Façade inspection FAQ for Singapore buildings.
Practical answers for building owners, MCSTs, managing agents and facility managers planning a PFI cycle or considering UAS-supported inspection. Authoritative answers should always be confirmed against the prevailing BCA regulations and your appointed Competent Person.
Which buildings in Singapore are subject to Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI)?
Under the Building Control (Periodic Inspection of Buildings and Building Façades) Regulations 2021, the PFI regime generally applies to buildings that are more than 20 years old (counted from TOP or CSC issuance) and more than 13 metres tall. Detached, semi-detached, terrace and linked houses used solely as residences, and certain temporary buildings, are generally exempt. Where uncertain, refer to the inspection notice issued by BCA and the current regulations.
Who is responsible for arranging a PFI?
The building owner. For strata-titled developments, this is typically the MCST; for Town Council–managed estates, the Town Council. The owner is responsible for appointing a Competent Person (CP) within the timeframe stated in the inspection notice and for notifying the Commissioner of Building Control of that appointment.
What is a Competent Person (CP) for façade inspection?
A CP for façade inspection is a person who has attended and successfully completed the BCA "Certificate in Façade Inspection" course and meets the qualification and experience requirements set out in the regulations. The CP plans, directs and certifies the inspection and signs the inspection report.
Do you act as the Competent Person?
No. We are the field contractor that supports the inspection — providing the access methodology, crew, photography and defect-mapping workflow. The appointed CP retains responsibility for planning the inspection, directing the close-range work, and signing the report.
What does a complete façade inspection involve?
Generally two field components in sequence: (1) a 100% visual inspection of the entire façade using photographic cameras and equivalent tools across all elevations; and (2) a minimum 10% close-range inspection on each elevation, carried out along vertical drops or trails using probing tools, borescopes or scanning equipment that do not require special training to operate. Where the CP assesses that defects warrant deeper investigation, a full façade investigation may be undertaken — but only with prior approval from the Commissioner of Building Control.
Is "10% close-range" measured across the whole building or per elevation?
Per elevation. The regulations require at least 10% of the surface area of each elevation to be inspected at close range. A building with four faces therefore requires 10% coverage on each of the four faces, not 10% of the building in aggregate.
Can a drone replace the close-range inspection?
No. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can support the visual sweep component of an inspection and are useful for elevations that are hard to reach from the ground or from a BMU. They do not replace the close-range component, which requires touch — tap tests, probing, borescope work and similar — and remains under the CP's direction.
What permits are needed to fly a drone for a façade inspection in Singapore?
UAS operations in Singapore are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Depending on the operation, requirements may include operator and pilot registration, an Activity Permit and/or an Operator Permit, plus checks against current no-fly zones around airports and certain restricted areas. The applicable permits depend on the equipment, location and operating profile; we confirm requirements with CAAS before booking each flight.
How often does a PFI cycle repeat?
The PFI regime is periodic, repeating on a cycle defined by the regulations and BCA notices. Building owners receive inspection notices at the relevant time. Specific cycle dates should be confirmed against the notice issued for your building and with the appointed CP.
What goes into a PFI inspection report?
A façade inspection report generally contains: a detailed description of the visual inspection, close-range inspection and any full façade investigation; analyses of observations about the condition of the façade and of every test conducted; and the CP's recommended rectification works. The report is signed by the CP and submitted as required by the regulations.
What access methods do you use on Singapore façades?
Rope access (IRATA-style), gondola or BMU access, boom lift / mobile elevating work platform, and scaffold — chosen to suit the elevation, the inspection scope and the access constraints. Every job runs under a written risk assessment, safe work method statement and permit-to-work, under Singapore's Work at Heights regime.
Can you also carry out the rectification works after the inspection?
Yes — on follow-on remedial scopes within our competence (sealant renewal, cladding repair, render and paint, waterproofing, glass replacement). For structurally significant rectifications or works that require a Professional Engineer or Qualified Person, we coordinate with the appropriate registered professional.
How long does a complete PFI process take, end-to-end?
For most buildings in scope, owners and MCSTs should plan for a full cycle to take around two months end-to-end — covering document review, access planning, MCST approvals, site work (visual sweep, close-range, optional UAS), defect mapping and report preparation by the appointed Competent Person. Site work alone is typically 1–3 weeks; report preparation is typically 2–4 weeks. Larger buildings, restricted access, weather delays, longer management approval cycles or wider report scope can extend this materially.
Can you guarantee drone / UAS availability on a fixed date?
No. Drone and UAS flight approvals are subject to the prevailing CAAS framework and, in some locations, additional clearance from RSAF or other airspace and security authorities. Approvals and timing can be subject to last-minute restrictions, cancellations or rescheduling due to airspace activity, security events, weather or proximity to sensitive infrastructure. Where UAS is planned for your PFI, we always carry a non-UAS access fallback (rope access, gondola, MEWP or scaffold) so that the inspection programme can proceed even if a flight is restricted on the day.
Are the photos and defect records reusable for the next cycle?
Yes — and they should be. A well-organised photograph and defect-map archive becomes the comparison baseline for the next cycle, allowing the next CP to distinguish new defects from existing ones, confirm completed rectifications, and track deterioration over time. Building owners and MCSTs should retain the full record set as part of building documentation.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance. The prevailing BCA regulations, inspection notices and the determinations of the appointed Competent Person take precedence over any summary on this site.