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Building and Construction Authority

Design for Maintainability (DfM)

Learn how Design for Maintainability contributes to safe, cost-effective, and sustainable buildings with practical guides on best practices, for all stakeholders.

Last updated 18 March 2026
Team discussing building plans around a table with a hard hat and calculator

Design for Maintainability (DfM) is the first step for an effective and sustainable maintenance programme. It integrates maintenance needs and goals into the design process, ensuring that future maintenance tasks are efficient, safe, and economical throughout a building’s lifespan.

Benefits of DfM

The benefits of DfM for building stakeholders range from life-cycle cost savings to ensuring comfort for building occupants.

Benefits of DfM

Ways to implement DfM best practices

In collaboration with the industry, BCA has created several resources to help project parties integrate DfM considerations into their projects. These resources (available below) are applicable for new buildings and existing buildings undergoing A&A.

  • Green Mark 2021 - DfM is integrated within GM:2021 as the Maintainability (Mt) Section

    • Who is it for?
      Developers, Designers, Facilities Managers

    • How does it work?
      The Maintainability (Mt) Section provides a tool to assess how well a building design supports labour-efficient and cost-effective maintenance.

  • Facade Access Design Guide (FADG) [PDF, 4.6 MB] (opens in new tab)

    • Who is it for?
      Developers, Designers, Facilities Managers

    • How does it work?
      The FADG presents upstream strategies for safe and efficient maintenance access to buildings’ facades.

  • Good Practice Guide for Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Building Fixtures [PDF, 2.1 MB] (opens in new tab)

    • Who is it for?
      Building Owners, Facilities Managers

    • How does it work?
      The guide outlines best practices and standards for designing, maintaining and installing robust building fixtures, especially in public and exposed areas, and emphasises regular inspections to ensure safety, prevent defects, and avoid operational disruptions.