How often is Periodic Structural Inspection required in Singapore?

Non-residential buildings must be inspected every 5 years. Residential buildings every 10 years. The obligation begins from the building's 13th year of age.

How much does PSI cost in Singapore?

PE fees range from S$1,500 for small landed properties to S$8,000 or more for large commercial or industrial buildings. Fees vary with building size, age, access conditions, and prior PSI history.

PSI must be conducted by a registered Professional Engineer (Civil) holding a current practising certificate from the Professional Engineers Board of Singapore. The PE bears personal civil and criminal liability for the inspection findings.

What happens if PSI is not done?

Non-compliance is an offence under the Building Control Act. BCA can issue enforcement notices and fines. Insurance, sale, and refinancing of the building may also be complicated by overdue PSI.

BCA Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) in Singapore: Complete Owner's Guide

Q: Who is responsible for PSI?

The building owner is legally responsible. For strata-titled developments such as condominiums, the Management Corporation (MCST) is responsible. For HDB blocks, HDB manages PSI directly. BCA issues a notice approximately 12 months before the inspection is due.

Stephen Huong
6 days ago
3 min read

In short: Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) is a mandatory inspection regime under Singapore's Building Control Act for older buildings. PSI must be conducted by a registered Professional Engineer (Civil), with the inspection report submitted to BCA. Non-residential buildings are inspected every 5 years. Residential buildings are inspected every 10 years. Buildings become subject to PSI from their 13th year of age. Failing to comply is an offence under the Building Control Act. PE fees typically range from S$1,500 to S$8,000 depending on building size and complexity. CVC Engineers (PEB Reg. 5376) handles PSI inspections and reports as a core specialisation.

Key Facts

Regulator: Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore
Legal basis: Building Control Act and Building Control Regulations — mandatory periodic inspection of older structures
Frequency — non-residential: every 5 years
Frequency — residential: every 10 years
Buildings subject to PSI: from their 13th year onwards
Who conducts PSI: a registered Professional Engineer (Civil) with a current practising certificate
Typical fee range: S$1,500 to S$8,000 depending on building size, age, and condition

What is Periodic Structural Inspection?

Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) is the mandatory regime under the Building Control Act requiring older buildings in Singapore to be structurally inspected at fixed intervals by a registered Professional Engineer. The objective is to identify structural defects, deterioration, or unauthorised modifications early — before they develop into safety risks.

PSI is not the same as a one-off structural condition survey. It is a recurring obligation. The PE who conducts the inspection prepares a formal report on the building's structural integrity, identifies any defects or non-compliances, and submits the report to BCA. The PE bears personal civil and criminal liability for the accuracy of the inspection findings.

Who is Responsible for PSI?

The building owner is legally responsible for ensuring PSI is conducted on schedule. For strata-titled developments (condominiums, multi-tenant commercial), the responsibility falls on the Management Corporation (MCST). For HDB blocks, HDB itself manages PSI. For private landed properties and individual non-strata commercial buildings, the registered owner is responsible.

BCA issues a notice to the owner approximately 12 months before the inspection is due. Receiving the notice triggers the obligation to engage a PE and complete the inspection within the specified period.

What the PE Inspects

Visible structural elements: columns, beams, slabs, walls, roof structure
Cracks, deflections, settlement, corrosion, spalling concrete, exposed reinforcement
Foundations and substructure where accessible
Connections, bearings, joints, expansion gaps
Evidence of unauthorised structural modifications by tenants or owners
Water seepage, dampness, and signs of long-term moisture damage to structural elements

The PSI Process: 5 Steps

BCA notice received: owner is notified that the building is due for PSI.
Engage a registered PE: verify PEB Reg. number, current practising certificate, PSI experience.
Inspection: PE conducts on-site visual inspection of all accessible structural elements, takes measurements, photographs, and — where needed — specifies further investigation (concrete tests, opening up, instrumented monitoring).
Report preparation: PE compiles findings, classifies any defects, recommends repairs where required, certifies overall structural integrity.
Submission to BCA: PE submits the signed PSI report. If repairs are required, owner instructs contractor; PE may need to verify rectification works.

Pricing

Small landed property / single unit (<200 sqm GFA): S$1,500 – S$3,000
Medium-size building / strata block: S$3,000 – S$5,000
Large commercial / industrial building: S$5,000 – S$8,000+
Note: fees vary with access conditions, building age, prior PSI history, and any specific concerns flagged by the owner or BCA.

Consequences of Skipping PSI

BCA enforcement notice: owner can be required to complete PSI within a specified timeframe.
Fines: non-compliance with PSI requirements is an offence under the Building Control Act.
Insurance complications: insurers may decline coverage or claims if PSI is overdue.
Sale and refinancing complications: buyers' lawyers and banks routinely check PSI status during due diligence.

About CVC Engineers

CVC Engineers Pte Ltd (UEN 202332143E) handles PSI inspections in Singapore as a core specialisation. Lead PE: Er. Cavan Chai Han Hon, PE (Civil), PEB Reg. No. 5376. 300+ projects across HDB, LTA, PUB, MOE, MHA, BCA, and the private sector.

If your building is approaching or has passed its 13th year, or if you've received a BCA PSI notice, contact us for a fixed-fee quote and a turnaround commitment.

Phone: +65 9342 7551 · Email: stephen@cvcengineers.com