FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A periodic facade inspection is a comprehensive assessment of a building’s exterior, typically conducted every 7 years, as required by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The purpose is to check for signs of wear, damage, or any safety hazards that may impact the building's structural integrity or pose risks to public safety.
Periodic facade inspections are critical for:
Ensuring the safety of building occupants and the public.
Identifying structural issues early before they become major problems.
Complying with legal requirements set by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Maintaining the aesthetic appeal and value of your building.
Preventing costly repairs by addressing small issues before they escalate.
According to the BCA, buildings that are more than 20 years old and 13 meters or higher require a facade inspection every 7 years. However, if your building shows signs of damage or other issues, more frequent inspections may be necessary. We can advise you on the appropriate inspection schedule for your property based on its condition and any regulatory requirements.
A typical facade inspection includes:
Visual inspection: Checking for cracks, loose materials, and other visible damage.
Structural assessment: Evaluating the integrity of structural elements such as cladding, windows, and supports.
Safety evaluation: Identifying potential hazards such as falling debris, loose panels, or deteriorating materials.
Drone or rope access surveys: For high-rise buildings (typically more than 4 storey), we may use drones or other advanced methods to access hard-to-reach areas safely.
We provide a comprehensive report detailing our findings and any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Safety is our top priority. Our team follows strict safety protocols during every inspection. This includes using appropriate safety gear, certified rope access methods, scaffolding, and drones to access high or difficult-to-reach areas. We also ensure that all inspections are carried out by certified professionals, including Competent Persons (CP) and Certified Facade Inspectors (FI), to ensure a safe and thorough inspection process.
The duration of a facade inspection varies depending on the size, height, and complexity of the building. A typical inspection for a standard-sized building may take 1-2 days, but larger buildings or high-rise structures may require more time. After the inspection, we provide a detailed report with our findings and recommendations within a few business days.
If our inspection uncovers issues such as structural damage, cracks, or safety hazards, we will provide a detailed report outlining the problems. We also offer maintenance and repair recommendations to address these issues, along with estimates for the necessary work. Our team can coordinate repairs with trusted contractors, ensuring that your building remains safe and compliant.
While minimal preparation is needed, it’s helpful to:
Ensure that any areas requiring access (e.g., rooftops, building exterior) are accessible to our team.
Notify your tenants or building occupants about the scheduled inspection.
Provide any relevant documentation about previous inspections or repairs, if available.
Our team will handle all aspects of the inspection, including setting up equipment and ensuring safety measures are in place.
The cost of a facade inspection depends on various factors such as the size of the building, the height of the structure, and the complexity of the inspection required. We provide a customized quote based on your specific needs. Please contact us for a consultation and an estimate tailored to your property.
If we find that your building does not comply with the BCA facade inspection regulations, we will provide recommendations on how to rectify the issues and bring your building into compliance. We can also guide you through the steps to ensure that any necessary repairs or improvements are carried out in a timely manner to avoid penalties.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Understanding building inspections can be complex, but we’re here to make it simple. Our FAQ section covers everything you need to know about facade inspections, structural assessments, drone surveys, and compliance requirements.