What PSI is
Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) is a physical inspection of an existing building's structural condition by a registered Professional Engineer (Civil), with a written report submitted to BCA. The objective is simple: catch deterioration before it becomes a safety hazard.
PSI is mandated under Section 28 of the Building Control Act, with detailed scope set out in BCA's PSI Inspection Manual. Failure to comply is an offence punishable by fines up to SGD 50,000.
Who is responsible
The building owner is the responsible person under the BC Act. Owner means:
- For HDB blocks: the Town Council
- For private condos: the MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title)
- For landed homes: the property owner
- For commercial / industrial: the registered owner or master tenant if so contracted
- For mixed-use: typically the MCST or building manager
BCA issues PSI notices ahead of due dates. Most owners receive their notice 6–12 months before the deadline. Once you receive the notice, the clock is on.
Who can carry out a PSI
Only a registered Professional Engineer (Civil) holding a current Practising Certificate. The PE assesses the building, prepares the structural condition report, and lodges it with BCA via CORENET-X.
The PSI scope — what the PE inspects
BCA's PSI Manual sets out the minimum scope. CVC Engineers' standard PSI inspection covers:
- Foundation — visible settlement, cracking in plinths, water table observations
- Columns — cracks (mapped with width, length, orientation), spalling, corrosion of reinforcement, alignment
- Beams — cracks, deflection, fire damage, spalling, exposed rebar
- Slabs — soffit cracks, water staining, deflection, spalling
- Walls — load-bearing condition, cracks, separation from adjacent structure
- Roof — structural integrity, leaks, ponding, truss condition
- Façade — attachment integrity, sealant condition, panel security
- Balconies and cantilevers — hairline cracks at supports, loose tiles, drainage
- Lift shafts and stair cores — internal inspection where accessible
- Basements and plant rooms — water ingress, joint failures, cover damage
- Common areas — corridors, stairs, podium decks
The deliverables you receive
At the end of the inspection, the owner receives:
- Structural Condition Report — written narrative covering every inspected element, with photographs and defect register
- Defect Map — annotated drawings showing the location and severity of every defect found
- Recommendations — categorised as Monitor / Repair / Detailed Investigation / Urgent Action
- BCA submission record — proof of lodgement via CORENET-X
Pricing
| Building type | Indicative fee (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Landed home (residential, 10-yearly) | 2,500 – 5,000 |
| HDB block — single (Town Council) | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Condo — single block (MCST) | 6,000 – 15,000 |
| Small commercial / shophouse (5-yearly) | 3,500 – 7,500 |
| Mid-rise commercial / office (5-yearly) | 8,000 – 18,000 |
| Industrial / warehouse (5-yearly) | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Heritage / conservation (5-yearly) | 8,000 – 25,000 |
What happens if defects are found
The PE classifies defects on a 4-tier scale:
- Monitor — defect noted; re-inspect at next PSI cycle. Hairline cracks < 0.3mm typically fall here.
- Repair — straightforward rectification (e.g. sealant replacement, surface patch). Owner appoints a contractor and submits Form C-equivalent confirmation.
- Detailed Investigation — defect requires non-destructive testing, core sampling, or further investigation before remedial design. PE issues a Detailed Structural Investigation report.
- Urgent Action — defect compromises immediate safety. PE issues a Section 25 notice; works must commence within a specified period; BCA may impose closure orders pending rectification.
What if you miss your PSI deadline
BCA can impose:
- Composition fine (typically SGD 5,000 – 50,000 depending on building type and scale)
- Notice of contravention on file (visible to future buyers' lawyers)
- For severe non-compliance, prosecution under the BC Act
If you've recently bought a building and don't know its PSI status, check with BCA or instruct your conveyancing lawyer to do so. Inheriting a missed PSI deadline is a real risk in property purchases.
Practical tips for owners
- Schedule the PE 3–6 months before the deadline. PSI booking lead times can be tight.
- Provide the original BCA approved drawings if available — speeds up the inspection.
- Allow access to all common areas, basements, plant rooms, and roof. Restricted access means restricted inspection means a less defensible report.
- If the building has had recent renovation or A&A, declare it. The PE will check whether those works were properly approved.
- Retain the report safely. It will be requested by future buyers, insurers, and at the next PSI cycle.
If your building's PSI is due — or overdue — send the address and last known PSI date to CVC Engineers. We respond within one working day with a written quote and the earliest available inspection slot.