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"The Government is determined to ensure building safety and to achieve this, it is essential for owners to inspect and maintain their properties regularly," he said.
He stressed that proper maintenance of buildings was not only in the interest of public safety but also enhanced their value.
"We propose an inspection cycle of five, seven and ten years for industrial/godown, domestic/composite and commercial buildings respectively," Dr Choi said.
"Inspection of buildings should focus on structural strength and stability, conditions of the external wall finishes, adequacy of the fire resistant construction and means of escape for ensuring fire safety, and whether there is overloading of building structures," he said.
Under the voluntary inspection scheme, the Buildings Department will send letters to building owners or owners' corporations encouraging them to appoint Authorised Persons or Registered Structural Engineers to inspect their properties.
A practice note is being prepared for issue to building professionals, setting out clear technical guidelines and standards for inspection, assessment and repairs.
This will form the basis for the inspections to be carried out by building professionals and subsequent scrutiny by the Buildings Department.
"We will consider issuing a letter of satisfaction, which can be registered with the Land Registry upon receipt of an inspection report from the Authorised Person or Registered Structural Engineer demonstrating that a building is in a satisfactory condition," Dr Choi said.
"The letter of satisfaction may provide an incentive for voluntary inspection as it can give a certain degree of safety assurance and may also have a bearing on the decisions of prospective property buyers and tenants, and on financial institutions in considering mortgage applications," he said.
"Where the inspection reports recommend maintenance or repair works, we will examine the recommendations as to whether such works are necessary. The owners will then either be advised on the works, or if the situation so warrants, be served with repair orders," he added.
The proposed Building Safety Inspection Scheme also includes provisions for mandatory inspection of buildings over 20 years of age.