Kuala Lumpur, as a major capital city, has undergone a drastic transformation in the past ten years. Many heritage buildings have been sacrificed for urban renewal projects. Those located in the touristic heritage zones within Kuala Lumpur were being converted by their owners into hotels and cafés to meet current demands to sustain their incomes. This approach, however, creates several physical and environmental issues within the new adaptation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the building performance of heritage shophouses that were adapted into budget hotels. The research focuses on two case studies in a strategic and historical location of Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur. At the initial stage, interviews and physical surveys were done to determine the context of this study. The authors of this research then used a triangulation method through indoor environmental condition assessment, measurements of indoor environmental conditions and occupant survey to determine the indoor building performance after the adaption. Results showed that adaptive reuse heritage buildings can perform and meet new indoor environmental requirements, but many sensitive design judgments need to be made before the adaptive reuse renovation. The research found that the use of natural light, natural ventilation, recycled materials and water efficiency have been neglected and thus, they should be prioritized and preserved to ensure a successful change of use. Conserving existing heritage buildings, while incorporating new usages with acceptable comfort, is in line with the principle of sustainability.

In Malaysia, housing providers affect the planning system as housing industry constantly evolves to meet homebuyer needs. Generation Y has exhibited dissimilar housing needs compared to Generation X and Baby Boomer. Thus, housing developers seek to identify the current needs for young homebuyers to avoid experiencing unsold properties. This research aims to identify the fundamental housing needs and psychographic characteristics towards their housing preferences and future planning demands. A quantitative survey was used for collecting data and a statistical analysis was performed to evaluate research outcomes. This research will help local housing developers to understand Generation Y needs and preferences for the future housing demand.

House acts as a basic shelter icon for all mankind. In recent years, property value has never stopped receiving attention in the market and has remained the topic of discussion and research on reputable property platforms and all around the world. Residential properties in Malaysia experienced significant appreciation in recent years and this creates anxiety among people. The real factors behind the tremendous rise of property prices in Malaysia however, are yet to be discovered. Structural and locational attributes are frequently discussed and have received uncountable attentions from the whole nation. This study intends to ascertain the factors affecting the property prices. The area of study comprised double storey terrace houses in Mukim Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia. Documentary analysis is conducted in this research with the real transaction data collected from JPPH. Using the regression analysis, various factors were included in the models to capture the particular effects on property values. In particular, built-up area is the most significant structural attribute; whereas shopping centre is the most significant locational attribute in determining the property prices. This paper serves as a guide for the developers and house buyers in decision-making for development and investments.

Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to investigate contractors’ awareness level and adoption of QLASSIC assessment system in construction industry and to identify the variables that influenced the adoption of QLASSIC assessment system. Design/methodology/approach: – Quantitative research method was adopted in order to test the above issues. The questionnaire composed for two parts: awareness and adoption of QLASSIC system; and the factors that influenced the adoption of QLASSIC system. Those contractors who registered under grade 6 and 7 are the scope of respondents in this study. Findings: – The adoption of QLASSIC assessment is not significantly affected by the awareness whereas the motivations and barrier factors do. It was discovered that the contractors perception on QLASSIC adoption are basically due to the significant factors; the internal motivations and barrier. The major influencing factors are internal motivation factors, external motivation factors and barrier factors. Originality/value: – This study reveals the true motives behind the adoption of QLASSIC assessment in the construction industry, where this finding significantly contributes to the understanding of contractors’ perception on this quality assurance program for the construction industry.

Competitive and fast-track construction environments with quantity without quality lead to the occurrence of building failure and defective works. The necessity of building inspection and rectification of the defect figure is becoming predominant in the vacant possession of new residential buildings. This paper study on cost involvement and worthiness of building inspection and building defects rectification from the contractors' and house buyers' perspectives to resolve the arising problem of building failure and defective works. The research is a mixed-method approach, it comprises qualitative and quantitative methods. Interviews were conducted with contractors, whereas a questionnaire survey was carried out with house buyers as targeted respondents of this study to obtain data and information. Both contractors and house buyers' perspectives on building inspection and building defect rectification have been observed. From this study, everyone can better understand the cost involvement of the common defects and have their standard to measure the worthiness of building inspection.