overview

Your Guide to Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI)

At ML Facade Inspection, we understand you might have questions about the mandatory Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI) in Singapore. We’ve put together this easy-to-read Frequently Asked Questionnaire (FAQ) to help you understand the process. For more details on our specific services, you can visit our dedicated PFI page: ML Facade Inspection – Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI). For detailed regulatory requirements from the BCA, you can always refer to their official website: BCA Periodic Facade Inspection

1. Why is PFI needed?Buildings naturally wear out over time. PFI helps us find early signs of problems like cracks or loose materials. This prevents accidents and keeps everyone safe. It became a requirement from January 1, 2022, because of past incidents with falling facades.
2. Which buildings need PFI?If your building is:
   • Over 13 meters tall (about 4 storeys)
   • More than 20 years old. This does not include private houses or temporary buildings.
3. How often is PFI done?Your building needs a PFI every 7 years.
4. What’s involved in a PFI? Our inspection process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks and includes:
   • Full Visual Check: We look at 100% of your building’s facade, often using photos or drones.
   • Close-Up Look: We then do a detailed 10% close-range inspection on each side of the building. Our experts use tools like tapping rods and scanning devices.
   • Recommendations: We’ll tell you what repairs are needed.
   • Deep Dive (if needed): If we find major issues, we might recommend a “full facade investigation” for specific areas. This needs BCA approval.
5. What does a “full facade investigation” mean?If a more in-depth look is needed (with BCA approval), it involves:
   • More close-up inspections.
   • Figuring out why defects happened, including checking designs and plans.
   • Tests on materials (on-site or in a lab) if necessary.
   • Exposing hidden parts of the facade, like brackets, to check their condition.
   • Suggesting specific repairs to fix the building’s facade. For structural repairs, we’ll help get the necessary approvals before work begins.
6. Who performs the PFI?The inspection must be done by a Competent Person (CP). This is a qualified Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) specially trained in facade inspection. Our team includes these BCA-Approved CPs and Certified Facade Inspectors.
7. What happens if I don’t do the PFI?If you receive a PFI notice, you must appoint a CP within two months. If you don’t, you could face a fine of up to S$20,000.
8. Who is responsible for PFI?As the building owner, you are responsible. You need to appoint a CP, ensure the inspection is done, submit the report to BCA on time, and complete any recommended repairs.
9. What happens after the report is submitted?BCA reviews the report. They might ask us questions or even visit your site with our CP. Once approved, BCA will tell you to complete the recommended repairs. You then need to submit our CP’s confirmation that the repairs are done.
10. What do I need to prepare when I get a PFI Notice? You should:
    • Quickly appoint a CP.
    • Allow us access around your building.
    • Provide necessary equipment for close-up inspections (like scaffolding or lifts). We can help arrange all access requirements.
    • Share approved building plans and facade drawings.
    • Give us any past maintenance or repair history for your facade.
    • Provide any previous inspection reports you have.
    • Be ready to carry out any necessary repairs promptly.
    • Keep your building’s facade well-maintained at all times.
11. Can ML Facade Inspection get building plans for me?Yes, our CP can apply for building plans on your behalf. You’ll just need to provide proof of ownership.
12. What if no building documents are available?If there are no plans, our CP will still perform the inspection based on current Singapore building standards and codes that were applicable when your building was constructed.
13. Can I use a different CP for a full facade investigation?Yes, you can. Just ensure the new CP has no conflict of interest (no professional or financial ties to the building’s design/construction). You’ll need to inform BCA within 7 days.
14. My appointed CP doesn’t seem to be on-site often. Is this okay?Our appointed CP actively plans and oversees the entire inspection. While they may have inspectors helping with physical work, the CP is personally responsible for the assessment and findings.
15. Can I hire just any facade inspector?No. You must engage a Competent Person (CP). Only a CP (PE or RA) can perform the required inspection and submit the report. Inspectors can assist the CP, but the CP is always responsible for the work.
16. Can labs help with close-range inspection, or can the CP delegate it?Our CP can get help from testing laboratories for close-range inspections, with BCA’s approval. However, our CP or a facade inspector directly supervised by them must attend the inspections. The CP always remains responsible for the findings.
17. If I own a unit in a building not managed by an MCST, can I appoint my own CP?No. In such cases, all building owners must jointly appoint one CP for the entire building’s facade.
18. How does the CP submit the report to BCA?Our CP submits the facade inspection report and all related documents through BCA’s online CORENET e-Submission System.
19. What happens if the CP doesn’t follow BCA rules? If a CP fails to meet the inspection requirements, they can be fined up to S$50,000.
20. What drones do you use for inspections?We use advanced drones like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK & DJI M30T for our inspections.
21. Do drones invade privacy?Our drones are programmed to focus on building facade defects, not private areas like inside homes or personal details. We aim to avoid capturing private information. If it happens unintentionally, all data is kept secure. We follow strict guidelines like the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and TR78:2020, which include giving you notice of inspections.
22. How many facade incidents happen each year?On average, BCA reports over 20 incidents of falling facade elements every year.
23. Who is responsible for fallen facade incidents?Building owners are legally responsible for keeping their building’s exterior features in good condition and securely fixed. Failure to do so can lead to fines up to S$10,000 or up to 12 months in prison, or both.
24. Does ML Facade Inspection do remedial work? Yes, we provide additional services for facade remedial works and repairs, offering you a comprehensive solution.
25. My building is rented out, and I can’t schedule PFI in time. What can I do? You can write to BCA explaining your reasons and request an extension. They review these requests case-by-case.
26. My CP can’t continue their duties. What should I do? Inform BCA and request an extension to appoint a new CP. You must appoint a replacement within 2 months and tell BCA within 7 days of the new appointment.
27. My CP needs more time for the inspection/report due to weather/etc. What should I do? You can write to BCA to request an extension, explaining the reasons. They review these case-by-case.
28. Can PFI be done before BCA sends a notice? Yes, you can write to BCA to request an early inspection. They review these requests case-by-case.
29. How has BCA prepared the industry for PFI? BCA has taken several steps, including announcing the regime, sending early advisories, holding workshops for building owners and professionals, training facade inspection personnel since 2017, and consulting with the public on draft rules.

For any more questions or to book your Periodic Facade Inspection (PFI), please contact us at ML Facade Inspection.