If you are staring at a rusted window hinge or a bare HDB balcony and wondering who to call, the first thing to know is that not every handyman can legally do this work. The single most important filter when you pick a window contractor Singapore homeowners can trust is BCA approval, because replacing windows in an HDB flat legally requires a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB. Everything else, price, materials, lead time, comes after that.
I run a web design studio here, so over the years I have built and audited websites for plenty of home-services businesses, window and grille contractors included. That means I have spent a lot of time reading how these firms position themselves, which certifications they actually hold, and where the gap between the marketing and the regulation tends to show. This list is my personal read on the eight I would trust for my own flat, split between proper BCA-approved window contractors and the specialist invisible grille installers.
One thing to keep straight from the start: window replacement and grille installation are different scopes. A BCA-approved window contractor swaps out your actual windows, while a grille specialist fits safety grilles onto the openings. Some firms do both, many do only one. This guide sits inside my wider guide to the best renovation contractors in Singapore, so start there if you are doing a full home refresh and work back to windows.
Key Takeaways
- 1 Replacing HDB windows legally requires a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB, so that accreditation is the single most important thing to check before you sign anything.
- 2 Window replacement and grille installation are two different scopes. Many invisible grille installers are not BCA-approved window contractors, so confirm which job you are actually buying.
- 3 Aluminium is the standard for window frames in Singapore because it resists our humidity, while uPVC is rarer and usually specified for extra noise or heat insulation.
- 4 For grilles, invisible grille uses tensioned stainless steel cables that keep your view and airflow, while traditional metal grilles are cheaper and sturdier but block the outlook.
- 5 Child-safety and anti-fall protection is the whole point of a grille, so check cable spacing, locking mechanisms and the warranty on the wire before you compare on price alone.
BCA windows, invisible grilles or traditional grilles: what you are actually buying
Before you compare firms, work out which job you are hiring for, because the contractor, the licensing and the price all change depending on the answer. There are three common jobs in Singapore and they are not interchangeable.
Window replacement is swapping out the window itself, the frame, the glass and the mechanism. This is the regulated one. In an HDB flat it legally has to be done by a BCA-approved window contractor who then pulls the HDB renovation permit for the work. Frames are almost always aluminium here because it shrugs off our humidity, and the two main styles are casement, which swings open on a hinge, and sliding, which runs on a track. If you want extra sound or heat insulation you might hear about uPVC, but it is far less common in Singapore homes.
Invisible grille installation fits horizontal tensioned stainless steel cables across a window or balcony opening. It keeps your view, your airflow and the building facade, which is why it has taken over from bulky metal grilles in newer flats and condos. The safety comes from tight cable spacing and the locking end mechanisms, so this is the child-safety and anti-fall option that does not feel like living behind bars.
Traditional grille installation is the old-school powder-coated mild-steel or aluminium grille. It is cheaper, physically sturdier and comes in decorative designs, but it blocks part of your outlook and can feel heavy. It is still a solid choice for ground-floor units or anyone who wants a visible physical barrier. Whichever grille you pick, the glass matters too: tempered glass shatters into blunt granules while laminated glass holds together on impact, and both are safer than plain annealed glass in a home with kids.
1. ZGH Aluminium
ZGH Aluminium is where I would start most people who need actual windows replaced, because it ticks the one box that matters first: it is a certified BCA and HDB window contractor, so it can legally handle HDB window replacement and pull the permit for you. It has been manufacturing for around 19 years and makes its windows in-house, which is why the pricing stays competitive.
The range covers casement, sliding, top-hung, louvre and bifold windows, but the signature product is a swing-and-slide window that rotates 180 degrees so you can clean the outside pane from inside your flat, which is a genuinely useful feature above the third storey. Reviews consistently praise fast quotes, tidy installation and a quick turnaround from measurement to fitting, and it sits above 4.7 stars on Google. For a straight window replacement done properly, this is my lead pick.

Website: zghaluminium.com
Location: Singapore, serving islandwide
Google Rating: 4.7 stars
Best known for: BCA and HDB approved aluminium window replacement, plus its 180-degree swing-and-slide window
2. Express Windows
Express Windows is the other BCA-certified window contractor I would happily shortlist for a replacement job. It brings over 20 years of construction experience and works across HDB, private and commercial properties, so it is comfortable on everything from a single BTO window to a whole condo.
The core offering is aluminium windows in casement, sliding and top-hung formats, and it rounds that out with window grilles, aluminium doors, shutters, entrance gates and shower screens, so it can handle a few adjacent jobs in one visit. Customers tend to mention reasonable pricing and professionalism, which is exactly the low-drama combination you want when a licensed trade is drilling into your facade. If ZGH is booked out, this is the one I would call next.

Website: expresswindows.com.sg
Location: Tampines North, serving islandwide
Best known for: BCA-certified aluminium window installation and maintenance across HDB, private and commercial
3. Top 1 Singapore Safety Window
Top 1 has been a BCA and HDB approved window contractor since 2010, and it is the pick I would flag for anyone who wants both new windows and safety grilles from a single accredited firm. Because it is properly licensed on the window side, you get the permit-handling and compliance that a pure grille installer simply cannot offer.
The catalogue is broad: sliding, casement, top-hung and Naco aluminium windows, plus window grilles, invisible grilles, bi-fold doors and aluminium gates. It leans hard on child and pet-safe grille options, which is the right emphasis for a family flat. If you are doing a fuller window-and-grille package and would rather not juggle two contractors, Top 1 is a sensible one-stop option.

Website: top1window.com.sg
Location: Yishun (North Spring Bizhub)
Best known for: BCA and HDB approved windows and child and pet-safe grilles under one roof
4. Home Aluminium
Home Aluminium has been an HDB-licensed and BCA-approved contractor since 2009, and it is my value pick among the accredited window firms. It sells factory-direct, which is how it keeps prices competitive, and it makes a point of not charging GST, so the quote you see is closer to the number you pay.
It focuses squarely on HDB flats, offering sliding, casement and top-hung aluminium windows alongside slim pet-friendly and cat-proof grilles. There are 200-plus customer reviews behind it and free site surveys, which is the right way to buy windows because a proper measurement on site is non-negotiable. If your priority is a licensed contractor at a sharp price for a straightforward HDB window swap, start here.

Website: homealuminiumsg.com
Location: Singapore, serving islandwide
Best known for: Factory-direct HDB window replacement at value pricing, no GST
5. Invisible Grille Concept
Now we move from windows to grilles. Invisible Grille Concept, or IGC, is one of the pioneering invisible grille providers in Singapore, established back in October 2009, so it has fitted a lot of balconies and windows over the years. It is worth being clear here: IGC is a grille specialist, not a BCA window contractor, so it is who you call for safety grilles, not for replacing the window itself.
The system covers fixed, sliding, swing and bi-fold grille types for balconies, living rooms, bedrooms and even offices and warehouses, with individual locking mechanisms on each cable end and a high-tension capacity for real anti-fall protection. Materials are anti-rust and anti-dust with a no-maintenance pitch, and reviewers regularly mention responsive salespeople and quick, sometimes same-day, installation. For a well-established grille installer with a long track record, IGC is an easy recommendation.

Website: igc.sg
Location: Kaki Bukit (First East Centre)
Best known for: One of Singapore’s pioneering invisible grille specialists with fast installation
6. Diamond Grille Systems
Diamond Grille Systems, or DGS, is the invisible grille specialist I would point safety-first buyers to. Instead of standard stainless steel, it uses Switzerland-made ultra-high-strength mono-core solid wires with no plastic coating, which it says carry two to three times the tensile strength of conventional 304 or 316 stainless. Each wire is independently anchored, so there is redundancy built in rather than a single cable doing all the work.
It offers fixed and openable grilles in casement, bi-fold and sliding formats, plus dedicated cat-proof, dog-proof, monkey-proof and bird-protection options, which is handy near the fringes of nature reserves. The warranty is a standout: 15 years on the wire anti-rust protection with three years on the frame and track. If you want the toughest grille on this list and are willing to pay a little more for it, DGS is the one.

Website: dgs.com.sg
Location: Kallang (Kallang Pudding Road)
Best known for: High-tension Swiss wire invisible grilles with a 15-year wire warranty
Contact Diamond Grille Systems directly
Recommended reads
7. DeGrille
DeGrille is my value pick on the grille side, the counterpart to Home Aluminium on the window side. It markets some of the lowest invisible grille rates in Singapore while still using 316 marine-grade stainless steel cables, which is the highest grade commonly offered, with a 2mm 7x7 cable core.
You choose your coating and the warranty follows it: five years on nylon, six on Teflon and seven on the nano coating, so you can dial the spend up or down. Its installers carry over eight years of experience, and the firm also handles auto gates, awnings and general metalwork if you have adjacent jobs. If you want a keenly priced invisible grille without dropping to an unknown installer, DeGrille is a smart middle ground.

Website: degrille.com.sg
Location: Changi North (i-lofts@changi)
Best known for: Affordable 316 stainless invisible grilles with coating-based warranty tiers
8. Secret Furnishing
Secret Furnishing rounds out the list as the crossover pick, useful if you are furnishing a whole home rather than solving one opening. It is best known as a curtains and blinds specialist, but it also fits invisible grilles with a 10-year warranty, so you can sort out grilles and window dressings from the same in-house team.
It runs two factories in Woodlands, manufactures and installs in-house, and carries a 4.9-star rating across more than a thousand verified reviews, which is a strong signal for a home-furnishing brand. Just be clear on scope: this is a grille and furnishing provider, not a BCA window contractor, so pair it with one of the accredited firms above if you also need the windows themselves replaced. For grilles plus curtains in one booking, it is genuinely convenient, and you can read more in my guide to the best curtains and blinds in Singapore.

Website: secretfurnishing.co
Location: Woodlands
Google Rating: 4.9 stars (1,000+ reviews)
Best known for: Invisible grilles with a 10-year warranty alongside curtains and blinds
My window and grille contractor comparison at a glance
| Contractor | Scope | Materials | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZGH Aluminium | BCA window contractor | Aluminium windows | HDB window replacement, swing-and-slide windows |
| Express Windows | BCA window contractor | Aluminium windows and doors | HDB, private and commercial windows |
| Top 1 Safety Window | BCA window contractor + grilles | Aluminium windows and grilles | Windows and safety grilles in one firm |
| Home Aluminium | BCA window contractor | Aluminium windows and slim grilles | Value HDB window replacement, no GST |
| Invisible Grille Concept | Invisible grille specialist | Stainless steel cables | Established grille installer, fast fitting |
| Diamond Grille Systems | Invisible grille specialist | Swiss high-tension wire | Toughest grille, pet-proof, long wire warranty |
| DeGrille | Invisible grille specialist | 316 marine-grade stainless | Affordable invisible grilles |
| Secret Furnishing | Grille + furnishing | Invisible grille + curtains | Grilles and window dressings together |
How much do windows and grilles cost in Singapore?
| Item | Typical price (S$) |
|---|---|
| Invisible grille, fixed (per window opening) | S$160 to S$300 |
| Invisible grille, openable (per window opening) | S$400 to S$600 |
| Invisible grille (per square foot) | S$8 to S$18 psf |
| Balcony invisible grille (fixed) | S$480 to S$3,000 by span |
| Traditional metal window grille (per window) | S$150 to S$450 by design |
| Aluminium window replacement, casement (per window) | S$450 to S$900+ |
| Aluminium window replacement, sliding (per window) | S$400 to S$800+ |
| Whole HDB flat window replacement | S$2,000 to S$5,000+ by flat size |
Prices move with the window style, the glass grade, cable spacing, coating and whether your unit is central or out of the way, so always confirm the full quote after a site survey. As a rule, sliding grilles and openable grilles cost more than fixed ones, casement windows sit slightly above sliding on price, and a full-flat window replacement is where the BCA permit and installation labour really add up.
What I look for in a window and grille contractor in Singapore
- BCA approval for window work. This is the non-negotiable one. Replacing windows in an HDB flat legally requires a BCA-approved window contractor, and you can and should verify a firm on the Building and Construction Authority and HDB directories before you sign. A grille installer without this cannot legally replace your windows.
- The right scope for the job. Windows and grilles are different trades. Do not assume your invisible grille installer can also swap your window frame, and do not expect a window contractor to have the best grille cable system. Match the firm to the job.
- An on-site measurement. Any contractor worth hiring measures your openings on site before quoting. Windows and grilles are made to fit, so a quote given over the phone from a floor plan is a red flag.
- A real warranty in writing. For grilles, that means years on the wire anti-rust protection specifically, not just the frame. For windows, ask about the frame, the mechanism and workmanship separately.
- Child-safety details. Cable spacing, locking end mechanisms and cable tension are what actually stop a fall. Get these specified, especially if you have young children or pets.
How I put this list together
I am not a window or grille contractor and nobody paid to be on this list. I built it the way I research any home-services category: reading through Google reviews, local guides and forum threads, checking each firm's live website for what it actually offers, and paying close attention to the one detail most listicles skip, which is whether the firm is genuinely a BCA-approved window contractor or an invisible grille specialist.
That distinction is the backbone of this guide, because a lot of grille installers market themselves in a way that blurs it. Ratings, warranties and prices shift over time, so treat the figures here as a guide rather than a quote, and confirm the current numbers and the firm’s accreditation directly before you book. My aim was simple: give you a shortlist I would use myself, sorted by strength within each scope.
Do I need a BCA-approved contractor to replace HDB windows?
Yes. Replacing windows in an HDB flat legally requires a BCA-approved window contractor who is listed in HDB’s directory of renovation contractors, and that contractor must apply for an HDB renovation permit before starting the work. This is not a formality. It is a safety rule that follows years of window-related accidents, and using an unapproved handyman for window replacement can leave you liable. You can verify a contractor on the BCA and HDB e-Services before you engage them. Invisible grille installation on its own does not carry the same window-contractor requirement, but replacing the actual window does.
How much does window replacement cost in Singapore?
For a single aluminium window, expect roughly S$400 to S$900 or more depending on whether it is casement or sliding, the size, and the glass grade. A whole HDB flat window replacement typically lands between S$2,000 and S$5,000 or more by flat size, since that includes the BCA-approved contractor’s labour and the HDB permit. Casement windows usually cost a little more than sliding ones of the same size, and laminated or acoustic glass adds to the bill. Always get an itemised quote after an on-site measurement rather than a ballpark over the phone.
What is the difference between invisible grille and traditional grille?
An invisible grille uses horizontal tensioned stainless steel cables spaced a few centimetres apart, so it protects the opening while keeping your view, airflow and the building facade almost unobstructed. A traditional grille is a powder-coated mild-steel or aluminium frame with visible vertical or decorative bars. Traditional grilles are cheaper and physically sturdier as a solid barrier, but they block part of your outlook. Invisible grilles cost more and need occasional cable checks, but most families in newer flats and condos prefer them for the unobstructed look and the child-safety they still provide.
Is aluminium or uPVC better for windows in Singapore?
For most Singapore homes, aluminium is the practical default. It resists our heat and humidity, will not warp or rot, is low-maintenance and is what the vast majority of BCA-approved contractors here install. uPVC is more common in cooler climates and is chosen occasionally in Singapore for extra sound or heat insulation, but it is rarer, harder to source and sits at a premium. Unless you have a specific noise or insulation problem to solve, aluminium casement or sliding windows are the sensible choice, and you can focus your energy on picking the right glass grade instead.
How do I choose between casement and sliding windows?
Casement windows swing outward on a hinge, so they open fully for maximum ventilation and seal tightly when closed, which helps with noise and rain, but they need clear space outside to swing and cost a little more. Sliding windows run horizontally on a track, take up no external space, and are simpler and often cheaper, but they only ever open to half the width and can let in slightly more sound. In practice, casement suits bedrooms and living rooms where airflow matters, while sliding suits kitchens, service yards and spots where an outward swing would get in the way. Your BCA-approved contractor can advise on what your specific opening allows.
The best window contractor Singapore can offer you depends entirely on the job. For actual window replacement, start with a BCA-approved firm like ZGH Aluminium, Express Windows, Top 1 or Home Aluminium, because that accreditation is legally required and non-negotiable. For safety grilles, Invisible Grille Concept, Diamond Grille Systems and DeGrille each lead on a different thing, established track record, toughest wire, and value, while Secret Furnishing is the pick if you want grilles and curtains together.
Whichever you choose, verify the BCA and HDB accreditation yourself, insist on an on-site measurement, and get the warranty in writing with the wire or mechanism named specifically. Get those three right and you will avoid almost every common headache. For the rest of your home, my guide to the best interior design firms in Singapore is the natural next read.
And if it is your window or grille business that needs to win more of these enquiries, that is my actual day job. A fast, clear website that puts your BCA accreditation, real reviews and photos up front does a lot of the selling for you. Take a look at my web design services in Singapore, or get a quote and I will tell you honestly what would move the needle.
Spotted something out of date in this guide?
Suggest an edit or a business to add. This guide is pre-filled for you.
Professional Opinion-haver
Terris
Chief Recommender · I do the digging so you don't have to
Terris is a Singapore-based web designer and digital strategist who has spent 8+ years building websites for local businesses. His Terris Recommends series shares personal picks for the best service providers across Singapore, informed by his experience working with businesses across industries.
Want to see these strategies in action? Browse our portfolio or get in touch to discuss your project.