PROPOSED STRATEGIES TO MINIMISE MAINTENANCE COSTS AND PROBLEMS FOR FIVE-STAR HOTELS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The primary objective in this research is to understand the current practice of maintenance management in the five-star hotels Singapore and find out what are the maintenance problems faced and the related cost implications. The importance of incorporating building maintainability has often been neglected by many industry players. Therefore, there are many difficulties faced during the maintenance process. Furthermore, there is also the issue on the high maintenance costs which building owners find it hard to cope with due to the lack of planning in the initial stage of the project. In order to solve these problems and minimise the various cost implications, the importance of maintenance must be emphasised. Factors affecting maintainability are explored and it has been found that the major factors are design, construction and maintenance management. In addition, cost control has been proved vital for the accounting and budgeting of maintenance activities. Finally, after going through the common maintenance problems and factors leading to these problems, recommendations are made on how to reduce these difficulties. Sustainable construction have been said to reduce the initial cost and the life cycle cost of a building. In addition, new technology software has been set up by various companies to assist in the maintenance management of a building. Appropriate planning and cost budgeting, education and training of industry players are also recommended. This research will be done with the aim of producing maintenance manual that allows industry players, especially those involved in the construction of hotels, to understand more about the maintenance management and ways on how to reduce maintenance problems and costs.