Understanding Periodic Facade Inspection in Singapore
Singapore's Building and Construction Authority requires all buildings aged 20 years and older to undergo periodic facade inspections every 7 years. This regulation was introduced after a series of facade cladding failures that posed public safety risks. Building owners and Management Corporations (MCSTs) are legally responsible for ensuring inspections are completed on schedule.
The periodic facade inspection (PFI) involves a competent person — typically a BCA-registered Professional Engineer or architect — examining the entire building exterior for defects including cracking, spalling, tile debonding, sealant failure, and water ingress. Drone technology has transformed this process by providing comprehensive, high-resolution data that surpasses what inspectors can observe from a gondola or through binoculars from the ground.
Buildings across Singapore — from ageing HDB estates in Queenstown and Bukit Merah to commercial properties along Beach Road and Raffles Place — benefit from drone-assisted PFI through faster completion, better defect detection, and significant cost savings compared to traditional access methods.
Our Drone-Assisted PFI Process
Documentation Review
We review previous inspection records, building plans, and maintenance history. This helps us identify areas that require closer attention based on the building's defect history.
CAAS Flight Authorisation
We handle all regulatory requirements including CAAS activity permits for operations in controlled airspace, ensuring full legal compliance.
Comprehensive Drone Survey
Our pilots execute systematic flight patterns covering all facade elevations. We capture overlapping high-resolution photographs and thermal imagery at consistent distances to ensure uniform quality across all surfaces.
PFI Compliance Report
We compile a detailed report documenting all observed defects, their severity, locations, and recommended remedial actions. The report is structured for direct use by your appointed PE for BCA submission.
Drone vs Traditional Periodic Facade Inspection
| Factor | Traditional (Gondola/Scaffold) | Drone-Assisted PFI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for 20-storey building | $8,000 — $15,000 | $1,500 — $3,500 |
| Time on-site | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 days |
| Tenant disruption | High — scaffold blocks windows | Minimal — no contact with building |
| Defect detection | Visual only from platform | Visual + thermal + zoom imagery |
| Safety risk | Working at height risks | Pilot operates from ground level |
Periodic Facade Inspection Pricing
Our PFI drone inspection pricing covers the complete service from flight planning through final report delivery.
| Building Category | Drone PFI Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| HDB / Residential Block | $1,500 — $3,000 | All elevations, thermal scan, PE-ready report |
| Commercial / Office | $3,000 — $6,000 | Full facade coverage, defect mapping |
| Mixed-Use Development | $4,000 — $8,000 | Multiple blocks, podium, tower coverage |
Volume discounts are available for MCSTs managing multiple blocks or property management companies handling portfolio-wide inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Inspection Quote
WhatsApp us your building details — we reply with a quote within 2 hours. No obligation.