Abstract

The city of Owerri has witnessed several forms of post-occupancy modification to many of the housing estates. This research evaluates the Egbeada and Uratta Housing Estates and suggests ways improve future housing performance. The objectives of the study were to determine the nature and extent of modifications, as well as to identify the reasons for the modification and the level of consumer participation in the design and development. The methodology involved archival retrievals, comparative analysis, physical identification and observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Four groups of assessment criteria were developed to measure the level of consumer modification of the buildings. Fifty-two assessment criteria elements were used in the assessment. Out of the 490 possible participants, these assessments were administered to a sample population of 170 building consumers. An assessment model was developed for subsequent future evaluations. The research established that post-occupancy modification results from non-involvement of consumers in the housing design and construction. The research recommended consumer participation in the early stage of housing development as this would reduce consumer dissatisfaction. The concept of equilibrium of appropriate balance is explained and recommended as design consideration.