Frequently asked questions
Facilities maintenance in Singapore — your questions answered
Straight answers about maintenance contracts, MCST responsibilities, licensing and compliance, manpower and how we work. Can’t find what you need? Ask us directly.
About facilities maintenance contracts
About facilities maintenance contracts
What does a facilities management company do?
A facilities management (FM) company keeps a building safe, functional and presentable on behalf of its owner or occupier. Typical scope includes maintenance of building systems and fabric, cleaning and upkeep, waste handling, on-site support staff, inspections and reporting. City Integrated Services delivers these as ongoing contracts rather than one-off jobs.
What is integrated facilities management (IFM)?
Integrated facilities management is when one provider delivers multiple facilities services — for example maintenance, manpower, inspection, upkeep and waste — under a single contract, one supervisor and one reporting line. It removes the gaps and disputes that arise when each service has a different vendor. In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority encourages IFM as a more productive, outcome-based way to procure FM.
What is the difference between hard FM and soft FM?
Hard FM covers the physical building and its systems — mechanical & electrical plant, electrical, plumbing, civil and architectural repairs. Soft FM covers services that support the occupants and presentation of the building — cleaning, upkeep, waste, helpdesk and site staff. We deliver both under one contract.
What is included in a building annual maintenance contract (AMC)?
A typical AMC includes a scope matrix (systems and areas covered), a preventive servicing calendar, defined response and rectification windows for faults, labour for routine repairs and monthly reporting. Parts, consumables and major works are either included up to a cap (comprehensive) or charged as used (non-comprehensive). Our proposals state exactly which applies. See Annual & Contract Maintenance.
How much does building maintenance cost in Singapore?
Costs depend on scope, frequency, headcount, the size and age of the property and whether parts are included, so a single rate would be misleading. We survey the site and provide an itemised monthly fee, which lets you compare providers like-for-like. Predictable monthly pricing is one of the main reasons owners move from ad-hoc repairs to a contract.
Do you only take on contracts, or do you also do one-off repairs?
Our core business is ongoing maintenance and facility-support contracts. Contract clients receive priority attendance for repairs and ad-hoc works. We assess standalone projects for existing clients and for properties considering a contract with us.
How do I switch facilities vendors mid-contract?
Check the notice period in your current agreement, then engage us for a site survey and proposal in parallel. We plan mobilisation around your notice date, coordinate handover of keys, records and access with the incumbent, and mobilise so there is no gap in cover.
MCSTs, condominiums and managing agents
MCSTs, condominiums and managing agents
Who is responsible for maintaining common property in a condominium?
The management corporation (MCST) is responsible under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA) for maintaining the common property — lobbies, corridors, car parks, landscaping, M&E plant, façades and shared amenities. The council usually appoints a managing agent to administer this and engages contractors such as City Integrated Services to carry out the work. See MCSTs & Condominiums.
What is the difference between a managing agent and a maintenance contractor?
A managing agent administers the estate on behalf of the MCST — finances, meetings, by-laws, tendering and contractor supervision. A maintenance contractor carries out the physical work — maintenance, inspection, upkeep, waste and manpower. We are a maintenance contractor and work alongside managing agents or directly with councils.
What is a Periodic Façade Inspection and who pays for it?
Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) is a statutory inspection regime for buildings above a certain height and age, carried out by qualified professionals at intervals set by BCA. For a strata development it is the MCST’s responsibility and is funded from the estate’s funds. Routine inspection and upkeep contracts help keep accessible elements in good order and maintain the records that support these statutory inspections.
How do you report to an MCST council?
With a monthly service report — checklists, photo evidence, defect status and works completed — plus periodic reviews, written so it can be circulated to council members and tabled at meetings without editing.
Compliance, licensing and safety
Compliance, licensing and safety
Do I need an NEA-licensed waste collector for my building?
Yes. In Singapore the collection and transport of general waste from premises must be carried out by a licensed General Waste Collector under NEA regulations. Our waste management contracts ensure collection is performed under the required licence by licensed collectors we appoint and coordinate, and your proposal states who holds it.
Is BCA registration required for facilities management companies?
BCA’s Facilities Management registry (FM01 for integrated FM/managing agent services, FM02 for housekeeping and cleansing, and related workheads) is required to tender for public-sector FM contracts. It is optional for private-sector work but a useful signal of capability. Registration and certification details are provided with our proposals as they are attained or renewed.
What is bizSAFE and why does it matter?
bizSAFE is the Workplace Safety and Health Council’s programme that recognises a company’s workplace safety and health capabilities in levels. Many building owners and MCSTs require contractors to hold a bizSAFE level. City Integrated Services holds bizSAFE STAR — the highest level — and is ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified; every scope we deliver has a risk assessment and method statement in line with the WSH Act.
Do you handle regulated electrical and plumbing works?
Yes. Electrical works are carried out by licensed electrical workers (LEW) and sanitary/plumbing works by PUB-licensed plumbers, as required in Singapore. Specialist systems (lifts, fire protection, ACMV OEM servicing) are coordinated and supervised as part of your contract.
What is the Progressive Wage Model and does it affect my contract price?
The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sets minimum wage and training requirements for workers in sectors such as cleaning, security, landscape and waste management, with scheduled increases. Where our staff fall under a PWM sector, compliance is built into our pricing so you are not exposed to non-compliance risk. It is one reason cleaning-related costs rise over time across the industry.
Manpower and day-to-day operations
Manpower and day-to-day operations
Can I outsource building technicians instead of hiring?
Yes. With contract manpower you get technicians, handymen or cleaners on your site full-time or part-time while they remain employed by City Integrated Services. You direct the daily work; we handle recruitment, payroll, statutory contributions, insurance, leave cover and replacements.
Can you provide hotel housekeeping on a contract?
Yes. We supply trained room attendants, public-area cleaners, night crews and housekeeping supervisors to hotels, serviced apartments and co-living operators — as a full housekeeping contract or as top-up cover for peak occupancy and staffing gaps. Staff stay on our payroll and work to your room standard, with checklist inspections and monthly reporting. See Hotel Housekeeping Services.
How often should a commercial building be inspected?
Common areas and plant rooms are typically walked weekly or fortnightly, with a more detailed monthly inspection and a periodic condition report. Frequency depends on the age of the property, footfall and the systems installed; we recommend a schedule after the initial survey. See Routine Inspection.
How quickly can you mobilise a team for a new site?
After a site survey and an agreed scope, most contracts mobilise within a few weeks — faster for manpower-only deployments. Staffing, inductions, method statements and risk assessments are completed before day one, and handover from your outgoing vendor is coordinated where needed.
What happens after hours or in an emergency?
Cover hours are set in the contract; outside those hours contract clients have an emergency callout arrangement for urgent issues such as leaks, power faults or access problems.
Which areas of Singapore do you cover?
Islandwide — central, east, west and north Singapore, including industrial estates and business parks. Contracts can be site-specific or cover a multi-site portfolio.
Still have a question?
Tell us about your property and we will answer it properly — usually with a site visit and a scoped proposal.