PFI FAQ Singapore: Periodic Façade Inspection Questions Answered
Find answers to common Periodic Façade Inspection questions in Singapore, including BCA PFI notices, eligible buildings, CP appointment, inspection process, drone use and reporting.
SGFacadeScan Pte. Ltd. provides Singapore-focused PFI support, practical inspection planning and clear documentation for MCSTs, managing agents, building owners and facility managers.
Contact SGFacadeScan and send us your BCA notice or building details. We will help you understand the next steps and quotation requirements.
Quick Answers for Building Owners and MCSTs
This FAQ answers common questions from building owners, MCSTs, managing agents and facility managers who need to understand Periodic Façade Inspection in Singapore. It is written as a practical guide, not a substitute for official BCA requirements or professional advice from the appointed Competent Person.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI)?
Periodic Façade Inspection is a regulatory inspection regime intended to help detect and address façade deterioration in Singapore. It focuses on the condition of building façades and exterior features so that defects can be identified and dealt with before they create safety risks.
2. Which buildings are generally affected by PFI in Singapore?
The PFI regime generally applies to buildings that are more than 20 years old and over 13 metres in height, subject to exceptions. Detached, semi-detached, terraced or linked houses used for residential purposes and temporary buildings are generally excluded.
3. How often must PFI be carried out?
Buildings that fall within the regime are required to undergo Periodic Façade Inspection every seven years.
4. What should I do when I receive a BCA PFI notice?
Start by appointing a qualified Competent Person promptly, preparing available drawings and past records, planning building access and informing key stakeholders such as the managing agent, MCST council, facility team and security team.
5. Who is a Competent Person for PFI?
A Competent Person is a qualified professional (either a Professional Engineer PE or a Registered Architect) responsible for conducting the façade inspection. The CP may be assisted by a Façade Inspector under the CP’s direct supervision and control.
6. Can a Façade Inspector carry out the inspection without the CP?
The Façade Inspector may assist with visual and/or close-range inspection work, but the work must be carried out under the direct supervision and control of the Competent Person. The CP remains responsible for inspection methodology, assessment and reporting.
7. What does the PFI process usually involve?
The process commonly involves visual inspection of the entire building façade, close-range inspection of selected areas on each elevation, documentation of observations, assessment by the Competent Person and preparation of the inspection report for submission.
8. Can drones be used for façade inspection?
Drones may be used to support visual inspection, subject to applicable approval, notification, safety and accreditation requirements. Drone outputs such as photographs and images still need to be reviewed by the Competent Person.
9. What is close-range inspection?
Close-range inspection is a closer hands-on or near-view assessment of selected façade areas. It may involve tools such as tapping rods, probing tools, borescopes, scanning devices or other suitable methods instructed by the Competent Person.
10. What documents should I prepare before PFI starts?
Prepare the BCA PFI notice, building drawings or elevation plans, past façade or structural inspection reports, previous repair records, façade material information, access plans, roof access details, tenant access restrictions and recent photographs of defects, if available.
11. What happens after the PFI report is submitted?
BCA may review the report, request clarifications and, where applicable, require the building owner to follow up with recommended remedial works or further action within the stipulated timeframe.
12. How much does PFI cost in Singapore?
PFI cost depends on building type, height, number of elevations, façade complexity, access method, drone requirement, rope access or MEWP requirement, availability of drawings, number of close-range inspection locations and the extent of documentation required.
13. Can SGFacadeScan help if I only have a BCA notice and no drawings?
Yes. Send SGFacadeScan the BCA notice, building address, available photographs and any past maintenance records. We can advise what additional information may be needed for quotation and inspection planning.
14. How do I request a quotation?
Use the Contact Us page, call or WhatsApp 90098453, or email admin@sgfacadescan.com with your BCA notice, building address, contact person and available façade information.