1, F7 and F10 are the function keys you will use frequently. the operation of each function key is described below.
F1-BCK
You will gradually become familiar with where in the interview you can back up and where you can not. Keep in mind that you can also make corrections on the CHANGE screen, as described later.
SHIFT F1
Hitting these two keys simultaneously brings up the household roster. After you have completed the demographics for the household you can access the >CHANGE< screen.
F2-FWD
SHIFT F2
F3-JFwd
F4-Jbck
SHIFT-F5 (not applicable to AHS)
F6-Change Answer
By using this function key you can change an answer that was entered.
Shift F6-Jump to Second Window
This function allows you to toggle between two pages or windows.
F7-Note
Shift-F7
This function allows you to View the F7 Notes.
F8-SKRet; F9-SkFwd (not applicable to AHS)
F10-SkFin
Shift-F10
This shows all the definitions for the F-keys.
STARTING THE INTERVIEW PROGRAM
When you are ready to go to the door of a household for a personal visit, or dial the household for a telephone followup, it is time to start up the interview program.
In the next few seconds, messages flash by on the screen while the computer prepares for the interview. These are not important to you unless something goes wrong and the first screen of the questionnaire does not appear.
If that happens, write down what remains on the screen when this initial processing stops. (For example, "missing meta files," "missing path, notes, or answer file," or "invalid disk drive.") If you are not able to re-start the interview, report the message(s) to your RO.
Typically, however, the first screen of the questionnaire appears within a few seconds. The computer is ready for you to proceed with the interview.
INFORMATION ON CASE MANAGEMENT
EXITING FROM A PARTIAL INTERVIEW
At times, you will have to exit from the instrument even though you have only partially completed the interview. This happens, for example, when a respondent breaks off the interview for personal reasons, with an offer to continue later.
NOTE: Do not try to exit from the interview by shutting off the computer. If you do so, the partial information that you have collected so far will be lost. Further, your case management file will not be updated properly. This will prevent you from going back into this case to complete the interview.
Partially completed cases continue to appear on your case management main display, so you can select the case and resume the interview. Transmit partially completed cases to HQ only when:
COMPLETING A PARTIAL INTERVIEW
For example, "some of the questions have already been answered; let me see where we should begin."
When you complete the interview, the instrument places the interview files with the rest of your completed work. It is then included in your next transmission.
Do your best to complete all partial interviews. If you discover that you can not get more information from a household by closeout time, you can make a special entry in the interview program to transmit the partial data.
From your case management main display, highlight the case record and press F2 to begin the interview program.
On the first few screens, look for the "READY TO TRANSMIT" option, and select it. This will cause the partial information for the case to be sent to HQ in your next transmission. Make this selection only if you are certain that you can not get any more information.
EXITING FROM A COMPLETED INTERVIEW
When you have answered all questions, the computer exits the instrument, updates the case management file, and returns you to the CASIC main menu. Upon exit, the program also assesses the completion status of the case.
The computer moves data files for completed cases to the TRANSMIT directory where they are prepared to be sent to HQ during your next transmission.
It then deletes completed cases from your case management main display. If necessary you can still view case management records, and add case management FIND function.
Currently, you cannot re-enter the interview program and make changes to the data after you complete a case. If you are accustomed to editing paper questionnaires after leaving the household, you may first feel uncomfortable with this procedure. However, many of the problems you might look for when editing are handled automatically by the computer.
PROGRAM ERROR RECOVERY
Occasionally a problem in the computer program may prevent the interview from continuing in a normal way. The following types of problems may occur:
If, along with the error message, the computer prompts you with "<CR> to continue," ignore the prompt. Do not press <enter>. If you do, processing continues with updating of your case management data file. Updating the case management file introduces errors that may prevent you from getting back into the case.
In any of these situations, when the interview program will not go forward normally, you should reboot the computer. Re-boot refers to either of two procedures: a "warm boot," or a "cold boot," as described below. Try a warm boot first, since it is faster and causes less wear on the computer. If it is not effective, try a cold boot.
When you re-boot the computer, the information collected so far in the current interview is lost. In program "crashes" such as these, the answers to previous questions are probably already erased by the same problem that caused the interview program to fail.
WARM BOOT instructions: If you have the computer on our hand or arm, lay it down on a flat surface. You will need to press three keys at the same time, which will require using both hands. While holding down the keys marked CTRL and ALT, press DEL. The computer runs its self-test routine, and then invites you to enter your password.
COLD BOOT instructions: Turn off the computer. Wait at least 30 seconds for the disk drive to stop spinning. Turn the computer back on; it should behave as it does when you turn it on at other times. Type your password to log in.
Select case management from the CASIC main menu. Re-select the same case you were interviewing, and resume (or if necessary, restart) the interview. If you cannot resume, refer to your Troubleshooting Instructions.
Occasionally you may get stuck in a loop of just a few questions. If the computer does not go to the next appropriate question, carefully check your answers to each item as you step through the loop once more. You may have answered "yes" to the "any other persons" question, for example. The computer continues to go through the loop until you erase that answer and enter "no". If correcting the item responses does not get you out, then you should re-boot the computer, as described above.
Do not use the CTRL-BREAK key combination to get out of a stuck interview, although someone may suggest this to you. This allows the end-of-interview processing of your case management file to occur, which you do not want if a program error terminated the interview.
The beginning of the American Housing Survey (AHS) instrument consists of a series of questions that establish if you are interviewing the correct household. This is the "FRONT" of the interview.
This section covers several of the screens in the front portion of the interview. You can tell which screen you are on by looking at the upper left hand corner of the screen. The name of the screen appears between two brackets. For example, you will see >START< in the upper left hand corner of the "Start Screen", which is the first screen you see.
START
Census CATI/CAPI SYSTEM
American Housing Survey/MS Sample
Case status is: New Case
Date is: August 29, 1997
Time is: 2:00 p.m.
(T) Telephone Interview
(P) Personal interview (see notes)
(Q) Quit. Do not attempt now.
It introduces you to the survey. It displays the status of the case and the current date and time.
The first option (T) takes you through a telephone interview. The second option (P) follows the introductory screens for a personal interview. The third option (Q) allows you to quit the case and arrange a callback. (An additional option, (R) Ready to Transmit, will appear for interviews with a current outcome code of 204).
The "case status" field will contain one of the following:
New case This is the first time you have called up this case.
Unreached case You called up the case before but did not reach the household.
Household refusal You contacted the household and they refused to be interviewed.
Need NRI Plus
Income only You contacted the household and collected all information, but was unable to collect the income of someone in the NRI Plus section of the instrument.
Need Mortgage only You contacted the household and collected all but mortgage information.
Fully complete You completed the interview on your previous contact.
If the "Date is:" field, in the center of the screen, is prior to Sunday of the current week, check that the date on your computer is set correctly before beginning your work assignment.
There will be cases where you get through the demographic module and have to F10 out of the interview.
In these cases the instrument will set the outcome code to 204 for the case. If you return to the interview at a later time and the respondent refuses, you can not select NONINTERVIEW since the case was already partially interviewed. For that reason, the NONINTERVIEW category is not on the INTRO-B screen the second time you enter an interview under these circumstances. In this case you would select <1> Ready to Transmit at this screen.
SHONOTE
Notes from Previous Interviews
ENTER (P) TO PROCEED
Pertinent notes 1998 callbacks are displayed here.
Next you introduce yourself, and ask to speak to an eligible respondent.
GENINTRO
We are taking a survey of housing in the United States. I have some questions I would like to ask you.
FR NOTE
ENTER (P) To PROCEED
This is the time to explain the purpose and importance of this survey to the respondent (As described in chapter A1) Use the information available to help you obtain a complete interview.
INTRO-B
(IS THE RESPONDENT READY TO COMPLETE THE INTERVIEW?)
(1) Inconvenient time. Callback needed.
(2) Reluctant respondent-hold for refusal follow up
(3) Vacant Interview
(4) Noninterview
(O) Other outcome OR problem interviewing respondent
(W) Wrong address (wrong case selected)
ENTER (P) TO PROCEED WITH THE INTERVIEW
Do not confuse code <2> "reluctant respondent", on the INTRO-B screen with Type A "refused". If you are planning to follow up and attempt to convert the respondent select code (2).
VERADD
I need to verify that your address is:
Address Displayed
After your introduction and verification of the listing you begin the interview by verifying the exact address (if appropriate, see the back of the Listing Sheet for instructions).
NEWADD
ENTER CHANGE OR (S) FOR SAME
Address Displayed
If changes are required to the address displayed in VERADD, the instrument skips you to NEWADD.
Make any additions or changes necessary to the address shown on the screen. Include a unit description and Zip Code to make the address complete.
MAILADD
Is this your mailing address?
Verify that the address displayed is the sample units mailing address.
An adequate mailing address includes:
In rural areas, an adequate mailing address may also include route number (box number, if any) and name of post office.
General delivery or lock box number and P.O. city, state, and ZIP code are also acceptable.
NEWMAIL
What is your new mailing address?
ENTER CHANGE or (S) FOR SAME.
If the Mailing Address has changed, the instrument will take you to this screen to record the new information.
Area Segments
You may find a descriptive address such as "White house with green shutters, etc...", DO NOT overwrite or delete this entry. In these cases, the respondent will most likely respond to your address verification by giving you the mailing address such as box number, route number, or house number and street name. These may not have been visible at the time of listing. Enter F2 to return to the mailing address screen (MAILADD) and enter the information.
Problem Addresses
If you have difficulty locating the sample unit's address, refer to the address on the listing sheet, as well as addresses on adjacent lines. In some cases you may find that the address was incorrectly transcribed from the listing sheet.
Incorrect Addresses
Make any address corrections on the listing sheets. For instructions on how to correct addresses on the Area Segment Listing Sheet or the Address Listing Sheet, refer to listing materials found in Parts B and C of this manual.
This module contains listing and updating questions that are asked only for returning sample units, with the same address, in multi-unit buildings. The purpose of these questions is to identify housing units that have undergone some change since the previous enumeration.
UPDT1
Mark or Ask: We are interested in any changes that may have taken place in your apartment since (date of previous interview). Has any construction or other changes been done to this apartment that has altered the size of the apartment in the past 2 years, that is since (date of previous interview)?
The purpose of this question is to identify sample units that have undergone any change in the size of the living space since the last enumeration. The change could be;
If the answer to this question is "Yes", you will be reminded that you may need to update the listing sheet for this address. Parts B and C of this manual include instructions for updating.
UPDT2
Mark or Ask: Did (your/the) apartment split so there are now more apartments in the same space?
If the specific address that identified one housing unit the previous enumeration now identifies more than one housing unit enter "1" (Yes). Such changes may be the result of structural alteration OR a change in use.
locking a door which closes off one or more rooms to form a separate unit.
UPDT3
Mark or Ask: Did (your/the) apartment combine with another apartment so (you/it) now (have/has) more space?
If you find that two or more units have merged since the last enumeration to form the current sample unit, enter "1" (Yes). Mergers may be the result of a structural alteration OR a change in use.
UPDT4
Mark or Ask: Was space added to (your/the) apartment by building an addition or converting nonresidential areas of the building?
Enter "1" (Yes) if the unit added living space by;
UPDT5
Describe the type of change that occurred.
If the unit added space by moving in a mobile home, enter "1." If the unit added space by any other means, enter "2" and specify the method used to add space (such as "built an addition", or "converted a storage room into living space.")
Mark or ask: Is (address) a house, an apartment, a mobile home, or some other type of residence?
Housing Unit
If you determine that the unit qualifies as a housing unit, enter the correct number (1 through 9) for HOUSING UNIT.
Classify living quarters by type, not condition. For example, report houses that are in rundown condition, but which meet the housing unit definition as "house."
For Type A noninterviews, enter in HU1 according to what type of living quarters the unit is now. For Type B noninterview units, you also enter in item HU1 according to the present type of living quarters. However, if the unit is not used as living quarters now, (for example, B-12, "Permanent or temporary business or commercial storage") then you must determine what type of living quarters the unit used to be. In cases where new construction has not started, (B-10), or has started but has not been completed,
(B-11), you must determine what type of living quarters the unit is intended to be. In this case you may have to contact either the contractor or some other knowledgeable person to obtain this information. You may also encounter a building in the process of being remodeled. If remodeling has progressed to the point that all doors and windows, and usable floors are in place, enter in HU1 based on what the unit will be after remodeling is completed. If remodeling has not progressed this far, enter in HU1 based on what the unit used to be.
House, Apartment, Flat (Codes 1 and 2)
Enter "1" if the sample unit is a house, or "2" if the sample unit is an apartment or flat. Include such housing units as an apartment over a garage or behind a store, janitor's living quarters in an office building, and also housing units in such structures as converted barns or sheds.
In some cases, it may be difficult to distinguish a house that is a prefab or modular home from a mobile home because of structural modifications made to the mobile home. Mobile homes also may be on a permanent foundation and/or be double-wides which appear to be a house instead of a mobile home. A mobile home usually has a red metal manufacturer's label attached to the outside of the unit stating the mobile home meets Federal safety standards. Be alert for this type of unit and in such cases probe to determine whether the sample unit is a house (code 1) or a mobile home (code 3 or 4).
Mobile Home With NO Permanent Room Added (Code 3)
A mobile home is a type of living quarters originally built to be towed on its own chassis. Enter "3" for a mobile home (even if it is on a permanent foundation). If a permanent room (or rooms) has been added, classify it as code 4 "Mobile home with one or more permanent rooms added." Open or unheated porches or sheds, garages or carports built onto trailers are not considered permanent rooms.
Mobile Home WITH One or More Permanent Rooms Added (Code 4)
Enter "4" for a mobile home in which a permanent room (or rooms) has been added. Sheds and open or unheated porches, garages, or carports built onto trailers are not considered permanent rooms.
Housing Unit in Nontransient Hotel, Motel (Code 5)
Enter "5" if the sample unit is in a nontransient hotel, motel, motor court, etc., and is a separate living quarters. By definition, all separate living quarters in a nontransient hotel, motel, motor court, etc., are housing units.
Housing Unit Permanent in Transient Hotel, Motel (Code 6)
Enter "6" only if the sample unit is occupied or intended for occupancy by permanent guests or resident employees and is a housing unit.
Housing Unit in Rooming House (Code 7)
Enter "7" for sample units which meet the housing unit definition in rooming house, combination rooming and boarding houses.
Boat or Recreational Vehicle (Code 8)
Enter "8" for a boat or recreational vehicle on which people live as a usual residence, if it meets the housing unit definition. Do Not include these if they are only used for vacations or short outings. If URE occupied, the unit should not have listed. Classify it as a Type C noninterview and leave item HU1 blank. See Chapter D5 for noninterviews.
Tent, Cave, or Railroad Car (Code 9)
Enter "9" for a tent, cave or railroad car in which people live as a usual residence, if it meets the housing unit definition. If URE occupied, the unit should not have been listed. Classify if as a Type C noninterview and leave HU1 blank. See Chapter D5 for noninterviews.
Housing Unit Not Specified Above
(Code 10)
Enter "10" for living quarters which meet the housing unit definition but cannot be described by the specific categories listed above. If this code is entered, describe the housing unit fully in the space provided.
Group Quarters
Group quarters are not housing units and are located in certain special places such as institutions, dormitories and boarding houses where the residents have their own rooms, group of rooms, or beds, and also have some common facilities such as a dining hall, lobby or living room, or recreational areas.
Remember, if you determine that a unit is an OTHER unit, enter the appropriate code, treat the unit as a Type B noninterview. Only housing units are interviewed in AHS.
Enter "11" if: The OTHER unit is an unoccupied site for a tent, mobile home, or trailer in a mobile tent park or compound.
Enter "12" if: The OTHER unit is located in a rooming house, a combination rooming and boarding house, or a boarding house.
The sample unit is occupied or intended for occupancy by a student in a college dormitory. This category also includes units for students in sorority or fraternity houses.
The OTHER unit is located in a transient hotel, motel, or motor court, and is not occupied or intended for occupancy by permanent guests or resident employees.
HU2
Was the structure built before
April 1, 1990 or after?
Self-explanatory.
HU3
Is there any other building on the property for people to live in-either occupied or vacant?
Self-explanatory.
HU4vr
Last time we recorded [your/that] living quarters were in a [fill]. Is this information still correct?
(1) Yes
(2) No
OR
HU4
[Are your/Is that] living quarters in a (READ ALL CATEGORIES)
(1) One-unit mobile home?
(2) One-unit building, detached from any
other building?
(3) One-unit building, attached to one or
more buildings?
(4) Building/mobile home with two or
more (units/apartments)?
One-Unit Mobile Home
See definitions for item HU1 for description of a mobile home.
One-Unit Building, Detached
If the structure is a one-family house and has open space on all four sides, enter code "2". Also, enter code "2" for a house with an adjoining shed or garage. A building which contains a business in addition to one housing unit is also detached, if the building has open space on all sides and no unbroken dividing wall between the housing unit and the business.
One-Unit Building, Attached
Enter code "3" for a structure containing only one housing unit that has unbroken wall(s), extending from ground to roof, which divides it from any other adjoining structures. Examples of "one-unit building attached" structures are those in a row of houses attached to one another (rowhouses or townhouses), or houses attached to nonresidential structures.
Building/Mobile Home With Two or More Apartments
Enter code "4" for any building or structure containing more than 1 housing unit.
HU5a
Are there any occupied or vacant apartments besides your own in this building/mobile home?
Self-explanatory.
HU5bvr
Last time we recorded (number) (apartments/units) in the (building/mobile home). Is this number still correct?
OR
HU5b
How many (apartments/units) are in the (building/mobile home)?
Do not count model apartments, apartments used as a manager's office, even if fully furnished, or apartments for commercial use unless also used as living quarters.
A probe (HU5bpr) has been specifically added to this item to reduce the number of "don't know" entries.
HU6a
Does your (house/apartment) share an attic or basement with the (house/apartment) next door?
HU6b
How many (houses/apartments) including your own share the attic or basement?
Two units share an attic or basement if the attic or basement spans (extends above or below) both units.
Whether the occupants of each unit have access to it from the unit itself or through a common hall is immaterial.
At attic or basement is not shared if the occupants have use of it but the attic or basement does not span any part of the sample unit. Whether the occupants of each unit have use of the attic or basement is immaterial.
A unit does not share an attic or basement with another unit, if there is an unbroken dividing wall between the units that extends from the ground to the roof.
HU6c
Does your (house/apartment) share a furnace or boiler with the (house/apartment) next door?
HU6d
How many (houses/apartments) including your own share the furnace or boiler?
A furnace or boiler is shared if more than one unit receives heat directly from the furnace or boiler. The furnace or boiler need not be located in a space common to each unit. However, the pipes must run through the walls or ceilings or floors of each unit and provide heat to each unit.
HU6e
Are there any occupied or vacant apartments besides your own in this house?
Self explanatory.
HU6f
How many apartments including your own are in the house?
Do not count model apartments, apartments used as a manager's office, even if fully furnished, or apartments for commercial use unless also used as living quarters.
HU7
Enter the reason this unit is being added.
The purpose of this item is to identify control numbers that are in sample for the first time this survey period, and to record the specific reason the unit has been added to the sample. Do not include new households in sample previously visited as being in sample for the first time.
Do not use "3" unless instructed by the RO.
Enter "4" (Mobile home moved in) if a mobile home or trailer moved in since the last enumeration.
Enter "5" (house moved in) if a house moved into the segment since the last enumeration period. Do not enter this category for new construction units.
HU8
Does (address) have direct access either from the outside or through a common hall?
Complete by observation. If a sample unit does not have direct access, then it is not a separate housing unit, and should be combined with the unit through which access is gained.
HU9
Do you need to Type C this unit?
Based on your entry in HU8, determine if this unit should be a Type C. Remember to be a separate housing unit, the occupants must live and eat separately and have direct access to the unit.
HU10
Is this (house/apartment) -
(1) Owned or being bought by someone
in your household?
(2) Rented for cash?
(3) Occupied without payment of cash rent?
Owned Or Being Bought By Someone In Your Household
Enter "1" even if the unit is mortgaged or not fully paid for. The owner or co-owner must be a household member. Include units being bought on land contract and owned units built on leased land. For unit being bought through a contract to purchase, the buyers may not consider themselves to be the owners, because they do not hold title to the property. However, for purposes of this survey, consider these units as owned or being bought.
In some housing projects for the elderly, the residents can "purchase" a unit and pay monthly maintenance fees (including for example health, recreation, security, etc.). The "purchaser" cannot sell the unit, and, upon death, the unit reverts back to ownership by the sponsoring organization; no inheritance claim can take place. Treat these units as "owned."
Rented For Cash
Enter "2" if any money rent is paid or contracted for. The rent may be paid by persons not living in the unit.
Occupied Without Payment Of Cash Rent
Enter "3" if the unit is not owned or being bought and if no money rent is paid or contracted for by anyone. Such units are usually provided in exchange for services rendered, payment in kind, or as an allowance or favor from a relative or friend who owns but does not live in the unit. If occupants pay only for utilities but do not pay any money rent and they do not own it, report the unit as "Occupied without payment of cash rent."
Multiunit Structure
If the structure contains more than one unit, be sure the respondent understands that you are referring to only the sample unit.
Occupied Mobile Home Or Trailer
For occupied mobile homes or trailers, report tenure for the mobile home or trailer itself and not for the site or the land on which it is located.
Type A
For Type A refusals, try to obtain the information from the occupants. The people may provide you this information while you are trying to convince them to participate in the survey. DO NOT ASK neighbors any questions about the unit or occupants for
Type A refusals. You should complete the items at the time of the household's initial refusal.
For the other Type A's Do Not leave this item blank. Obtain the information from neighbors or knowledgeable persons. In doing so, exercise discretion. You should not mention the specific name of the survey or attempt to describe the survey (although HUD sponsorship may be mentioned). Nor should you mention any information the sample unit respondent has provided, since this would violate confidentiality provisions of Title 13.
As a last resort and for unable to locate cases, enter "D" or "R" as applicable.
HU11
Is this the same house that was at this address last enumeration period?
Enter "Yes" unless there is a definite indication that a different unit was included in the survey last enumeration period. For mergers and conversions, if the original sample unit was involved in the change, enter "No", regardless of whether the resulting sample unit was in sample the last time. For example, enter "No" if the current sample unit resulted from the conversion of a single-unit structure, which was in sample the last time, to two or more units.
HU12
What happened to the old Mobile Home? (IF THE RESPONDENT DOES NOT KNOW, ASK OWNER OF MH PARK)
If "1" is entered in HU11, and this is a mobile home, enter what happened to the original mobile home.
Circumstances sometimes prevent obtaining an interview at an address on your case list. We divide non interview cases into Type A, Type B, and Type C
You must make special entries for each case that turns out to be a noninterview. Do not classify a case as a noninterview until you are certain of the status of the case. Entering the noninterview code tells your computer to send the case file to HQ in your next transmission. If done too soon, this keeps you from verifying the status of the case or trying again to get the interview.
NOTE: On the INTRO-B screen, it may seem that you could code a Type A refusal by pressing 2, but this is not true. Option 2 is for initial refusals, which you plan to convert. Selecting option 2 on this screen makes the case incomplete and allows you to re-access the instrument. You must take further action on the case by completing the interview or making it a Type A. This removes the case from your case management system.
INTRO-B
(IS RESPONDENT READY TO COMPLETE THE INTERVIEW?)
(1) Inconvenient time. Callback needed.
(2) Refused to participate.
(3) Vacant
(4) NONINTERVIEW
(O) Other outcome OR problem interviewing respondent.
(W) Wrong adding (wrong case selected)
Enter (P) to proceed with the interview
NOINT1
What type of Noninterview do you have?
(1) Type A
(2) Type B
(3) Type C
(M) Mistake-do not want to code noninterview
EXPLANATION OF TYPE A CODES
Keep Type A noninterviews to a minimum. Every Type A noninterview means we are losing valuable information and our sample
returns may not be representative of the population. These noninterviews may arise under the following circumstances:
Under some circumstances, Type A noninterviews are unavoidable. However, establishing good relations with your respondents and visiting when people are likely to be home will help you avoid many noninterviews.
There are 6 Type A noninterview categories, as defined below, for units occupied by persons eligible for interview which you could not interview.
Type A Codes
NOINT2
Enter Type A Noninterview Reason
(1) No one home
(2) Temporarily Absent
(3) Refused
(4) Unable to locate
(5) Language problems
(6) Other occupied - specify
No One Home (1)
When no one is at home, and you determine they are not temporarily absent, proceed as follows:
Fill a Request for Appointment (Form # 11-38) indicating whether you plan to telephone (if eligible) or call back. Include the household's control number for identification. Enter your name and telephone number in the space provided.
Call back or telephone (if eligible for callback telephoning) to interview a responsible member of the household. Try to find out from neighbors, janitors, or other knowledgeable persons when the occupants will be home. Do not mention the name of the survey or describe the survey. However, you may mention that the survey is being conducted by HUD, and that it is a housing survey.
If you have made repeated callbacks or phone calls and still have been unable to contact the respondent, call your Regional Office or Team Leader to discuss the situation. If they concur, complete it as a Type A noninterview, "No one home." Do not confuse this reason with the noninterview reason "Temporarily absent."
Temporarily Absent (TA) (2)
When no one is home at the first visit, find out from neighbors, janitors, etc., whether the occupants are temporarily (TA) absent. If the occupants are reported as away for six months or more, the unit could be "other vacant."
A household is "Temporarily absent" when the following conditions are met:
If a household is temporarily absent, complete it as a Type A noninterview, "Temporarily Absent" and explain in your I-notes.
Callbacks for TA Units
If the occupants will return on a certain date, record the date in the case management notes and the source of the information (such as a neighbor). If the date of their expected return is before the end of the interview period, make a return visit.
Refused (3)
Occasionally, a household may refuse to give any information. You should make every reasonable effort to obtain cooperation from the households assigned to you for interview. In the few cases where cooperation is refused outright, consider the sample unit as a refusal.
If you have already completed a portion of the interview when the respondent refuses to continue, you will need to skip out of the remainder of the case [F10] and set the noninterview. If you have completed enough of the income or mortgage questions for the instrument to set one person's income status, the instrument will treat the case as a partial interview and will not allow you to set a noninterview outcome for the case.
Refusal Letter
Your office will send a letter to the respondent (copy to you) requesting the household's cooperation. Your office may have you, or another FR or SFR, return to the unit after the letter is sent.
Confirmed refusals
Your office will advise you whether you can consider a refusal household "confirmed." Once a refusal becomes "confirmed," future calls are not required.
Unable to Locate (4)
If you cannot locate the sample unit, follow the procedures outlined in the Listing and Coverage, Chapters B and C in the Field Representative Manual. If still unable to locate, call your office. Enter "4" only if instructed to do so by your office.
Language Problems (5)
Enter "5" if the respondent speaks a language you do not understand.
Other Occupied (specify reason 6)
When you cannot interview a unit occupied by a person eligible for interview, and the reasons "No one home," "Temporarily absent," or "Refused" do not apply, enter "Other-Occ." Specify the reason, such as:
During the winter months or in case of floods or other natural disasters, there may be households which you cannot reach because of impassable roads. In such cases, distinguish between occupied and not occupied households. If the household was occupied last enumeration, assume the unit is still occupied unless some knowledgeable person tells you that the unit is now vacant. If the unit has never been visited before, find out if it is occupied from: neighbors, local grocery stores, gasoline service stations, Post Office or rural mail carrier, the county tax assessor's office, the office of the county recorder or deeds, the U.S. Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) or other local officials. If you determine the unit is occupied, consider it a Type A noninterview, "Other-Occ.-Roads impassable."
TYPE A PROCEDURES
For an apparent Type A case, try all possible means to get the interview, following the Type A conversion instructions below. For refusals, this normally means a repeat visit after a letter has been sent to the household by your Regional Office. For other Type A's, repeat visits are necessary.
When you exit the interview program the computer places the files for the case in the TRANSMIT directory to be sent to the HQ
computer in your next telecommunications transmission. Your Supervisor will review all Type A cases. Based on his/her review, these cases will be either reassigned for further follow-up or sent on for processing.
NOINT4
Enter Type B Noninterview Reason
(10) Permit granted, construction not started
(11) Under construction, not ready
(12) Permanent or temporary business or commercial storage
(13) Unoccupied site for mobile home or tent
(14) Other unit or converted to institutional unit
(15) Occupancy prohibited
(16) Interior exposed to the elements
(17) Type B, not classified elsewhere - specify
EXPLANATION OF TYPE B CODES
Type B's are units not eligible for interview at present, but could become eligible for interview in the future.
Permit Granted - Construction not started (10)
For a sample unit in a permit segment for which a construction permit has been granted, but on which construction has not yet started.
Under Construction - Not Ready (11)
Enter (11) "Under construction--not ready" for sample units which are being newly constructed, but are not completed to the point where all exterior windows and doors have been installed and the usable floors are in place. Carpeting or hardwood floor are not required for floors to be considered
"usable." This category should be used only in permit segments and area segments (Non-Permit Issuing).
Permanent or Temporary Business or Commercial Storage (12)
Enter (12) "Permanent or temporary business or commercial storage" for sample units which were living quarters at one time but are now being used entirely for permanent or temporary business or commercial purposes; for the storage or hay, machinery, business supplies and the like; or for other nonresidential purposes such as church assembly halls, community centers, clubs, and public schools. Do Not include in this category units being used only for storage of personal household furniture. AHS considers these to be vacant units. Also use category "12" for units which were living quarters at one time but are now being used entirely for business or commercial purposes, even if the unit could be classified as codes 13-17.
Unoccupied Site for Mobile Home or Tent (13)
Enter (13) "Unoccupied site for mobile home or tent" for an unoccupied tent site or mobile home site. This category should be used only for units in places such as mobile home parks when sites or addresses and sites were listed and the sample unit site is still present. This category should not be used when a mobile home that was moved was identified by a basic address or a description only. If there is no site, back up to NOINT1 and enter Type C, and choose code 31 "House or mobile home moved" at NOINT13.
NOTE: Enter this category for an unoccupied site in a recreational, educational or religious camp intended for a mobile home, trailer, tent, etc., if the site is intended for occupancy by persons planning to stay 30 days or more.
Other Unit or Converted to Institutional Unit (14)
Enter (14) "Other unit including nonstaff or converted to institutional unit" when the sample unit is in a GQ and is the type of living quarters which is an OTHER Unit as entered in HU3.
Occupancy Prohibited (15)
Enter (15) "Occupancy Prohibited" for:
Scheduled to Be Demolished--An unoccupied unit for which there is positive evidence such as a sign, notice, or mark on the house or in the block, that the unit is to be demolished, but for which demolition has not yet started. If the unit is occupied, however, conduct an interview. If the owner indicates that he/she is thinking about tearing the unit down, Do Not enter this code unless there is a sign, notice, or mark on the house or in the block indicating that demolition will take place.
If the unit is being used for nonresidential purposes (business or commercial) use Type B, Code 12 instead of this code.
OR
Severely Damaged By Fire--An unoccupied sample unit which has been so severely damaged by fire that occupancy is impossible. If the extent of the damage is such that the unit's interior is exposed to the elements, Enter (16), "Interior exposed to the elements" instead of this reason. If the unit has been completely destroyed by fire and cannot by restored, back up to screen NOINT1 and enter Type C and choose code 30, "Demolished or disaster loss" at NOINT13.
OR
Condemned--An unoccupied sample unit for which either there is positive evidence, such as a sign, notice, or mark on the house or in the block, that the unit is condemned; OR for which occupancy has been prohibited by such agencies as the Public Health Department, the City Building Inspector, Regional Planning Commission, or other such authority that has jurisdiction over such matters.
In the latter case, you or the Regional Office must confirm that occupancy is legally prohibited by contacting the appropriate agency or agencies. Follow the procedures designated by your office. Enter the name of the agency contacted on the screen. If such units are in fact occupied, conduct an interview.
Interior Exposed to the Elements (16)
Enter (16) "Interior exposed to the elements" for unoccupied sample units in which the roof, walls, windows or doors no longer protect the interior from the elements. This may be caused by vandalism, fire or other means such as deterioration. Look for windows that are broken and/or doors that are either missing or swinging open; parts of the roof or walls that are missing or destroyed leaving holes in the building; parts of the building that have been blown or washed away; or part of the building that is collapsed or missing.
For sample units in Multi-unit buildings, enter ("Interior exposed to the elements") if any part of the building is damaged so that water would leak into the sample unit. For example, a three story building is missing its roof and the sample unit is an apartment on the second floor. Even if the windows and walls of the sample apartment are sound, its interior is exposed to the elements since water will seep into the unit from the floor above.
A boarded-up unit is exposed to the elements if the boards allow the passage of water, snow, and so forth, to the unit's interior.
If the unit is being used for nonresidential purposes (business or commercial) enter Type B (12) instead of this code.
If there is positive evidence, such as a sign or notice, that the unit is scheduled to be demolished OR that the unit is condemned or occupancy is prohibited by law, enter Type B- 15 "Occupancy prohibited" instead of this reason.
CAUTION--If doors and windows have been boarded up to keep them from being destroyed, they are not to be considered missing. Also, in a few rural section of the country where doors and windows are not ordinarily used, do not consider them missing.
Type B, Not Classified Above (17)
Specify the reason for units which cannot be classified under any of the other Type B noninterview reasons. Specify the reason only after you have been instructed to do so by the Regional Office.
Record the title and name of the person who authorized this classification.
NOTE--If the sample unit is an embassy, ministry, legation, chancellery, or consulate, enter (17) "Other" and specify the type of unit. Do not interview. These types of housing units should not be included in the American Housing Survey.
TYPE B PROCEDURES
When you have confirmed the Type B status of the unit, go to the noninterview type selection screen.
Your case management will transmit the files for type B cases in your next telecommunications transmission.
EXPLANATION OF TYPE C CODES
Type C units are those ineligible for sample, either because they no longer exist or because of sample reasons. The NOINT13 screen is shown below.
NOTE--Type C-38 is for office use only. Do not use this noninterview reason unless instructed to do so by the office.
NOINT13
Enter Type C Noninterview Reason
(30) Demolished or disaster loss
(31) House or mobile home moved
(32) Unit eliminated in structural conversion
(33) Merged, not in current sample
(36) Permit abandoned
(37) Type C, not classified elsewhere
(38) Unit eliminated in subsampling (FR-Do not use-FOR OFFICE USE ONLY)
Demolished or Disaster Loss (30)
Enter (30) "Demolished or disaster loss:"
Consider a unit as having been completely destroyed if it cannot be restored.
House or Mobile Home Moved (31)
Enter (31) for a house or mobile home that moved from its location since listing. This category applies to mobile homes moved since listing only when (1) an address (i.e., 801 Main Street) on the listing sheet identified a mobile home, or when (2) descriptions of mobile homes rather than site were listed by FRs. If a site or an address description plus a site in a mobile home park was listed and is now unoccupied (no mobile home on it), mark Type B noninterview code 13 "Unoccupied site for mobile home or tent." If the location or site is in a place that has common properties or facilities AND a single management or association, like a mobile home park, this classification is incorrect.
Unit Eliminated in Structural Conversion (32)
Code (32) "Unit eliminated in structural conversion" includes previously listed sample units which cannot be identified or accounted for by matching or using the EXTRA and merger procedures, because the building containing the unit has been completely remodeled or converted. Enter this category only if instructed to do so the Regional Office.
If you entered (1) "Yes" on screen NOINT16a, indicating that you called the Regional Office, record on screen NOINT16b the title of the person who authorized this classification.
Merged - Not in Current Sample (33)
Enter (33) "Merged-not in current sample" for any current sample unit(s) eliminated after applying the rules for mergers. (See the appropriate chapter in the Field Representative Manual regarding "Mergers".
Enter the number of units that existed before the merger and that were involved in the merger.
Permit Abandoned (36)
Enter (36) "Permit abandoned" if you locate the site of a sample address in a permit segment, but find that construction has not started and that the permit will never be used.
Not Classified Elsewhere (37)
Enter (37) "not classified above" and specify the reason for Type C units which cannot be classified in any of the other categories. Some examples might be research showing "duplicate listing," "unused line of listing sheet," or "in sample by mistake--permit issued for garage."
NOINT19c3
Enter a detailed explanation of the reasons you classified the unit as a Type B or Type C noninterview.
Example--The house has been abandoned and the doors and windows are missing. The roof is in good condition except for some missing shingles around the chimney.
This part of the interview is where the household roster is created and updated. There are different questions for a returning household and a new household. They will be designated by a statement after each question.
STILIV1
I have listed [READ NAMES]. Are all of these persons still living or staying here?
This question is asked of returning households.
STILIV2
**ASK IF NECESSARY**
Do ANY of these people still live at this address?
This question is asked of returning households.
NOLIVE
Who no longer lives here?
Enter the person's line number. This question is asked of returning households.
WHYNO
Why does [name] no longer live here?
This question is asked of returning households.
Enter "1" if the person moved away from the residence.
Enter "2" if the person is deceased.
Enter "3" if the person was included as a household member in a previous interview, but this was an error.
Enter "4" if you have made a mistake and this person should not be deleted from the household.
Enter "5" for all other reasons a person left the household.
RPNAME/NEXTNM
What are the names of all persons living or staying here? Start with the name of the person or one of the persons who (owns/rents) this home.
How to Ask
This item is asked only at households in new sample units, returning sample units that were not occupied the previous survey period, and returning sample units that were occupied the previous survey period by a different household.
Whom to Enter
Enter the names of all persons who are staying in the sample unit at the time of interview and the names of all persons who usually live there but are temporarily away for reasons such as visiting, traveling in connection with their jobs, attending school, in "general" hospitals, and other temporary situations. Include children who live in the unit, taking particular care not to overlook infants. Also, include lodgers, servants, hired hands, and similar persons who usually live there.
Enter all persons who are staying in the housing unit at the time of interview, including persons which usual residence elsewhere if they spent the night in the sample unit the night prior to interview. URE occupied households will be treated as URE Interviews at the time of the interview.
Order of Entering Names
enter the names and relationships of all persons in the preferred order as follows:
If among groups of "other relatives" or persons not related to the reference person, there are any married couples or persons otherwise related, enter them in the same order as indicated for the families of married children.
Note: You need not change the order of the entries in the household roster if the people have not been listed in the preferred order.
USUALLY
Do [READ NAMES] usually live here?
This question is asked of returning households to determine if the reference person and others in the household should be classified as a household member according to the survey rules. (See "General Rules for Household Membership" under URE/NXTURE question.)
USUAL/NXTLIV
[Do/Does] [you/name] usually live here?
This item is asked only at households in new sample units, returning sample units that were not occupied the previous survey period, and returning sample units that were occupied the previous survey period by a different household.
This question is asked to determine if the reference person and others in the household should be classified as a household member according to the survey rules. (See "General Rules for Household Membership" under URE/NXTURE question.)
UREPN
Who does not usually live here?
This question is asked of returning households. Enter the line number of those persons who do not usually live here?
URE2
Does [name] have some other place where [he/she] usually lives?
This question is asked of returning households. See definitions under URE/NXTURE.
URE/NXTURE
[Do/Does] [you/name] have some other place where [he/she] usually lives?
This item is asked only at households in new sample units, returning sample units that were not occupied the previous survey period, and returning sample units that were occupied the previous survey period by a different household.
General Rules for Household Membership
Determine whether each person is a member of the household. Enter "1" (Yes) or "2" (No) based on the definitions below.
Consider the following two categories of persons in a sample unit as members of the household:
Usual Place of Residence
Usual place of residence is, ordinarily, the place where a person usually lives and sleeps. A usual place of residence must be specific living quarters held by the person, to which he/she is free to return at any time. These persons are considered as usually living in the sample unit.
Rented to Someone Else
Living quarters which a person rents or lends to someone else cannot be considered the usual place of residence during the time these quarters are occupied by someone else.
Vacant Living Quarters
Likewise, vacant living quarters which a person offers for rent or sale during an absence should not be considered the usual place of residence while he/she is away. A mailing address alone does NOT constitute a usual place of residence.
Persons With Two or More Homes
Some people have two or more homes and may spend part of the time in each. For such cases, the usual residence is the place in which they spend the greatest part of the calendar year. If equal time is reported, determine the usual residence by asking which one they consider to be their usual residence.
Only one unit can be the usual residence. For example, the Browns own a home in the city and live there most of the year. They spend their summer vacation at their beach cottage. Neither home is rented in their absence.
Although unlikely, assume that both houses are in sample:
No Usual Place of Residence Elsewhere
Persons with no usual place of residence elsewhere include recent migrants, persons trying to find permanent living quarters, and persons staying temporarily in the unit who have no other home of their own.
Entire households with no usual place of residence elsewhere include persons who have rented or loaned their usual living
quarters to others and are traveling or are temporarily staying in another unit. Often such people offer their usual living quarters for rent or sale, sometimes as furnished units, during their absence.
Specific Situations for Household Membership
Household members not only include members of the family, but may also include:
Roommates
Lodgers
Servants
Farm hands
Other employees who live in the unit and consider it their usual place of residence.
In addition, household members include persons who live in the sample unit but are temporarily absent, such as:
Unmarried children away at school
Persons traveling on business
Railroad employees
Bus drivers
Persons away visiting, on vacation,
temporarily in hospitals, or temporarily away attending school.
Crew Members of Vessels
Consider crew members of a vessel to be household members at their homes rather than on the vessel, regardless of the length of their trips, and regardless of whether they are at home or on the vessel at the time of your visit (assuming they have no usual place of residence elsewhere).
Citizens of Foreign Countries Temporarily in the United States
Determine whether to interview citizens of foreign countries temporarily in the United states according to the following rules:
Living on Premises of an Embassy
Do Not interview citizens of foreign countries and other persons who are living on the premises of an embassy, ministry, legation, chancellery, or consulate. These types of housing units should not be included in the American Housing Survey.
Not Living on Premises of an Embassy
Enter and interview citizens of foreign countries and members of their families temporarily in the United States, if they 1) are students or are employed here and 2) have no usual place of residence in the United States and 3) are not living on the premises of an embassy, etc. Consider them as usually living here.
Conduct a regular interview for usual residents, that is citizens of foreign countries permanently living in the United States, if 1) they have no usual place of residence elsewhere in the United States, and 2) are not living on the premises of an embassy, etc.
Consider and interview foreign citizens merely visiting or traveling in the United States as persons which usual residence elsewhere.
Members of Armed Forces
Consider members of the Armed Forces as household members if they are stationed in the locality and usually sleep in the sample unit. Also consider members of the Armed Forces as household members if their permanent duty is in the locality, but they are on temporary duty (six months or less) away from home, i.e., temporarily assigned to a vessel at sea and would normally be designated as a household member, (i.e., they have no usual place of residence elsewhere).
Students
Unmarried students temporarily away in another locality at school, college, trade or commercial school are members of the household. A student who has left home permanently should not be considered a household member.
If in doubt about the student's status, ask whether he/she would return if he/she were not attending school.
NOTE: Do not consider any student who is attending school overseas, at the time of your visit, as a household member. However, if the student is in the household at the time of interview (e.g., home on summer vacation) and has no other place of residence in the United States, count him/her as a household member.
Persons in Vacation Homes, Tourist Cabins, and Trailers
Consider persons living in vacation homes, tourist cabins, and trailers as usual residents of the units if they usually live there, or if they have no usual residence elsewhere.
Institutionalized Person
Persons who live in certain types of institutions; for example, a nursing home, city jail, etc. at the time of interview are not
household members of the sample unit. Their usual place of residence is at the institution. If the sample unit has no other occupants, it should be classified as a Vacant interview.
Doubtful Cases
If you are not sure whether to consider the person as a household member, consider that person a household member, and note the circumstances in the Notes space. Report the case on an INTERCOMM.
RPSEX/NXTSEX
[Are/Is] [you/name] male or female?
Enter "1" for male and "2" for female.
Only ask if not apparent. This question is not asked for returning households, unless there is a household member who do not have a valid answer to this question.
MOREPER
Is anyone else living or staying at this address now?
Enter "1" (Yes) to add the next person. See instructions under RPNAME.
RTMSNG1/MSNGPR1
I have listed [READ ROSTER NAMES]. Have I missed any babies or small children?
Have I missed any lodgers, boarders, or other persons you employ who live here?
This question is asked of both returning and new households to collect those persons that were missed. Enter "1" (Yes) to add this person.
RTMSNG2/MSNGPR2
Have I missed anyone who usually lives here but is away now, traveling for work or business, on vacation, or at school or in a hospital?
Anyone else staying here?
See RTMSNG1/MSNGPR1.
HHRESP
With whom am I speaking?
This is asked for both returning and new households. Only ask if necessary. Enter the line number of the person you are speaking to.
OWNER
In whose name is this home [owned/rented]?
This is asked for both returning and new households.
Owner Defined
An owner is the person(s) whose name is entered on the deed of ownership, mortgage, land contract, contract to purchase, etc.
Renter Defined
A renter is the person(s) whose name is entered on the lease. If there is no lease, the renter is the person responsible for paying the rent.
Sample Unit Occupied Without Payment of Cash Rent
If "3" (occupied without payment of cash rent) in HU4, determine the person for whom the accommodations were arranged.
For example:
REL
What is [your/name's] relationship to [Reference person]?
This question is asked for returning households if the reference person from the previous interview has been deleted as a household member. This is always asked of new households.
Reference Person Defined
Regular Interview
The reference person is the first household member 18 years old or older entered in response to RPNAME, who owns or rents the sample unit. If no household member occupying the sample unit owns or rents the unit, the reference person is the first household member who is 18 years of age or older. (You will have to
probe to determine the reference person if the first person mentioned is not a household member.)
In cases where no household member owns or rents the unit OR is 18 years or older, the reference person is determined by the OWNER screen. The first person who is entered as an owner/renter is the reference person.
URE Interview
The reference person is the first occupant 18 years or older in RPNAME, who owns or rents the sample unit. If no person occupying the sample unit owns or rents the unit, the reference person is determined by the first person entered as an owner/renter.
In cases where no person in RPNAME owns or rents the unit AND no person is 18 years or older, the first person in RPNAME is the reference person.
Relationship to Reference Person
After determining the reference person for the household, determine the PRECISE relationship to the reference person of all the other persons listed in the household roster and enter this relationship in the REL screen.
Relatives of the Reference Person
For all household members who are related to the reference person by blood, marriage,
or adoption, enter the precise relationship. Enter:
"20" (Spouse)
"22" (Child)
"23" (Grandchild)
"24" (Parent (Father/Mother))
"25" (Brother/Sister)
"26" (Other Relative of Reference Person, Uncle, cousin, mother-in-law, father-in-law, etc.)
Nonrelatives of the Reference Person
If you find unrelated individuals or groups of individuals sharing a unit, enter their relationships to the reference person as follows:
"21" (Unmarried Partner)
"27" (Foster Child)
"28" (Housemate/Roommate)
"29" (Roomer/Boarder)
"30" (Other Non-relative of Reference Person)
Do Not enter relationship codes for URE persons, even if entire household is URE.
REL2
Does anybody related to [name of first person not related to reference person] live here?
This question is asked for both returning and new households. This question determines whether a non-relative of the reference person has his/her own relatives in the household.
DOB
What is . . . 's date of birth?
This is asked of returning households only if in the previous interview the DOB was not collected for a household member or a new person is added to the household. This is always asked for new households.
Obtain the exact date of birth, and enter two-digit numbers for month and day. Enter four-digit numbers for year.
If you cannot get the exact date, try to get an approximate month and day, if you can only get the year enter "D" (Don't know) for month and day and enter the four-digit number for the year.
VERAGE
So [name] is now [read age] years old. Is that correct?
This question is asked for both returning and new households.
This item verifies the age calculation done from the birth month, day and year given in the DOB question.
AGEGES
ENTER YOUR BEST ESTIMATE OF [NAME'S] AGE.
If the respondent cannot give you a good answer to DOB or they "Don't know" or "Refused" enter your best guess of the person's age.
UNDAGE
Is [he/she] under 14 years of age?
This question may be asked of both returning and new households. Ask only if necessary. The purpose of this question is to determine the next questions asked in the interview. If a household member is 14 or less, the marital status question is not asked about that member. If 14 years or older the marital status question is asked.
MAR_VER
[Name][is married/is widowed/is divorced/is separated/has never been married]. Is that still correct?
This question is only asked for returning households. It is asked to verify the marital status of the household members.
S_MAR
Is [name] now married, widowed, divorced, separated, or never married?
This question is asked for returning households only if in the previous interview the marital status was not collected for a household member or if a new person is added to the household. This is always asked for new households. Enter the appropriate code to indicate the marital status of eligible household members, as listed below:
(1) Married-Spouse Present -- Also include persons who state they have common-law marriage.)
(2) Married-Spouse Absent
(3) Widowed
(4) Divorced
(5) Separated--Include those married persons who have a legal separation or who have parted because of marital discord, but have not yet obtained a divorce. Report those who have parted temporarily for other reasons (such as employment, Armed Forces, etc.) as married.
(6) Never Married--Also include a person whose only marriage has been annulled and people living together who make no mention of a common-law marriage.
S_LNSPOUSE
ENTER LINE NUMBER OF [NAME'S] SPOUSE.
This is asked for returning households only if in the previous interview the line number of spouse was not collected for a household member or if a new person is added to the household. This is always asked for those eligible household members in a new household.
When To Complete
For each married person whose husband or wife is a household member, enter the spouse's line number.
EDUCA_VER
The highest grade or level of school [NAME] completed was [education level]. Is that still correct?
Only returning household members are asked this question. This question is asked to verify the educational attainment of household members who answered this question during the previous interview. If a household member has completed a higher level of education than the last time, the EDUCA question is asked. See the definitions under EDUCA.
EDUCA
What is the highest level of school [you/NAME] has completed or the highest degree [you/he/she] [have/has] received?
This question is asked of returning households only if in the previous interview the educational attainment was not collected for a household member or if a new person is added to the household. This question is always asked for eligible household members in new households.
Regular School Defined
A person received Regular Schooling if (s)he attended day or night school in any of the following for grades;
If you cannot determine if a person received "regular" schooling or you cannot determine the highest degree or year, explain this in detail in the F7 notes.
Exclusions From Regular School
Do not count any of the following as regular schooling, unless they are part of a regular school and count toward promotion in regular school
Educational Codes
The codes are listed below.
Less Than First Grade
The first category, "less than 1st grade", refers to persons who attended, but did not complete a year of school as well as persons who have completed only kindergarten or nursery school, or who have never attended school at all.
A person who only completed the first grade is coded the same as a person whose highest grade of school completed is the second, third, or fourth. Fifth and sixth (code 33) and seventh or eighth (code 34) are similarly grouped.
Twelfth Grade
If the person completed the 12th grade but did not receive a diploma or high school equivalency credentials (such as GED), and did not attend college, enter "38" (12 grade).
Equivalency Test
Enter "39" for person's who passed a high school equivalency test or finished high school while in the Armed Forces.
Post-Graduate High School
Persons may attend "post-graduate" high school courses after completing high school. This is not the same as attending college. Enter "39", high school graduate, for these people.
College
For persons who have attended college but have not received a degree, enter "40" some college, but no degree.
Enter "41", Diploma or certificate from a vocational, technical, trade or business school beyond the high school level.
Enter "42", Associate degree in college-occupational/vocational program, if the highest degree was an associate degree in a program that prepared the person for a specific occupation. Such course work may, but need not, be creditable towards a Bachelor's degree.
Enter "43", Associates degree in college - Academic program, if the highest degree was an associate degree primarily in the arts and sciences and transferable to a bachelor's degree program.
Enter "44", Bachelor's degree for persons who completed requirements for the programs and earned this degree.
Enter "45", Master's degree for person who finished the program and earned this degree.
Graduate Professional School
Make sure you can distinguish the difference between professional degrees (law, medical, dental, etc.), master's level degrees (MA, MBA, MSW, etc.), and doctoral degrees (PhD, EdD).
Enter "46", professional school degree, if the highest degree was earned in such fields as medicine, dentistry, chiropractic medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, law or theology. Do not include vocational training for a trade such as barber college or cosmetology, secretarial, trade or bartending school.
Still in School
Report the highest level completed or degree received for those currently enrolled.
Special Schools (such as schools for the handicapped)
Try to get a regular school equivalency from the household respondent. The respondent may not be able or may be reluctant to give a regular school equivalency for a student in a special school. As a last resort, try to get this information from the local school district. When contacting the school district use only the school name and number of years completed in that special school. Never use the student's name when discussing grade equivalencies with school officials. This would breach our confidentially requirement.
Special Situations
Obtain the equivalent school year in the regular American school system for persons who obtained a formal education through any of the following methods:
WHENMOVE
When did [NAME] move to this [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters]?
This question is not asked of returning households, unless in the previous interview, the date that a household member moved to this home was not collected, or a new person has been added to the household. This question is always asked for all household members in a new household.
How To Complete
Enter "X" if person's mother lived at this residence when the person was born.
Enter the four-digit year.
Enter the two-digit month.
Enter the two-digit number for the month (06 = June) for household members who moved in. If the respondent is not able to remember the month, probe to determine what quarter (season) of the year that was, then enter 01 for the first quarter, 04 for the second, 07 for the third and 10 for the fourth.
For persons who have moved in, out, and in again, enter the year of their most recent move into the unit.
For persons who have returned from sea duty, (Navy, Merchant Marine, etc.), returning from a vessel at sea does not represent a move as long as the person was considered a household member. However, if the residence at the time of interview is different from the residence prior to ship duty, a move has occurred.
RACE
What is the [your/name] rate?
This question is never asked for returning households, unless in a previous interview, the race of a household member was not collected, or a new person has been added to the household. This question is always asked of all household members in new households.
Importance Of Asking The Race Item
It is important that you ask this question even though the person's race may seem obvious. Studies have indicated that there is a significant difference in the recording of racial categories when it is asked, as opposed to marking it by observation. Although we realize that in most cases what you perceive the person to be is what he/she replies, the cases that would have been recorded incorrectly can and do have a serious impact on the quality of the final AHS data. Also, some households are comprised of persons of different races. The assumption that all household or family members are the same race as the respondent is not valid.
Race Defined
The concept of race as used by the Bureau of the Census does not reflect clear cut definitions of biological stock or conform to any scientific definition. Rather, it reflects the self-identification by respondents. In the AHS, individuals are asked to report the race with which they most closely identify.
There is a flashcard in the AHS-64, Field Representative Information Booklet, that shows the list of races as shown beneath the RACE item. When asking it is your option to hand the respondent the Race Flashcard.
(For personal interviews hand the respondent the Race Flashcard in the Field Representative Information Booklet and ask the question as worded.) Note that the Race Flashcard contains examples of responses to be classified as "4" (Asian or Pacific Islander). If the respondent replies with: Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Guamanian, Samoan, or other Asian, enter "4" (Asian or Pacific Islander).
Guidelines/Definitions to be Used for Determining and Recording Race
In the majority of cases the respondent simply state his/her race and that of all persons in the household from one of the categories. In the event of problem cases, follow the written instructions provided below.
Refusals
If the respondent refuses to answer the question and you are conducting the interview by personal visit, enter the answer by observation only for persons present during the interview. Enter "D" for all other persons.
Response Which Is Not Listed
If the respondent gives a response not listed (for example, gives an ethnic origin such as Spanish, French, Italian, etc., instead of a race) ask "Which of the races listed is that?" or "Which race will that be?" accordingly. It may also be helpful (when responses such as those listed above are received) to explain to the respondent that this question concerns race rather than ethnic origin. For respondents still unable to classify themselves or other household members according to the categories entered "5" (Other), and enter the response in the F7 notes. (NOTE: For response of Caucasian, enter "1"-White; for a response of Negro, enter "2" - Black.)
More Than One Race Is Reported
If more than one race is reported or the respondent is uncertain as to how to report a person of mixed race:
Ask "With which race does [name] most closely identify?" and enter the race mentioned.
If the respondent is unable to provide a single response, ask the race of the person's mother (if not already reported) and enter the race of the person's mother.
If the respondent is unable to report a single race for the mother or the mother's race is unknown enter the first race originally mentioned for the sample person.
ORIGIN
[Are/Is] [you/name] Hispanic or Spanish-American?
This question is never asked for returning households, unless in a previous interview, the origin of a household member was not collected, or a new person has been added to the household. This question is always asked of all household members in new households.
Origin refers to the national or cultural group from which a person is descended and is determined by the nationality or lineage of a person's ancestors. There is no set rule as to how many generations are to be taken into account in determining origin.
Importance Of Asking Origin Question
Always ask this item regardless of the race of the person or persons. A person of any race may be of any origin.
Hispanic Or Spanish-American Defined
A person is Spanish or Hispanic if the person identifies his or her ancestry with one of the following groups listed below.
Argentina
Balaoric Islands
Basque Iberian (i.e., Spain)
Bolivia
Boricua
Californie
Californio (Californi)
Canary Island
Catalonian
Chicano
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuban
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala
Hispanic
Honduras
La Raza
Majorcan
Mexican
Mexican-American
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
Spanish
Spaniard
Spanish-American
Spanish speaking
Uruguay
Venezuela
S_LNPARENT
Does ... parents live in this household?
This question is asked of both returning and new households. Enter line number of parent. Enter 0 for none.
The screens names in this module are characterized by the word "INV" for Inventory module.
INV4aExcluding the dealer's lot, is this the first site on which this mobile home was placed?
"Site" does not necessarily mean a mobile home park site; it means location. The mobile home does not have to have been occupied; it only needs to have been set up for occupancy.
INV4b
Is your mobile home included in a group of 2 or more?
Mobile homes or mobile home sites gathered close together are considered to be in a "group." This may be a mobile home park or it may be a number of mobile homes grouped together on adjacent, individually owned lots but not in a mobile home park.
INV4c
How many, including your mobile home, are in the group?
In INV4c, enter the exact number of mobile homes if there are 2 to 20 mobile homes in the group.
Count mobile homes on the property that are used for overflow sleeping or storage, but are not separate housing units.
INV5
About when was the building originally built?
How to Determine "Year Built"
The year in which the structure was built refers to the completion of the original construction of the building (or the date when any part of the structure was first occupied, if that occurred first), not the time of any later remodeling, additions, or conversions. Consider construction as completed when all the exterior windows and doors have been installed and usable floors are finished so that the unit is ready for occupancy.
(Usable floors can be cement or plywood. Carpeted, tiled, or hard wood flooring is not necessary for floors to be considered usable.)
If the respondent does not know the year the structure was built, there are several ways of estimating the year. If the owner has lived in the house for some time, ask how old the building was when he/she moved in. Explain that, especially for older buildings, we only need l0 year ranges. If the respondent does not know, ask someone who has lived in the neighborhood a long time.
House Moved
If a house has been moved to its present site, "Year Built" refers to the date construction was completed on its original site.
Unit Converted from Nonresidential Structure
If a residential unit was converted from nonresidential use (barns, warehouses, etc.), "Year Built" refers to the date the structure that contains the unit was built, not the date of conversion.
How to Code
If the structure was built before 1990, enter the appropriate code. If the structure was built 1990 or later, enter the 2-digit month and 4-digit year the structure was completed. (For example, enter 02 for month and 1993 for year for a structure built in February 1993.)
INV6a
Is the [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] part of a condominium or cooperative or neither one?
The first question asks whether the unit is part of a condominium or cooperative. If it is, either enter "1" (Yes, cooperative) or "2" (Yes, condominium). If the unit is not part of a condominium or cooperative enter "3" (No, neither one). If the respondent says the unit is a cooperative, INV6b verifies their response by giving them the definition of a cooperative.
Condominium
A "Condominium" is a type of ownership in which the apartments or houses in a development are individually owned, but the common areas, such as lobbies, halls, grounds, etc., are jointly owned. The owner has a deed, and, very likely, a mortgage on an individual unit. The owner also holds a common joint ownership in all common areas and hallways, entrances, elevators, etc.
Condominium ownership may cover single-family houses, rowhouses, townhouses, etc., as well as apartments.
"Time-Shared" condominiums are also included in this category.
Cooperative
A "Cooperative" is a form of ownership as defined in item INV6b.
INV6bFor this survey, a cooperative is property which is owned by a corporation made up of resident shareholders. Co-op owners can live in their unit or rent it out. Is this what you mean when you say this is a cooperative?
Cooperative ownership may cover single-family houses, rowhouses, townhouses, etc., as well as apartments.
INV7aIs the house built--
(1) with a basement?
(2) with a crawl space?
(3) on a concrete slab?
(4) in some other way?
Basement (1)
A basement is an enclosed space, at least partially underground, in which persons can walk upright under all or part of the building. Consider a floor to be a basement if at least half of the area is below ground level, either from floor to ceiling or from back to front of the area.
The basement can be finished and intended for living by the household, or the basement can be unfinished and may be only four walls containing the furnace or other equipment.
The basement is under all the building if it is under the entire main structure, excluding garages, carports and porches.
Crawl Space (2)
A house is built with a crawl space if there is a space between the ground and the first floor of the house, but it is not high enough for a person to walk upright. It may be enclosed or exposed to the elements.
Concrete Slab (3)
A house is built on a concrete slab if it is built on cement that has been poured on the ground.
Some Other Way (4)
Enter this category for a house built on stilts or pilings (for example, beach houses), and any other situation not covered above. Describe the situation in the space provided.
INV7b
And, is that basement under ALL of the house, or is it under PART of the house?
("HOUSE" refers to living space only, i.e., basement does not need to be under garage/carport to count as "ALL".)
INV8aHow many stories are in the building, including the basement?
If you have information that there is a finished attic include it in the number of stories. Do not count an unfinished attic as a story or floor.
For split levels and bi-levels, count the highest number of floors that are physically over each other and enter the appropriate number.
Enter the exact number of stories only if the number of stories in the building is 20 or less.
INV8bHow many stories are there from the main entrance of the building to the main entrance of the apartment?
Stories
Determine the stories (floors)from the residential entrance level of the building to the main entrance of the unit.
Same Floor
Enter "0" (Same floor) if the main entrance of the sample unit is on the same level as the main entrance which residents use to enter the building. Do not count the stairs leading to the main entrance of the building.
INV8cHow many floors are in the apartment itself?
Determine the number of floors within the apartment itself. INV8d
Is there a working passenger elevator on this floor?
Do Not include an elevator used only for freight. Chair lifts do not count as elevators.NOTE: INV9a, INV9d, INV9g, INV9j, and INV9m are the same questions that are repeated to get the number of rooms. If the sample unit is a multi-level home, you may encounter INV9a, INV9d, INV9g, INV9j and/or INV9m depending on the number of floors reported in the sample unit in INV8a or INV8c. If the sample unit is a 1 level home, then INV9a is the only screen that you should encounter to get the number of rooms.
INV9a
We need to get an accurate count of the number and type of rooms in your house. You reported this house has (n) floors, including the basement. So starting with the top floor, tell me all the rooms on that level of your house. It may help if you try to picture yourself walking from room to room.
(0-10) Bedrooms
Bathrooms: Ask for full or half baths, if necessary.
(0-10) Full baths
(0-10) Half baths
(0-5) Kitchens
(0-5) Dining Rooms
(0-5) Living Rooms
(0-5) Family Rooms/"Great Rooms"
(0-5) Recreation Rooms
(0-5) Dens/Libraries/TV Rooms
(0-5) Offices/Business Rooms
(0-5) Laundry/Utility Rooms
(0-5) Storage Rooms/Pantries
(0-5) Other Finished Rooms
(0-5) Attics/Basements Unfinished
(0-5) Other Unfinished Rooms
Enter the number of rooms for each category of rooms.
Bedrooms (1)Count rooms used mainly for sleeping even if also used for other purposes. Also count rooms reserved for sleeping, such as guest rooms, even though used infrequently.
DO NOT count as a bedroom a room used mainly for other purposes, even though it is also used for sleeping, such as a room with a hide-away bed or an extra bedroom now used for storage.
Full Bathroom (2)
A full bathroom is a room with hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet, a bathtub or shower, and a sink. All of the facilities must be in the same room to be a full bathroom. If you discover that the sample unit shares bathroom facilities, leave blank.
Half Bathroom (3)
A half bathroom is a room with at least a flush toilet OR a bathtub or shower, but does not have all the facilities for a complete bathroom. If you discover that the sample unit shares bathroom facilities, leave blank.
Kitchens (4)
Self-explanatory. Accept the respondent's answer.
Dining Rooms (5)
A separate room is an area separated from an adjoining room by a built-in floor-to-ceiling wall extending at least a few inches from its intersecting wall.
A movable or collapsible partition, or a partition consisting solely of shelves or cabinets, is not considered a built-in wall.
Living Room (6)
Self-explanatory. Accept the respondent's answer.
Codes 7-15
Self-explanatory. Accept the respondent's answer.
INV9b
I have listed on the top level -
(Room Breakdown Listed)
Have I missed any rooms on that level?
NOTE: INV9b, INV9e, INV9h, and INV9k are to verify the number of rooms reported in the sample unit. If the sample unit is one level, then you will encounter only INV9b.
If rooms were missed, enter "1" and back up to INV9a to correct the table. Enter "2" if no rooms were missed, or if no other rooms are missed after correcting the table in INV9a and verifying in INV9b.
INV9p
I want to make sure that I have correctly recorded all of the rooms information. My notes state that there is not a [bedroom/ bathroom/kitchen]. Is that correct?
This question appears if the respondent mentions no bedrooms, bathrooms, and/or kitchens in INV9a, INV9d, INV9g, INV9j, and/or INV9m. Enter "1" if the respondent does have a bedroom, bathroom, and/or kitchen. The system automatically backs up to INV9a so you can correct the table. Enter "2" if a bedroom, bathroom, and/or kitchen is not in the sample unit. Except the yes or no response the respondent gives you. Do not probe. INV9q or INV9?Does that office have direct access to the outside?
Enter "1" if the office(s) can be entered directly from the outside and WITHOUT first entering the sample unit.
For INV9u, enter the number of offices (if any) that have or do not have direct access.
INVEN9r or INVEN9?
Are any of your rooms used both as business space and for something else, such as a guest room?
Self-explanatory.
INV10Are there any mobile homes on this property that are used for living purposes by this household?
Enter "Yes" if there are mobile homes other than the sample unit on the property or site.
Include vacant sites if they are obviously designated for mobile home use. (For example, the site has outlets for water or electricity.)
Do not include travel trailers, campers, tent campers with collapsible sides, or self-propelled vehicles such as motor homes, unless they are used as year-round housing in their present location.
INV11
What is the model year of each of the mobile homes (excluding this one)?
Enter the model year for each mobile home on the property or site. Enter the four digits of the model year of the mobile home.
Because the next year's model may be out, it is possible to have a mobile home with a date later than the current year (or later than the year the occupant moved in).
INV12
Is there a medical or dental office or any commercial establishment on the property?
Purpose
The purpose of this question is to identify housing units located on properties that are so substantially different because of commercial activity that many financial characteristics of these housing units should not be compared with those of other residential properties.
Property Defined
Property consists of one or more tracts of land which the respondent considers to be the same property, farm, ranch, or estate. These tracts may be adjoining or they may be separated by a road, creek, or other piece of land. In most cases, property has a clearly defined meaning. For example, in a built-up area, the property is likely to consist of one house and lot. In open country, on the other hand, it may consist of a whole tract of land, or a combination of two or more pieces of land.
Commercial Establishment
A commercial establishment is easily recognized from outside the building. It may be located in the same building as the sample unit or it may be located elsewhere on the property. Examples are a grocery store, restaurant, barbershop, gasoline station, or veterinary office.
Some people use certain rooms in their living quarters for business or professional purposes which are not easily recognized from the outside. A seamstress, tax consultant, salesman, or an accountant may use a room to meet customers and to work but have no recognizable alterations to the outside of the house. Do not consider such units as having a commercial establishment even if they display a small sign indicating services available.
Veterinarian Office
A veterinarian's office is a commercial establishment.
Condominium Ownership
For a condominium, these questions refer to the sample unit only.
Farm
A farm is not a commercial establishment for the purpose of INV12.
Medical or Dental Office
A medical or dental office is a doctor's or dentist's office regularly visited by patients.
INV13
Thinking about all the rooms you mentioned earlier, as well as the hallways and entry ways in the house, about how many square feet is that?
Accept respondent's best estimate.
INV14a
Since [date of last interview], has there been a change in the amount of living space in the [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] because of putting on an addition, finishing an attic, or converting a garage to living space?
Living space is an area composed of one or more rooms that is protected from the elements and heated, if necessary. The addition, attic or garage may be used as a living room, bedroom, recreational room, etc. Also include enclosing an open-porch and using it as living space.
If the unit has lost living space since the previous interview, for example, an area is destroyed by fire or part of the original unit is now a separate living quarters, enter "1" (Yes), and enter the (approximate) amount of space that was lost on the "Loss" part in INV14b.
INV14b
How many square feet or living space were added or lost?
For units which are the result of merging (that is, combining) apartments, enter the appropriate number of square feet gained through this process.
If the respondent is not able to give you the square footage but is able to give you the length and width of the additional (or lost) living space, enter an "X" and then enter the dimensions in the spaces provided. If more than two dimensions are given for example a triangular room, enter the longest and the shortest dimensions. If more than one set of dimensions is given, enter the largest set. Do not convert dimensions to square footage.
INV15
Does the [house/apartment /mobile home/living quarters] have a porch, deck, balcony, or patio?
The porch, deck, balcony, or patio must be attached to the unit--not simply to the building. Exclude porches, etc., that are not attached to the sample unit or are free standing. Porches may be enclosed or open. The porch, deck, balcony, or patio must measure at least four feet by four feet.
INV16
Is a garage or carport included with the house?
For this question, the garage or carport must be on the same property but
does not have to be attached to the house. The space can be assigned or available on a first come first park basis.INV17
Is a driveway [parking lot or parking area off the street] provided?
Off street parking is considered a driveway or parking lot privilege.
If the unit is rented for cash, enter "1" (Yes) if there is off street parking which is included in the rent.
If the unit is occupied without payment of cash rent, enter "1" (Yes) if there is off street parking which is included with the home.
INV18a
How many automobiles, excluding vans or trucks, are kept at home for use by members of your household?
Count passenger cars, including station wagons, which are owned (or being bought) or regularly used by one or more household members and ordinarily kept at home.
Include company cars if used regularly for non-business purposes and kept at home. Also include taxicabs owned by household members and kept at the sample unit.
Include cars that are rented or leased for l month or more. Count cars of all household members including lodgers or other nonrelatives living in the unit.
Include cars used by household members who are temporarily away from home, such as a student at college.
The purpose of this item is to get a count of the number of cars available to household members for use as basic transportation. If in doubt as to whether to count a car in this item, count only cars that are used as transportation to and from work or for shopping and other household errands.
Do not count police cars, pickups or larger trucks, vans or Volkswagen buses, dismantled or dilapidated cars in an early stage of being junked, or immobile cars used only as a source of power for some piece of machinery. Do not count cars used primarily for competition or display purposes such as racing cars, stock cars, or antique cars not used as passenger automobiles. Also do not count government-owned cars or cars used only for recreational purposes, such as dunebuggies.
INV18b
How many vans or trucks of one-ton capacity or less are kept at home for use by members of your household?
Count the number of pickups and small panel trucks of one-ton capacity or less and Volkswagen buses and similar vans which are owned (or being bought) or regularly used by one or more members of the household and ordinarily kept at home. Include company trucks or vans if used regularly and kept at home.
Count only trucks and vans that are used for personal activities of household members, even if they are also used for business purposes. Do not include trucks or vans owned (or being bought) by a household member, but used solely for business purposes.
Include vans or trucks of one-ton capacity or less that are rented or leased for one month or more.
If in doubt as to whether to classify a vehicle as a passenger car or truck, ask whether it is licensed as a passenger car or truck, and mark these items accordingly.
INV19a
About how large is the [lot/site]?
If the respondent states that the lot is divided by a road, determine if the lots are on separate deeds. If the property separated by the road is on the same deed as the lot on which the sample unit is located, it should be included in the lot size.
The response to INV19a can fall into one of four categories: square feet, dimensions (feet by feet), whole acres, and a "don't know" category. Enter the category in which the answer will be given first. The appropriate screen will then appear to enter the response.
Square Feet
If the respondent answers in terms of square feet and a range is given (e.g., between 5,000 and l0,000 sq. ft., or more than a quarter acre but less than a third acre) enter the lower value in terms of square feet.
Dimensions
If the respondent answers by giving you the dimensions of the lot/site, enter the first dimension on the first line provided and the second dimension on the second line provided. If the lot has three or four sides of unequal lengths, enter the lowest width and lowest length.
Whole Acres
If the respondent answers in terms of whole acres, enter the response on the line provided. Do not convert whole acres to square feet.
Cash Renters
For cash renters, the acreage reported should include only the house and land for which they are paying cash rent, and not the entire acreage or property of the owner.
This is an especially important distinction and one which you should explain to the respondent, if necessary.
INV19b
Would you say that your lot is more than one acre or less than one acre?
INV19c
About how many acres?
INV19d
Is it more than 10 acres?
INV19e
Would you give me an estimate of the dimensions of your lot?
Depending on the answer you enter in INV19b, INV19c or INV19d, INV9e will appear as appropriate.
It is extremely important to obtain lot size, even if it's only a rough estimate. A final "D" should only be entered as a last resort.
All of the probes refer to the amount of land which is included with the sample unit.
An acre is approximately the size of a football field (150 feet x 300 feet).
EQPINTRO
Turning now to questions about appliances and other household equipment.
EQP1a
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters] have some type of cooking stove or a range with an oven -- one that is in working order?
The cookstove or range does not have to be mechanical: It can be a wood-burning stove. It must in working order. If the cookstove or range is not working, but the household plans to fix or replace it soon, then count as working and enter "1" (Yes).
EQP1b
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/ mobile home/living quarters] have any built-in cooking burners that are in working order?
Enter "1" (Yes) if a built-in cooking burner is present, while a cookstove or range is not.
EQP1c
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/ mobile home/living quarters] have a microwave oven that is in working order?
If the microwave is not working, but the household plans to fix or replace it soon, then count as working and enter "1" (Yes).
EQP2
What fuel is used MOST for cooking -- electricity, gas, or something else?
Enter "1" (Electricity) - Self-explanatory.
Enter "2" (Gas) - May be utility gas or bottled gas.
Enter "3" (Kerosene or Other Liquid Fuel) - when these specified items or gasoline, alcohol or other combustible liquids are used.
Enter "4" (Coal or Coke) - Self-explanatory.
Enter "5" (Wood) - Self-explanatory.
Enter "6" (Other, specify) when the following are used, briquettes made of pitch and sawdust, coal dust, waste material like corncobs, purchased steam, or any other fuel not listed.
Enter "7" (No Fuel Used) - if there is cooking equipment but it is never used.
EQP3
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/ mobile home/living quarters] have a refrigerator that is in working order?
If the refrigerator is not working, but the household plans to fix or replace it soon, then count as working and enter "1" (Yes).
EQP4
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/ mobile home/living quarters] have a kitchen sink?
This sink must be in the unit or on an enclosed porch, but does not have to be in the kitchen. However, do not count a bathroom sink as a kitchen sink.
EQP5
Are these kitchen facilities for your household's use only?
The kitchen sink, cooking equipment and refrigerator is for the household's use only if it is not used on a regular basis by someone not living in the household. Guests may use the sink for example, and it would still be considered for this household's use only. A friend frequently staying over and using the refrigerator does not mean it is no longer for this household's use only.
EQP6a
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/ mobile home/living quarters] have . . .
a garbage disposal?
a built-in trash compactor [in your apartment]?
a dishwasher?
a washing machine [in your apartment]?
a clothes dryer [in your apartment]?
Garbage Disposal
Must be a mechanical garbage disposal.
Trash Compactor
Include built-in mechanical trash compactor.
Dishwasher
Include all mechanical dishwashers except counter top dishwashers.
Washing Machine
The washing machine must be mechanical. A wringer washing machine which must be plugged in to run should be included. If the respondent lives in an apartment, determine if the machine is actually in the apartment, rather than a basement or shared utility room.
Clothes Dryer
The clothes dryer must be mechanical. Exclude hand operated wringers, hand-turned spin dryers, etc. If the respondent lives in an apartment, determine if the clothes dryer is actually in the apartment, rather than a basement shared utility room.
EQP6b
[Are these currently in working order?/(Is/Are) the (appliance name) currently in working order?]
Self-explanatory
EQP6c
Which appliances are not working?
Enter "X" in the second column of the table for each appliance that is "not working."
EQP6d
Will you get the [appliance name] fixed soon?
This is asked for each appliance with "X" entered in "Not Working" column. Enter "X" in the third column of the table for each appliance to be "fixed soon."
EQP6e
What type of fuel does the dryer use?
If the dryer does not use electricity or gas, enter "3" (other, specify) and enter the type of fuel used.
EQP7a
Is [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] connected to a public sewer?
Public Sewer
Enter "1" (Yes) for (Public Sewer) if the unit is connected to a city, county, sanitary district, neighborhood, or subdivision sewer. Include only system run by a government body or by a private organization sewage treatment system serving 6 or more units. Also enter "1" if the unit is connected to a small sewage treatment plant which in some localities are called neighborhood septic tanks.
EQP7b
What means of sewage disposal does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] have?
Septic Tank
Enter "1" (Septic tank) if the unit is provided with an underground tank for sewage disposal serving 5 or fewer units. Also, enter "1" if the septic tank is connected to a public sewer which catches overflow.Cesspool
Enter "2" (Cesspool) if the unit has an underground reservoir for sewage disposal serving 5 or fewer units.
Chemical Toilet
Enter "3" (Chemical toilet) if the unit disposes of sewage by using chemicals to break down or dissolve sewage. It may be inside or outside the unit.
Outhouse or Privy
Enter "4" (Outhouse or Privy) if the unit is serviced by an "Outhouse" or other small shelter containing a toilet, outside the unit, which is not connected to a sewage treatment system.
Other
Enter "5" (Other, specify) and describe the means of sewage disposal in the space provided if the unit uses a means of sewage disposal not already mentioned.
None
Enter "6" (None) if the sample unit has no means of sewage disposal.
EQP7c
How many homes are connected to the [septic tank/cesspool]?
See the definitions of septic tank and cesspool under EQP7b above.
EQP8a
Does [your/the/that] full bath contain:
(READ CATEGORIES BELOW)
both hot and cold water?
a bathroom sink?
a flush toilet?
a bathroom or a shower?
Hot & Cold Water
Enter "1" (Yes) if both hot and cold water are piped directly to the full bathroom.
Tub, Sink, Shower
These should be installed equipment. Do not include portable tub showers or sink hookup.
Flush Toilet
Do not include a privy or a chemical toilet as a flush toilet.
EQP8b
***POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE BATHROOM DEFINITION***
Do you have [hot and cold water/bathroom sink/flush toilet/a bathtub or a shower] anywhere in [your/the/that] home?
See definitions of bathroom facilities under EQP8a.
EQP8c
***POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH BATHROOM DEFINITION***
Is that in an area or room adjoining [your/the] bathroom?
In order for a bathroom to be defined as a "full" bathroom, the plumbing facilities have to be in an area or room adjoining the bathroom. If EQP8c answered 'no', the instrument returns to the rooms questions so that the entry for 'full baths' can be changed.
EQP8d
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] have:
both hot and cold water?
a bathroom sink?
a flush toilet?
a bathtub or a shower?
This question is for units with no full baths AND no half baths or only one half bath.
EQP8e
Some people live in neighborhoods where some of the houses don't have complete plumbing facilities, so they must use other people's bathrooms. [When it is occupied, does/Does] anyone not living in [your/the] home, not counting guests or workers, regularly use [your/the] [plumbing facilities/bathroom/ bathrooms]?
EQP9
What type of fuel is used MOST to heat the water?
Type of Fuel
If more than one type of fuel is used for heating the water, enter the code for the one used most.
1. Electricity
Self-explanatory.
2. Gas
May be utility gas or bottled gas.
3. Fuel Oil
Self-explanatory.
4. Kerosene, etc.
Enter "4" (Kerosene, etc.) when kerosene, gasoline, alcohol, or combustible liquids other than fuel oil are used.
5. Coal or Coke
Self-explanatory.
6. Wood
Self-explanatory.
7. Solar Energy
Enter "7" (Solar energy) when the water is mainly heated by a system which utilizes the energy available in sunlight to gain and store heat.
8. Other
Enter "8" Other (Specify), specify the type: for example, briquettes made of pitch and sawdust, coal dust, waste material like corncobs, purchased steam, or any other fuel not listed.
EQP10a
Does most of the water for [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] come from a water system, either public or private, from an individual well, or from some other source?
Mark this item whether the water is in the building or some other place on the property, or the occupants get water elsewhere. If the occupants get water from neighbors, mark the source of the neighbor's water. If the occupants get water from a variety of sources, mark the source from which they get most of the water.
Public Water System
Enter a "1" (public water system) when water comes from a city, county, or similar system.
Private Water System
Enter "2" (private water system) when water comes from a water district, water company, or similar system.
Individual Well
Enter a "3" (individual well) when the water comes from a well on the property or a neighboring property. If the respondent asks, an individual well serves 5 or fewer units in only one, or in several buildings. Include well water that is hand drawn, wind drawn, or engine drawn; piped or not piped; stored in tanks or used directly from the well.
Spring
Enter "4" (Spring) when water comes from this source. Mark spring, cistern, stream or lake, or bottled water, if such is the case.
Cistern
Enter "5" (Cistern) when water comes from this source.
Stream or Lake
Enter "6" (Stream or Lake) if such is the case for the unit's source.
Commercial Bottled Water
Enter "7" (commercial "bottled water") if it is the only source of water used by the household.
Other, (Specify)
Enter "8" (Other, specify) and specify, when the water is obtained from creeks, ponds, rivers, desalinization, or other sources not already mentioned.
EQP10b
Is the well drilled or dug?
Well Drilled or Dug
A drilled well is made by well-drilling machines. A drilled well generally is less than 1 foot in diameter and has a mechanical pump that caps the well. A dug well is usually hand-made and is quite
shallow compared to drilled wells. If water is brought up with a pail or there is a hand pump, it is probably a dug well. Dug wells are generally 3 feet or more in diameter.
EQP10c
Does the [source of water] provide water to 15 or more homes?
"Provided Water" Defined
A home is provided water by a well, spring, cistern, stream, or lake if: there is a connecting pipe from the water source to the home, or the water source is located at a particular site (lot), and the occupants of the home on that lot use it as their source of water, or the sample unit obtains water in some way from the unit served by the water source.
EQP10d
How many homes does the [source of water] serve?
Definition of Serve
Same as provided under EQP10c above.
Number of Homes
Count each additional unit using the same water source.
EQP10e
In your opinion, is the water from this [source of water] safe for cooking and drinking?
"Safe" Defined
Water is considered safe (consumable or potable) if the water source is used or could be used for cooking and drinking. The question does not ask what source is used by the household for cooking and drinking but whether or not their main water source is safe to use for cooking and drinking.
This is an opinion question. Enter "1" (Yes)or "2" (No) depending upon the respondent's answer. If the respondent says the water is not safe for cooking and drinking, even if it comes from a public system that you know is "safe", enter "2" (No).
EQP10f
Where do you get your water for drinking?
Water source for drinking
This question is only asked if the response to EQP10e is "No". See definitions of water sources under EQP10a above.
EQP11a
What fuel is used the MOST for heating [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters]?
See definitions of "Type of Fuel" under EQP9 above.
EQP11b
Is that because you do not have any heating equipment or is that because you [are not using/could not use] your heating equipment?
Only "9" (None) answers from EQP11a come to this question.
EQP11c
If [you/a tenant] were to use [your/the] heating equipment, what type of fuel would it use?
See definitions of "Fuels" under EQP9 above.
EQP12a
Some times people have more than one type of heating EQUIPMENT in their home. Turning first to questions about your MAIN heating equipment:
Is your heating equipment designed to send heat to all or most of the rooms?
Self explanatory.
EQP12b
Does it send heat to the rooms by forcing warm air through ducts, and vents, or by steam, or hot water through radiators or pipes, or by electric coils INSIDE the floors, ceilings, or walls. or by some other way?
Provides warm forced air through ducts. Excludes heat pumps. Includes circulated air warned by blowing it over solar heated coils.
Central heating that supplies steam/hot water to conventional radiators, to baseboard radiators, to heating pipes in floors, walls, or ceilings, to heating coils or to equipment that is part of a combined heating ventilating or heating/ air conditioning system. Includes solar-heated hot water circulated through the home.
Part of the building's electrical installation. Include heat strips/ resistance heaters. Include a room heat pump as a built-in electric unit. Exclude devices that are plugged into an electric socket or outlet.
EQP12c
And is that equipment a standard electric FURNACE or is it an electric HEAT PUMP?
See definition of "Forced Warm Air Furnace" under EQP12b above.
Year-round heating and air conditioning system that uses refrigeration equipment to supply both heating and cooling through ducts to the home. Generally consists of a compressor and both indoor and outdoor coils and a thermostat. Must be electric. Also known as a "reverse cycle system".
EQP13a
Is [your/the/that] MAIN heating equipment PORTABLE so that is can be moved and used in another room, or is it NOT portable?
Self explanatory
EQP13b
What type of PORTABLE equipment is it?
Not connected to a flue/vent/chimney. Heat only one room or a small space, but not several rooms. Must burn gas, oil, or kerosene.
Gets current through a cord plugged into an electric wall outlet and can be picked up and moved.
Heating equipment that does not fit any of the above categories. Include trademark name or type of fuel in description.
EQP13c
What type of equipment is it?
NOT PORTABLE:
Located below floor and delivers heated air to the room or two rooms immediately above.
Located in an outside or inside wall. Delivers heated air to rooms in one or both sides.
Located in basement. Delivers heated air through large grating in floor of rooms/hallways immediately above. Works on principle that warm air rises. Usually found in older homes.
Attached to the baseboards and are part of the building's electrical installation.
Located in wall or free standing. Connected to flue/vent/chimney to remove smoke/fumes. Heat only one room or a small space, but not several rooms. Must burn gas, oil, or kerosene. Some vented space heaters (such as those connected to flexible metal gas lines) are not portable and should be in this category.
Ranges or stoves manufactured to cook food, but used as a heating source by the occupants.
Ranges/stoves that burn wood, coal or other solid fuel.
With Insert: Has fan-forced air circulation system to force heat into the room. Frequently has draft system that pulls cold outside air into fireplace for combustion, thereby leaving warmer/ inside air in house. Exclude if a wood/ coal stove is placed in a fireplace for space reasons or to avoid putting down masonry/sheet metal heat shield.
No Insert: Glass door fire screens or fire backs inserted in back of fireplace to passively reflect heat do not count as inserts.
EQP13d
Other main heating equipment type not reported until now.
See definitions under EQP13b and EQP13c above.
EQP14a
Does [your/the] [heat pump/heating equipment] provide air conditioning for [your/the] home?
Self explanatory.
EQP14b
Beside [your/the/that] heat pump, does [your/the/that] home have another CENTRAL air conditioning system?
EQP14c
What kind of fuel does this other central air conditioning system use?
See definitions under EQP9 above.
EQP14d
Do you [also] use any room air conditioners?
or
Does the [house, apartment/mobile home/living quarters] have any room air conditioners?
EQP14e
How many?
This is referring to the number of room air conditioners that the household uses.
EQP15a
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] have a usable fireplace?
Include free standing fire places.
Exclude decorative or artificial fireplaces and Franklin Stoves.
Enter "2" (No) for fire places that have been blocked off or filled.
EQP15b
Do you consider [your/the/that] fireplace to be heating equipment.
This is an opinion question. Enter "1" (Yes) if the respondent uses or considers their fireplace as heating equipment.
EQP15c
Does it have inserts, that is, equipment designed to circulate more heat into the room?
See definition of Fireplaces, with and without inserts under EQP13c above.
EQP15d
Is [your/the] fireplace used to heat an area of [your/the] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] that would not be heated by [your/the] main heating equipment?
EQP15e
What kind of fuel is used for the fireplace?
See definitions under EQP9 above.
EQP16a
What other kinds of working heating equipment does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] HAVE or USE?
See definitions under EQP12b, EQP13b and EQP13c above.
EQP16b
Is [your/the/that][type of equipment in EQP16a] used to heat an area of [your/the/that][house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters] that would not be heated by [your/the] [main heating equipment]?
EQP16c
What type of fuel does [your/the/that] [type of equipment from EQP16a] use?
See definitions for EQP9 above.
EQP17a
Does [your/the/that] [house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters] have central air conditioning?
EQP17a through EQP17f are asked only if EQP14a is blank, "2", "3", or "Refused".
EQP17b
What type of fuel does it use?
See definitions of fuels under EQP9 above.
EQP17c
Does [your/the/that] home have another CENTRAL air conditioning system?
Self explanatory.
EQP17d
What kind of fuel does this other central air conditioning system use?
See definitions of fuels under EQP9 above.
EQP17e
Do you (also) use any room air conditioners?
or
Does this [house/apartment/mobile/living quarters] have any room air conditioners?
Self explanatory.
EQP17f
How many?
This refers to the number of room air conditioners that the household uses.
BRKDNINTROThe next series of questions are about problems that some people have experienced with their home.
We are interested in knowing if you have experienced these types of problems too.
BRKDN1a
Last winter, for any reason was your [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] so cold for 24 hours or more that [fill at least one person/you were]
Last winter
Accept the respondent's definition of "last winter."
Enter "1" (Yes) if any of the occupants of the unit experienced discomfort because the unit was too cold for 24 consecutive hours or more.
Enter "2" (No) if the unit was not cold enough to cause discomfort OR if the unit was not cold for 24 hours or more.
If the occupants were absent from the sample unit for the entire winter, enter "3." Also enter "3" if the occupants did not live in the sample unit "last winter."
BRKDN1b
Was that because the MAIN heating equipment broke down?
Broken Down
The heating equipment is broken down if it is not providing heat at its normal heating capacity through some fault in the equipment. Exclude situations where not enough heat is being provided because of lack of fuel or because of utility breakdown.
BRKDN1c
How many times did [it/they all] break down for 6 hours or more?
Number of Breakdowns
Count only the times the equipment was broken down for 6 hours or more.
BRKDN1d
Was it cold for any other reason?
Utility interruption - Include situations where the power was out due to storms, downed lines, or the like. Include, also, situations where the fuel (oil, wood, etc) could not be delivered to the unit due to impassible roads. Mark "Cost of Heating" is power was cut because of unpaid bills.
Inadequate heating capacity - Mark this category if the unit's heating equipment was working properly but could not create enough heat to warm the unit satisfactorily.
Inadequate installation - Mark this category if the unit's heating equipment was working properly, but the warmth escaped through the uninsulated (or poorly insulated) walls, floors, windows, or the like.
Cost of heating - Mark this category if the occupants turned down their thermostat to save money, or turned the equipment off altogether. Mark also if utilities/fuels are unavailable due to unpaid bills.
Other - Mark this category if the landlord fails to provide sufficient heat to renters or other reasons not specified above.
Self-explanatory.
BRKDN1e
What was the reason?
Self-explanatory.
BRKDN2a
Was your home ever completely without running water [in the last 3 months/since you've lived here]?
Completely Without Running Water
Enter "1" (Yes) if for any reason the unit was completely without running water at any time during the last 3 months.
The reason could vary from a stoppage because of a flood or storm, to a broken pipe, to a shutdown of the water system, to a failure to pay the bill or other reasons.
"Completely without running water" means that the water system servicing the unit supplied no water at all, that is, no equipment or facility using running water (in kitchen and bathroom sinks, shower in bathtub, flush toilet, dishwasher and other similar items) had water supplied to it, or all were inoperable. Enter "1" (Yes) if the household was completely without running water from its regular water system, even if it was able to get water from a neighbor or other source.
BRKDN2b
How many times was it not available for 6 hours or more?
Number of Times
Determine the number of times the unit was completely without running water that lasted for 6 consecutive hours or more. If the respondent reports more than one occasion on which the unit was completely without running water, count the length of each one separately, do not add them together.
BRKDN3a
Was there any time [in the past year or so/since [you've/your household has] lived here] when [your toilet was/ALL of your toilets were] BROKEN, or STOPPED UP, or otherwise NOT WORKING, so you COULDN'T USE [it/ANY of them]?
Not Working/Couldn't Use
Consider as "not working" or "couldn't use" means problems such as a faulty flushing mechanism, broken pipes, stopped up soil pipe, no water supplied to the flush toilet, or other situations which caused an interruption in service. The breakdowns should be included even if caused by natural disasters.
Enter "2" (No) if the household has more than one toilet and at least one of them was working at all times.
BRKDN3b
Did that happen at all WITHIN THE PAST THREE MONTHS, that is, since [date three months previous]?
Past 3 Months from date of interview.
Self-Explanatory.
BRKDN3c
How many times since [date three months previous] [was your toilet/were ALL of your toilets] not working?
Number of Breakdowns
Determine the number of times all the unit's the flush toilets were not working during the last 3 months.
BRKDN3d
And how many of those times [was it/were they] not working for SIX HOURS or MORE?
Six Hours or MoreDetermine the number of times all the flush toilets were not working for 6 consecutive hours or longer.
BRKDN4a
The next questions are about water leaks-either from OUTSIDE your [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters], or from INSIDE.
While [you've/your household has] been living here, did water ever leak INTO your [house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters] [DIRECTLY] FROM THE OUTSIDE--for example, through the roof, [outside] walls, [basement], or any closed windows or skylights?
Leaks from Outdoors
Enter <1> "Yes" in BRKDN4a if water came into the structure from the outdoors when it should not have (i.e. coming around/through closed or broken windows/doors/ skylights, roof leaks, etc.)
Count "efflorescence" as an outdoor leak if the unit has the condition and the respondent feels that the cause is from the outside. Efflorescence is a deposit of crystallized salts on the surface of a masonry wall caused by the evaporation of water which has previously been absorbed. It's usually white, but may take on other colors, and is found in places where the wall or basement is subject to frequent wetting or leakage. Exclude efflorescence caused by new construction (i.e. owing to the excessive amount of water in mortar and the amount of salts in new materials).
BRKDN4b
Did the water leak in from the outside [within the past 12 months/since your household has] lived here--that is, since [date 12 months previous]?
Last 12 Months
"The last 12 months" refers to the 12 months immediately prior to the date of the interview.
BRKDN4c
Did the water come in from the roof, basement, walls or around closed windows or doors, or somewhere else?
Where Water Came In
The most common areas of water leakage from the outdoors are specified here.
Use the "Somewhere Else" category (4) if water came in from the outdoors because windows/doors/skylights were broken or other unusual situations. Also use the "Somewhere Else" category for leaks involving closed skylights.
The purpose of these questions is to determine whether leaks were due to physical problems of the structure, pipes, equipment, etc., not due to things like windows being left open, unintended objects in drains/pipes, etc.
BRKDN4d
Now about water leaks from INSIDE. Since [you've/your household has] lived here, did water leak in--
Leaks from Inside
Enter "Yes" if it is a water leak from a plumbing, fixture or equipment failure inside the unit, excluding leaky faucets, waterbeds, aquariums and other such leaks. Also exclude accidents (i.e. exclude leaks caused by an object like a toy in the toilet, food in a drain, or sink/bathtub overflowing because someone forgot to turn off the water).
However, enter "Yes" for an inside leak if in a multi-unit or attached structure the water came from another unit, regardless of why the water got into the sample unit or the cause of the original leak. The only exception to this rule is if the original cause was clearly from outdoors, count it as an outdoors leak in BRKDN4a. For example, the roof of a 3-story apartment building blows off and causes damage to the sample unit 2 floors below.
BRKDN4e
Did any inside water leaks happen within the past 12 months--that is, since [date 12 months previous]?
Past 12 Months
"The past 12 months" refers to the 12 months immediately prior to the date of the interview.
BRKDN4f
Where did the water come from?
Where Water Came From
The most common sources for inside leaks are specified in BRKDN4f. Use the "other or unknown" category if water leaked into the sample unit from another unit but the respondent either does not know the cause or he/she knows that it was due to an accident. In such a situation, you would use only "pipes leaked" if the respondent knew that a pipe was the cause of the leak in the other unit.
Probe
Probe if you can't determine from the respondent's answer if the leak meets the definition, or if it's not clear which category to use. For example, if the respondent says "my air conditioner leaks", you must probe to find out if it allows water to leak into the home.
BRKDN5a
Did the sewage system break down [in the last 3 months]-- that is, since [date 3 months previous]?
Sewage System
Includes septic tank/cesspool and lines from the unit, drain fields, sewage treatment facilities, sewer mains, sewer line from unit to the street, waste lines inside the unit that require more attention than a plunger or liquid drain cleaner (i.e., Roto-Rooter).
Breakdowns
Breakdowns refer to situations in which the system malfunctioned, not occasions on which it was temporarily shut down for maintenance. Examples include septic tank being pumped because it no longer perked, tank collapsed, tank explodes, sewer main breaks, sewer treatment plant not operating due to electric failure or water service interruption, etc.
Exclude simple toilet or plumbing breakdowns that occur in or near the toilet itself (i.e., stopped up toilet in J pipe would be reported under toilet breakdowns). Also exclude stopped up drains from a sink/tub/shower. These are not considered "sewage system breakdowns".
BRKDN5b
How many of these breakdowns lasted 6 hours or more?
Number of Breakdowns
Determine the number of times the sewage system was completely unusable for 6 consecutive hours or more. If the respondent reports more than one occasion on which the sewage system was completely unusable, consider the length of each breakdown separately, do not add them together.
BRKDN6a
Is all the electrical wiring in the finished areas of [your/the] home concealed in the walls?
Concealed
In some areas of the country, the building codes permit electrical wiring that is not enclosed in the walls to be enclosed in materials, such as metal, rubber or plastic. This question, however, is asking about wiring that is concealed in walls. Enter "2" (No) if any wiring is not concealed in the walls.
Exclude appliance cords, extension cords, chandelier cords, phone, antenna, cable TV wires, etc.
This question pertains only to living areas which are "finished". Therefore, when a respondent asks if basement wiring should be considered, ask if the basement is finished and is a living area. If no to either, ask the respondent to exclude basement wiring in response to this question.
In units which have electric wiring, but the occupants do not use electricity, enter either "1" (Yes-concealed) or "2" (No) as appropriate. Only enter "3" (no electric wiring) if there are no wires in the unit.
BRKDN6b
Is the electrical wiring safely contained in protective metal or plastic coverings?
Concealed in metal or plastic
This question pertains to wiring that is not concealed in the walls but is encased in protective metal or plastic coverings that are visible.
BRKDN6c
Does every room have an electrical outlet or wall plug that works?
Electric Outlet
A working electric wall outlet is one that is in operating condition, that is, can be used when needed. The outlet does not have to be presently in use to be working.
Exclude other types of electrical outlets such as ones connected to extension cords and used as wall outlets. Also exclude power strips and surge protectors.
BRKDN6d
Have any fuses blown or circuit breakers tripped in the last 3 months?
Fuses Blown
A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker usually results in a temporary loss of electricity within the unit until the fuse is replaced or the switch is reset.
Enter "1" (Yes) if an electric fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped in the home at any time in the last 3 months. Major pieces of installed equipment which have internal fuses (such as some air conditioners) should be considered the same as house circuit fuses.
BRKDN6e
How many times in the last 3 months?
Self-Explanatory.
BRKDN7People sometimes have problems with cracks or holes in [their] floors, walls, or ceilings--not little hairline cracks or nail holes, but OPEN cracks or holes.
In the INSIDE walls or ceilings of you [house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters], are there any OPEN HOLES or CRACKS WIDER THAN THE EDGE OF A DIME?
Open Cracks or Holes
Do not include very small holes caused by nails or other similar objects. Also, do not include "hairline cracks," that is, cracks that appear in the walls or ceilings, but are not large enough to insert the edge of a dime. The holes or cracks must be in the interior of the unit. The holes or cracks need not go all the way through the wall to the next room or through to the exterior of the unit. The holes or cracks may be caused by such things as rats or mice, broken plaster, rotten or broken wood or faulty masonry, or floors having come away from the walls, or some other reason.
Exclude "holes" cut for a trap door leading to the attic, or throughways such as ventilation or heating ducts.
BRKDN8
How about the floors in your [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters] do you have/are there] any holes in the floors big enough for someone to catch their foot on? (About 4 inches across--about the height of a soup can).
Holes in the Floors
The holes must be in the interior of the unit. The holes need not go all the way through to a lower floor or through to the exterior of the unit. The holes may be caused by such things as rats or mice, rotten or broken wood, faulty masonry, or some other reason. The holes should be about 4 inches across and pose a hazard.
Do not consider ventilation or heating ducts or similar throughways as holes.
BRKDN9a
[Besides the cracks and holes you just mentioned, does/Does] the inside of your [house/apartment/mobile home/ living quarters] have any areas of peeling paint or broken plaster?
Peeling Paint or Broken Plaster
The area of peeling paint or broken plaster must be on the inside walls or ceilings.
BRKDN9b
Are any of these areas bigger than 8 inches by 11 inches? (THE SIZE OF A STANDARD BUSINESS LETTER.)
Peeling Paint or Broken Plaster
Enter "1" (Yes) if there is at least one area of broken plaster that is larger than 8" X 11".
Enter "2" (No) if there are several small areas of broken plaster, but none of the areas are larger than 8" X 11".
BRKDN10a
Have you ever seen signs of mice or rats INSIDE your [house/apartment/mobile home/living quarters]? (Exclude rats/mice kept as pets or snake food or otherwise deliberately brought inside.)
Signs of Rats
The mice or rats, or signs of mice or rats, must be inside the house or building.
Signs of mice or rats would include droppings, holes in the walls, or ripped or torn food containers.
BRKDN10b
Was that within the past three months--that is, since [date 3 months previous]?
Past Three Months
Enter "2" (No) if no signs of mice or rats, have been seen during the last 3 months or were seen by somebody other than the respondent. Also enter "2" if signs of mice or rats were seen only outside.
BRKDN10c
Was it a rat, a mouse, or aren't you sure what it was?
Self-explanatory.
BRKDN11a
In your opinion, do you receive adequate maintenance for your home?
This is an opinion question, accept the respondent's opinion of what "adequate maintenance" means to him/her.
BRKDN11b
In your opinion, are the buildings and grounds properly maintained?
This is an opinion question, accept the respondent's opinion of what "properly maintained" means to him/her.
"Buildings and grounds only" refers to areas in the same building/complex as the sample unit. Do not include other properties.
This module looks at the different types of improvements and repairs that someone made to their home and asks specific questions about each improvement or repair.
Methods for asking questions
The major repairs and home improvement series is set up in 4 major questions. The first question, asks if a specific major improvement or repair has been made in the last two years. For each "yes" response, a subsequent question follows which ask when the job was completed. The purpose of this question is to ensure that the jobs reported were actually done within two years of the date of this interview. If the date provided is within the last two years, two or more questions appear to obtain additional information regarding that job. The first asks about who did the work, and the second question inquires about the cost of the job. A returning household that has reported an improvement or repair during the previous interview receives a question that insures whether the present job is the same or different than previously reported.
Possible Duplicate Job from Last Interview
This question will appear if a returning household has indicated in the current interview that the improvement or repair was made during this interview period and the last interview shows the same improvement or repair was made during the previous interview period. Use the following instructions to deal with such situations.
Enter "1" (Yes, same job as last interview).
Enter "2" (No, different job).
Enter "3" (Don't know, not sure).
Date Completed
Enter the two-digit numeric representation of the month and the four-digit year the work was completed (04 and 1997, for April 1997, and 05 and 1997, for May 1997, etc.). If the work is in progress and has not yet been completed, enter the current month and year.
Multiple jobs
If a household completed 2 or more of the same type of jobs, enter the date of the last job completed or underway. Examples include:
Someone in household did most of the work
This item is also asked only for those jobs done in the last 2 years. This item is used to help explain differences in the cost of the work. If someone in the household or several people in the household did more than half of the work, in either time or physical effort expended, enter "1" (Yes).
Job cost
This item appears only for those jobs done in the last 2 years. Enter the amount reported including "0" for jobs with no cost such as those done by household with materials on hand, or those paid for by someone (except insurance companies) outside the household. Add the amount the household paid to the amount (if any) paid by insurance.
Combined amounts
If you discover that the cost of the job you are currently asking about, was included with another job you have already covered, enter "1" (Cost reported with other work) on the dollar line for the "second job" and continue.
Work in progress
If the work is in progress and has not yet been completed, enter the amount of the contract (if any) or the amount paid to date, if no contract was signed for the work.
Double counting
It is sometimes difficult for respondents to separate certain aspects of a job. One of your most important tasks is to make sure that no work is counted more than once. Therefore, after you receive a positive response for ANY item, remind respondents of their previous responses and of the fact that we do not want to count anything more than once. For example, a family completely remodeled their kitchen, and while the plumber was there, they had the toilet and sink in the powder room replaced, and it was all billed together. If they give you the entire cost when reporting the kitchen work, do not attempt to separate the plumbing cost for replacing the bathroom fixtures. When you reach the questions regarding the bathroom fixtures, enter "1" to indicate that it was reported with another job.
If the respondent has had several types of work done, as part of the same job, and cannot separate the cost of each, enter the entire amount in the first question marked "yes" and enter "1" for the amount for each of the other questions where part of the work was reported. For example, a respondent reports an addition and remodeling of the existing kitchen, you would mark "yes" in both, but when asking you find out that the respondent cannot separate the cost for the addition from the kitchen. In this situation put the total cost of both under the addition and enter "1" in each appropriate part for the kitchen work. Note that you do not have to indicate with what it was combined.
If the occupant paid for work in more than one unit of a multiunit structure, report only the cost of the job for the SAMPLE unit.
Multiunit buildings, including cooperatives and condominiums
For multiunit buildings, including condominiums and cooperatives, enter "No" if the occupants of the sample unit were neither billed nor assessed, nor did the work for the job. Enter "No" also, for jobs that did not include the sample unit. Enter "Yes" if their unit was billed or assessed, even if their individual unit was not involved in the job.
The next series of questions deals with major repairs and home improvements.
HMR1a
In the last 2 years, has there been a MAJOR disaster, such as an earthquake or tornado that required you to make extensive repairs to your home?
The purpose of this set of items is to avoid having to ask all the detail in the remaining questions in the series for situations in which a major portion of the home was affected by a natural disaster or other disaster of such consequence that almost the entire home had to be redone. Consider that a unit was involved in a major disaster if either more than half the home was involved, or more than two rooms. The sorts of catastrophes involved could include disasters such as severe damage from floods, earthquakes, mud slides, or forest, brush, and other wildfire, tornadoes and hurricanes, and other disasters such as explosions, fires, airplane crashes, or highway accident. The important thing is that the extent of the damage should involve at least 2 rooms or a majority of the home. Do not count damage, even from major disasters, if the sample unit was not heavily involved.
Also include damage from broken pipes, grease fires, or the like here, but ONLY if the unit was severely damaged as a result (that is damage to more than half the unit, or two or more rooms, which ever is larger).
HMR1b
What happened?
We want to know the nature of the disaster, not the type of repairs that were made. Answers in the "Other" category should be descriptive, yet concise. For example, "Gas explosion gutted house", or "Bus drove into living room and dining room." If the respondent begins describing the repairs, enter a summary of the repairs in HMR1c.
HMR1c
What major repairs (were made/are being made)?
Briefly describe the repairs, being succinct enough to convey the extent of the work. For example, "Completely refinished walls, and floors, replaced all electrical wiring in basement and first floor."
HMR2aINTRO
In the next questions, please do not include any part of the work already reported because I have already recorded that information.
HMR2a
In the last 2 years, was any work done to the attic, basement, garage, or other unfinished area of your home to make it a finished room?
Count only work done to previously unfinished areas of the home. This could be a basement, attached garage, laundry room, porch, or other unfinished space.
"Finishing" usually consists of concealing joists beams, subflooring or other structural members with another surface, such as wallboard, paneling, plaster, tiles, etc. Do not count merely painting concrete block or floors as finishing a room.
If work was done on space that had already been "finished", and that simply made it "more finished", do not count that here. In other words, if a "finished basement" had carpeting on top of concrete, and the respondent tells you they have removed the carpeting, put wooden subflooring on top of the concrete, and added hardwood floors, this is not to be counted in HMR2a. Neither would you count finishing the ceiling with plaster board and installing recessed lighting, if the room had otherwise already been finished. The ceiling would be counted in HMR9a and the recessed lights would be counted in HMR6d1 if wiring was added for the job.
HMR2b
What kinds of rooms were created?
Accept the respondent's answer for the type of room(s) that were created.
HMR3a
In the last 2 years, were any ADDITIONS built onto your home that made it bigger?
The types of additions addressed are those that add to the living space of the home.
NOTE: The order of questions HMR3a and HMR3c is designed to help the respondent think logically through the "inside" and "outside" additions. If they respond with an "outside" addition to HMR3a, determine if any inside additions were made, then verify and enter appropriate answer to HMR3c.
HMR3b
What was added?
Enter "X" to describe what was built if what was built had not previously been part of the structure.
HMR3c
Was anything (else) built onto the outside of your home, such as an attached garage, carport, deck, or porch?
The types of additions addressed in this question do not add to living space, but are physically attached to the building.
HMR4a
Was your bathroom or kitchen remodeled in the last 2 years?
A "1" (Yes) answer means you must determine which (or both) was remodeled and continue, asking about one room at a time. If more than one bathroom (or kitchen) was remodeled, treat them as one room. In other words, if a toilet was replaced in one bathroom, and lighting fixtures in another bathroom, enter each of the appropriate answers as though there were only one bathroom. Remodeling work includes replacing/upgrading the existing equipment or the installation of pipes, built-in dishwashers, cabinets, counter tops, bathtubs, showers and sinks and toilets were none were before, such as converting a half bath to a full bath.
If a bathroom or kitchen is added within the existing structure, that is, created where none was before, report the work as appropriate in items HMR2a and HMR2b (finishing unfinished rooms) or in HMR5a and HMR5b (major structural changes) or report the individual job parts (i.e., water pipes, wiring, fixtures, etc.) as appropriate.
HMR4b
Which rooms?
HMR4c
What was done to the BATHROOM(S)?
HMR4d
What was done to the KITCHEN?
HMR5a
Did you renovate or alter any [other] rooms by changing their structure, that is moving, adding, or removing walls?
This category is for structural alterations or renovations. Such jobs are major projects involving moving, adding, or removing walls or eilings - jobs that have not already been reported. Do not count decorating work here.
HMR5b
What rooms resulted?
Count as "other" work done on rooms other than bedrooms, or work which resulted in a closet hallway or other "non-room" space.
HMR6aINTRO
Next are questions about OTHER work you may have done to your home in the last 2 years. If previous work reported, please do not include work already reported because we don't want to count jobs twice.
The type of work in this series is for specific major work done that does not normally fall under the description of routine maintenance.
HMR6a
Have you added or replaced a roof over your entire home?
To be counted here, the new roof must have been put over the ENTIRE home. (Anything less is considered maintenance, even if it covered more than half of the building). The roof may replace or be installed over the old roofing materials.
HMR6b
Have you added or replaced siding?
This includes all type of siding that can be added to the outside of a building. Examples include aluminum, vinyl, or redwood siding, as well as other materials, such as shingles, various facades that look like brick or masonry, stucco, and the like.
If the only areas that were covered are the trim, soffits, and fascia, do not mark this item. This item does not include actual brick, stone, or concrete.
HMR6b1
Did you replace or cover existing siding, or install it where none was before?
Mark all that apply. Enter "installed/added" only if the siding was installed where there had been no exterior wall surface before, such as enclosing a carport or screened-in porch. If an existing outside wall surface was covered with siding, enter "Replaced/covered."
HMR6b2
Did you replace or cover ALL of the existing siding?
All of the previous siding must have been replaced or covered up to enter "1" (Yes). If only part was covered, even if it was an extensive part, enter "2" (No).
HMR6c
Have you added or replaced interior water pipes?
The only piping to be considered is piping INSIDE the building, including water supply, waste pipes or drains.
Do not include water hoses such as those to a washing machine or dishwasher.
HMR6c1
Did you add pipes, or replace existing ones?
Mark all that apply. Enter "X" for "ADDED" only if the pipes are installed where no plumbing pipes were before. If old pipes are being replaced with pipes of the same or of different material, such as lead or polybutylene pipes being replaced with copper or PVC pipes, enter "X" "Replaced".
HMR6c2
Did you replace ALL your home's interior water pipes?
Enter "1" (Yes) only if EVERY interior permanent installed pipe is being replaced.
HMR6d
Have you added or replaced electrical wiring?
This question applies to permanent, installed electrical wiring either concealed or exposed. Also count wiring for exterior lights mounted on the unit; power supplies to attached porches, decks, and garages; and other exterior power supplies installed on the unit. It does not apply to wiring of appliances or other wiring not physically part of the building.
HMR6d1
Did you add wiring or replace existing wiring?
Mark all that apply. Enter "Added" only if the wiring was installed or rerouted within the walls, ceilings, or floors, where none was before.
HMR6d2
Did you COMPLETELY rewire your home?
Enter "1" (Yes) if all the existing wiring is completely replaced, such as copper wiring installed in place of aluminum.
HMR6e
Have you added or replaced fuse boxes or breaker switches?
Enter "1" (Yes) if a fuse box or a box with breaker switches, controlling several electrical lines or circuits, was installed.
HMR6e1
Were these additions or replacements?
Enter "X" "additions" if the box was installed to control only electrical lines or circuits that had not been controlled by fuses or breaker switches before. If the new box includes any lines previously covered by another fuse box or breaker box, enter "X" "replacements".
HMR6f
In the past 2 years, you have added or replaced doors or windows?
Include adding windows and skylights, or interior or exterior doors where non were before. Also include replacing existing doors or windows. Include upgraded windows or doors, that is, changing from a regular, double-hung door to French doors or ordinary windows to picture windows at the same location. Also include the replacement of worn out storm doors, windows or screens. Do NOT include the seasonal installation of storm doors, windows or screens. Patching or repairing screens or replacing window panes should be included under routine maintenance. Doors may include sliding doors, bi-fold doors or accordion doors as well as traditional hinged doors.
HMR6f1
Were these additions or replacements?
"Additions" should only be marked for doors or windows that are installed where none were before.
HMR6g
Have you added or replaced plumbing fixtures, such as sinks or bathtubs?
These include bathtubs, shower enclosures, bidets, toilets, sinks, and other major plumbing fixtures. Do not count faucets, shower heads, spigots, etc.
HMR6g1
Were these additions or replacements?
This includes installation and replacements only. Enter "X" "Added only if plumbing fixtures were installed where none were before. If repairs were made to existing equipment, these should be included in routine maintenance.
HMR6h
Have you added or replaced insulation?
This includes caulking, weather stripping, fiberglass batts and other loose materials, or foam or other materials blown into the walls. Do not count plastic film seasonally installed over window or doors as insulation. Do not count storm windows or doors.
HMR6h1
Did you add insulation or replace existing insulation?
Enter "X" "Added" only if insulation was installed where none was before. If the amount of insulation was increased, for example from 4 inches in the attic to 6 inches in the attic, also enter "X" "Added." If the new insulation actually replaced the old, enter "X" "replaced."
HMR7a
In the last 2 years, have you installed any wall-to-wall carpeting?
Wall-to-wall carpeting is cut to fit a specific room, and goes completely to the walls of that room. It generally is also fixed in placed.
HMR7b
Did you replace existing wall-to-wall carpeting or add it where none was before?
Enter "X" "Added" only if carpeting was installed where no wall-to -wall carpet was before.
HMR7c
Was that added over bar sub-flooring, such as concrete or unfinished wood, or was that over a finished floor?
Subflooring is material that does not constitute a finished floor, such as concrete, unfinished wood or plywood, cinder block, or other such materials. A finished floor could be any final permanent floor, such as linoleum, hardwood vinyl tile, marble, or polished brick.
HMR8a
Have you installed any flooring such as wood, tile, marble or vinyl?
Count only the adding or replacement of flooring that is considered a finished floor. (See HMR7c above). Refinishing pine, or cleaning existing floors are maintenance and not counted here.
HMR8b
Did that replace an existing, finished floor, or was that put down over bare sub-flooring, such as concrete or unfinished wood?
Enter "X" "Put down new flooring" only if finished flooring was installed where none was before. (See HMR7c for a definition of subflooring.)
HMR8c
Was the floor replaced with the same type of material, or something different?
Consider materials of the same BASIC type to be the same. For example, if hardwood parquet were replaced with hardwood random width boards, consider these to be the same, even though they are visually different in appearance. Also, if linoleum sheeting is replaced with linoleum tiles, consider these to be the same. However, if linoleum tiles are replaced with wood parquet tiles, enter "X" "Different".
HMR9a
Have you installed any paneling or ceiling tiles?
"Paneling" refers to large sheets of material that are put onto existing walls. Paneling may be made of wood, gypsum board, wood byproducts, etc. Ceiling tiles are suspended from or attached to the previously existing ceiling.
HMR9b
Did this replace existing materials, or was it put up where none was before?
Enter "X" "Put up new" only if the paneling or ceiling tiles were put up where none were before. The materials themselves need not be "new."
HMR10aINTRO
The following questions are about equipment installed in your home. If previous work reported, please do not include work already reported because we don't want to count jobs twice.
This series of questions concerns major home equipment and appliances.
HMR10a
In the last 2 years have you added or replaced CENTRAL air conditioning? Central air conditioning cools the home by forcing air that has been cooled by refrigeration through ducts that run throughout all or most of the home.
If the unit has a heat pump, and the air conditioning part of the system (the compressor) was replaced, enter "1" (Yes) for this item. (The compressor is the functional part of the air conditioning system that is outdoors.) Also enter "1" if an entire heat pump was installed/replaced.
HMR10a1
Did this replace old room units, a CENTRAL air conditioner, or did you not have air conditioning?
Enter "2" "Replaced CENTRAL" if the function of most of the old equipment was replaced by a new compressor. All of the old equipment does not have to have been replaced. For example, if the compressor was replaced but the system still uses the same duct work and thermostat, enter "2". If the unit has a heat pump, and just the air conditioning part of the system was replaced (the compressor), enter "2". (The compressor is the functional part of the air conditioning system that is outdoors.)
Enter "3" "No previous air conditioner" if the unit had no air conditioning of any kind.
Enter "1" for "replaced old room units" even if the room units are still in use in the unit as long as the unit previously had no central system.
HMR10b
Have you added or replaced built-in heating equipment, such as a furnace, boiler, duct work, or radiators?
If an entire heat pump was installed enter "1" (Yes). Enter "1" if a major piece of heating equipment was installed. This could include a furnace, a boiler, complete duct work running inside walls, or the heating portion of a heat pump. Mark "No" if no equipment was installed, or if the equipment was minor in nature, such as a thermostat.
HMR10b1
Did this replace old equipment?
Enter "1" (Yes, replaced) if the function of most of the old equipment was replaced by new built-in heating equipment. All of the old equipment does not have to have been replaced. For example, if the furnace was replaced by the system still using the same duct work and thermostat, enter "1". If the unit has a heat pump, and the heating part of the system was replaced (the furnace) enter "1". Enter "1" if an entire heat pump was installed.
Enter "2" (No, added) only if built-in heating equipment was installed in a unit which had none before.
HMR10b2
What kind of equipment was installed?
Enter "1" (Furnace, heat pump, or boiler) only if these particular types of equipment were installed. For all other types enter "2" (Any other equipment).
HMR10c
In the last two years, have you added or replaced a septic tank?
Enter "1" (Yes) if the tank portion of the septic system was added or replaced. If any other part was installed, but not the tank, enter "2" (No).
HMR10c1
Did this replace another septic tank, or was it added?
If a septic field or tank had to be moved to another spot on the property, because the field no longer drains properly, or because the homeowner was no longer satisfied with it, enter "1" (Yes, replaced). Also enter "1" if the original tank was replaced due to a defect or damage. Enter "2" (No, added) only if a tank was installed on a property where none was before.
HMR10d
Have you added or replaced a water heater?
Enter "1" (Yes) if an entire water heating tank was installed. If only parts, controls, or piping was installed, enter "2".
HMT10d1
Did this replace old equipment?
Enter "1" (Yes, replaced) if the water heating tank replaced a water heater that had been there before. Enter "2" (No, added) if a water heater was installed in a home where none was before, or if an additional water heater was installed to supplement the existing one.
HMR10e
In the last two years have you added or replaced a dishwasher?
Enter "1" (Yes) if a built-in dishwasher was installed. Enter "2" (No) if the added dishwasher is portable or not installed.
HMR10e1
Did this replace old equipment?
Enter "1" (Yes, replaced) if the dishwasher replaced a built-in one that had been there before. Enter "2" (No, added) if a dishwasher replaced a portable one, or if an additional dishwasher was installed to supplement the existing one.
HMR10f
Have you added or replaced a garbage disposal?
Enter "1" (Yes) if garbage disposal was installed in a sink.
HMR10f1
Did this replace old equipment?
Enter "1" (Yes, replaced) if the garbage disposal replaced one that had been in the sink before. Enter "2" (No, added) if a garbage disposal was installed in a sink where none was before.
HMR11a
Did we miss any other MAJOR improvements or repair jobs done INSIDE your home in the last two years?
Include any MAJOR work that has not been covered elsewhere. Do not double-count any work already reported. Examples could include adding a fireplace, additional air vents or ducts, a security system, changing garage doors and installing garage door openers, installing internal floor drains, water softeners, water purifiers, sump pumps, built-in shelving (except in kitchens or bathrooms) or bookcases, installing a central vacuum system, incinerator, stair railings, or elevators.
Do not count decorating work -- painting, plastering, mirrors, curtains or other furnishings -- in this item. Also do not count portable equipment, such as most dehumidifiers. Count only work to the structure of the unit.
Note: Each line represents a separate job. So do not use more than one line to describe a single job.
HMR11a1
What was the job?
Describe in sufficient detail, starting each job on a new line. If more than 3 jobs were done, count the three most expensive.
HMR12a
Now, about work done to your LOT or YARD. In the last 2 years, have you added or replaced driveways or walkways?
Mark this category if driveways or walkways have been added, completely replaced, or improved. By improved, we mean that the construction of the driveway or walkway has been upgraded with more durable materials. An example would be replacing a loose gravel walkway with a composition stone compound that is permanent. Enter "2" (No), if driveways or walkways have only been repaired, (for example, resealing or patching).
HMR12b
Have you added or replaced fencing or walls?
Enter "1" (Yes) if fencing or walls have been added, completely replaced, or improved. By improved, we mean that the construction of the fencing or walls has been upgraded with more durable materials. An example would be replacing a stacked stone wall with a mortared stone wall. If fencing or walls have only been repaired, enter "2" (No).
HMR12c
Have you added or replaced a patio, terrace, or a detached deck?
Enter "1" (Yes) if they have been added, completely replaced, or improved. By improved, we mean that the construction has been upgraded with more durable materials. An example would be replacing an untreated wooden deck built of treated wood. If they have only been repaired, but not completely replaced, enter "2" (No). Also, enter "2" if all that was done was to power-wash or reseal the deck, patio or terrace.
HMR12d
Have you added or replaced a swimming pool, tennis court, or other recreational structure?
Recreational facilities would include an in-ground swimming pool, a basketball court, a tennis court, a brick barbecue fire place, a hot tub, Jacuzzi, or sauna, boat dock, skate board ramps, etc. Above ground pools, unless installed with a deck, should not be included. If only repairs have been made, but the equipment has not been replaced, enter "2".
HMR12e
Have you added or replaced a shed, detached garage, or other building?
This would include a shed, greenhouse, gazebo, or shelter, etc. If the structure was prefabricated and moved onto the property, enter "1" (Yes).
HMR13a
Did we miss any other MAJOR improvements or repair jobs done to your LOT or YARD in the last two years?
This excludes cosmetic landscaping (planting of flowers and shrubs), snow removal, lawn care, gardening, etc. Other outside major improvements or repairs could include jobs involving terracing, external sprinkler systems, wells added or improved, or grading or tilling, exterior lighting not attached to the unit, or work done to detached structures, such as reroofing (but not painting) a detached garage.
Note: Each line represents a separate job. So do not use more than 1 line to describe a single job.
HMR13a1
What was the job?
Describe in sufficient detail, starting each job on a new line. If more than 3 jobs reported, list the 3 most expensive jobs.
HMR14
Did the household get a low interest loan or grant from a government program to help pay for making any of these repairs or alterations to your home?
HMR15
In a typical year about how much does your household spend for routine repairsand maintenance, such as painting,plumbing, roofing, or other minor repairs?
Second Portion of Part D
Last Revised: Friday, 19-Mar-99 13:51:16