Does a recent PSI exempt my building from the façade inspection?
No. BCA's façade inspection FAQ states that PSI and PFI have different scopes and a completed PSI does not exempt a building from PFI. PSI covers structural elements and overloading, while PFI covers façades and exterior features that may fall. If both notices are served concurrently, the same eligible PE may carry out both, but two separate reports are required.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) in Singapore: The Owner's Guide. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
BCA's Periodic Structural Inspection requires owners to have a civil or structural Professional Engineer inspect their building's structure when served a notice: every 5 years for non-residential buildings and every 10 years for residential ones, with the first notice possible after the 5th or 10th year from the first TOP or CSC. Owners appoint the engineer within 2 months and carry out recommended repairs.
More questions on this topic
- How often must my building undergo PSI?
- When is the first PSI after TOP?
- Can any engineer carry out the PSI?
- Can the PSI be postponed because we are doing renovation or A&A works?
- What happens if the engineer finds serious defects?
- Who is responsible for PSI in a condominium?
- Can the owner get past PSI reports?