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Consumer Expenditure Surveys
Bureau of Labor Statistics > Consumer Expenditure Survey > Methods

Section 1, Part B - General Housing Characteristics

Section 1, Part B collects general information about the housing unit including the type of structure, number and types of rooms, and types of fuels used in the home.

* Ask if not apparent.

Is this house in a public housing project, that is, is it owned by a local housing authority or other local public agency?

  1. Yes
  2. No

Are your housing costs lower because the Federal, State, or local government is paying part of the cost?

  1. Yes
  2. No

* Ask if not apparent.
Are these living quarters presently used as student housing by a college or university?

  1. Yes
  2. No

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* Ask if not apparent by observation.
Which best describes this building?

For definitions Information Booklet »

  1. Single family detached
  2. Row or townhouse - inner unit
  3. End row or end townhouse
  4. Duplex
  5. 3-plex or 4-plex
  6. Garden
  7. High-rise
  8. Apartment or flat
  9. Mobile home or trailer
  10. College dormitory
  11. Other - Specify

* Specify: [enter text] ______________

How many ROOMS are there in this unit, including all finished living areas and excluding all bathrooms? [enter value] ______________

How many BEDROOMS are there in this unit? [enter value] ______________
* Count all rooms used mainly for sleeping, even if also used for other purposes.

How many COMPLETE bathrooms are there in this unit? [enter value] ______________
* A complete bathroom has a toilet, a bathtub or shower, and a sink, all with running water.

How many HALF bathrooms are there in this unit? [enter value] ______________
* A half bathroom has at least a toilet or bathtub or shower, but does not have all the facilities of a complete bathroom.

What fuel is used most for - Heating this unit?

For definitions Information Booklet »

  1. Gas (underground piping)
  2. Electricity
  3. Fuel oil
  4. Other - specify
  5. No fuel used

* Specify: [enter text] ______________

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What fuel is used most for - Heating this unit?

  1. Gas (underground piping)
  2. Electricity
  3. Fuel oil
  4. Other - specify
  5. No fuel used

* Specify: [enter text] ______________

What fuel is used most for - Heating this unit?

  1. Gas (underground piping)
  2. Electricity
  3. Fuel oil
  4. Other - specify
  5. No fuel used

* Specify: [enter text] ______________

Does this unit have any of the following?

For definitions Information Booklet »

* Enter all that apply, separate with commas
  1. None
  2. Swimming pool
  3. Off street parking
  4. Porch, terrace, patio, or balcony
  5. Apartment or guest house
  6. Central air conditioning
  7. Window air conditioning
  8. Don't know

About when was this building originally built? [enter value] ______________
* Do not consider later remodelings.
* Probe for best estimate

End of Section 1B

Go to Section 1, Part C - Major Household Appliances »

Go to CE CAPI Survey Instrument Home Page »

 

Last Modified Date: April 5, 2010