Architects’ View on Design Consideration that Can Reduce Maintenance Cost

Abstract

Buildings are designed with the intent of lasting for a certain period of time. Building maintenance in different building typology is described as multi-faceted activities which involve planning, directing, controlling and organizing resources for the sustenance of the building’s physical, functional and operational performance. The research focused on ways cost of maintaining a building was done, effectively or efficiently with the influence of the design approach used. Literatures of works pertaining to building maintenance were reviewed to identify the various impacts, influences that a building design would have on the cost of maintaining any building type. Maintenance departments of educational institutions were surveyed and data analyzed. The study revealed that maintenance culture of buildings could either be positive or negative, based on the quality of design approach used. The study recommends a proper review of building codes and regulations by organizations intending to erect building structures with a view of designers to specified standards and prevent excess maintenance cost in the future.