HOMEOWNERS PREFERENCE FOR LOW-COST HOUSING SPATIAL DESIGN MODIFICATION

It is evident that low-income group occupying low-cost housing in Malaysia initiate spatialmodification of their housing units due to the inevitable nature of changing needs as their familysize increases. Housing modifications are primarily aimed at providing better quality of life forthe homeowners and improve the functional aspect of the house. Their original home space tosome extent does not fully satisfy their immediate or current needs nor provides flexibility to fitwith their inevitable changing needs as they evolve. The aim of this research is to establish thesocio-economic factors that trigger and motivate homeowners to modify their house. The researchemploys quantitative research method. Data were collected from 250 respondents using systematicsampling technique. The data was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics analysis.Each sample unit (homeowner) was provided with a questionnaire to obtain information on spatialmodifications and key building related characteristics. The findings on the respondent`s priorityor preferences to spatial modification is “storage utility”, “entrance porch”, “living room” and“dining area” is given due consideration by homeowners when carrying out spatial modificationduring the period of occupancy. Findings on the future priority area for spatial modificationindicates clearly that the respondent`s future priority area to spatial modification is “Kitchen”,“entrance porch”, “living room”, and “dining area” whilst also indicating high priority for“kitchen”. Housing developers and other stakeholders should take into consideration thechanging needs of homeowners at the design stage by providing some elements of flexibility forhomeowners to adapt their homes based on their changing needs.