A Competent Person for Periodic Facade Inspection in Singapore is the qualified professional appointed by the building owner or MCST to conduct the facade inspection and take responsibility for the technical assessment and PFI submission. SGFacadeScan is led by Architect Ho Sow Yun, a Registered Architect and PFI Competent Person, supported by drone, rope access and documentation workflows.
If your building has received a BCA Periodic Facade Inspection notice, one of the first practical steps is to appoint a qualified Competent Person. The Competent Person, or CP, plans the inspection approach, reviews building information, directs inspection support, assesses facade findings and prepares the professional recommendations required for the PFI process.
SGFacadeScan supports MCSTs, managing agents, facility managers and building owners with a Registered Architect-led PFI process, combining professional assessment, drone-assisted visual inspection, close-range inspection coordination and clear defect reporting.
In the BCA PFI process, the Competent Person is the qualified professional appointed to conduct the facade inspection. The CP may be assisted by a Facade Inspector and other inspection support teams, but the inspection methodology, technical assessment and final recommendations remain under the CP’s direction, supervision and professional judgement.
For building owners and MCSTs, appointing the right CP is important because the CP helps translate BCA requirements into a practical inspection plan that can be carried out safely and properly documented.
Architect Ho Sow Yun is a Registered Architect with the Board of Architects Singapore and has been registered since 2003. She has more than 20 years of experience in Singapore’s construction and building industry, including architectural design, construction detailing, facade systems, site coordination and regulatory compliance.
As a Competent Person for Periodic Facade Inspection, Ar. Ho is qualified to carry out facade condition assessments and submit PFI reports to the Building and Construction Authority on behalf of building owners, MCSTs and managing agents. Through SGFacadeScan, she leads a team that supports clients with drone-assisted visual inspection, rope access close-range assessment, defect documentation and PFI report preparation.
From reviewing the BCA notice to preparing the professional submission, here is how the CP leads each stage of PFI.
The CP gives instructions to the inspection team, drone service provider, Facade Inspector and rope access or access equipment team where applicable.
The CP reviews visible and close-range findings such as cracks, spalling concrete, loose finishes, corrosion, failed sealants, water seepage and displaced facade elements.
The CP recommends repair, monitoring, further investigation or safety measures based on the condition and severity of the defects identified.
The CP prepares the professional assessment and coordinates the required documentation for BCA submission and clarification where required.
Facade Inspectors, Drone Teams and Rope Access Teams
A Facade Inspector may assist with visual and close-range inspection work under the CP’s direct supervision and control. The FI supports observation, documentation and reporting of site findings as instructed by the CP.
Close-range inspection may require rope access, boom lift, gondola or other safe access methods. This allows selected facade areas to be physically observed, photographed, tapped or checked at close range based on the CP’s methodology.
Our PFI process is led by a Registered Architect and Competent Person who understands Singapore building design, facade detailing, defect patterns and regulatory submission requirements.
We help coordinate the practical work around PFI, including document review, drone visual inspection, rope access close-range inspection, defect schedules, photo records and report preparation.
H3: Clear Communication for MCSTs and Owners
We organise findings in a way that can be explained to councils, managing agents, facility managers and building owners for budget planning, repair planning and follow-up decisions.
BCA’s public information explains that a Competent Person for PFI is generally a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect who conducts the facade inspection. Building owners should always check the latest BCA guidance and appointment requirements.
A Facade Inspector may assist with inspection work, but the PFI remains under the direct supervision and control of the appointed Competent Person.
The CP must provide clear instructions and maintain control over the inspection methodology and findings. Site attendance and coordination should be planned according to the inspection approach and BCA requirements.
No. Drone inspection is a visual data capture tool. It supports photo documentation and defect mapping, but the CP remains responsible for technical assessment and recommendations.
SGFacadeScan can help review the PFI notice, plan the inspection, coordinate drone and close-range inspection support, document defects, prepare recommendations and support the final PFI report submission process.
A practical preparation guide for managing your Periodic Façade Inspection efficiently — reduce delays and plan follow-up actions with confidence.
Prepared by SGFacadeScan Pte. Ltd. — Competent Person-led PFI guidance.
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