In 1950 there was a survey among people living in reconstruction houses. One hundred families in Finnmark responded. 60% of them were generally happy with their new home. Most people liked the fact that the houses had two floors.
During the first construction phase, many houses were built with cog-jointed logs, which had previously been the norm. Local experts felt that timber-frames were unsuited to the harsh climate. However, log houses required more timber than timber-framed houses. Since there was a shortage of building materials, the authorities recommended timber frames, and that is how most of the houses were constructed. More than half of the survey respondents were unhappy with this construction method – the houses were too draughty.
It was important for the woman to have a good view from the kitchen window. On the coast she wanted a view towards the sea in order to be able to see when her husband returned from fishing. In inland areas, the housewife wanted to be able to see the animal shelter, the river or the road. A big kitchen was a must, this was the most important room in the house, and most of the alterations to the blueprints concerned the kitchen. The largest room which was meant as a sitting room was often transformed into a kitchen. The kammers – a small side room or snug – was an important room, and was missed by those who didn’t have it. The sitting room was the least used, but if there was no snug, this room was used more often. Many wanted several smaller bedrooms rather than few, larger ones.
The architects recommended deep cellars, but most people didn’t have the time to dig deep. The cellars therefore had exposed walls. This might cause the temperature of the larder to fall below freezing, and many were therefore unhappy/dissatisfied with their cellars.
The women were often happier with the new house than the men. For most of them, the more modern house meant an easier everyday life – more rooms, running water and, gradually, electricity.