Windows and grilles: who may replace them and what the rules say

Windows are one of the few renovation jobs with the same rule in every building in Singapore: they must be installed by a BCA approved window contractor. Falling windows kill, which is why the rules are strict.

The rule for every home

Under the Building Control Regulations, anyone installing a window on any building must engage an approved window contractor or a builder, and “installing” includes repairing, replacing and modifying. BCA adds that:

• the work must be done by a trained window installer;
• an approved window contractor is a firm registered with BCA’s Contractors Registry under workhead RW01;
• the contractor must give you the completion report, and submit the certificate of completion within 14 days of finishing;
• replacing or reinstating a safety barrier built into a window needs a Professional Engineer to submit structural plans, unless BCA’s standard designs are used.

BCA’s window safety page links to its list of approved window contractors, and HDB lists those allowed to work in HDB flats.

HDB flats

• All window replacement needs an HDB permit, applied for by a BCA approved window contractor listed in HDB’s directory. Window-only works must be finished within 2 weeks of the permit date.
• Replacement windows must match HDB’s originals in colour scheme, dimensions and type.
• Full-height windows, including three-quarter-height and bay windows, can’t be replaced, unless a damaged frame needs full replacement.
• Safety barriers built into three-quarter or full-height windows must not be removed unless they’re damaged.
• Window film must be non-reflective, or no more than 20% reflectance.
• Casement windows aren’t allowed where the flat’s façade faces the common corridor.

Condos

• Windows that open (louvres, casement, sliding or with any movable part) are part of your unit; other windows on the exterior walls are common property unless your strata title plan says otherwise.
• BCA says altering features fixed on the outside of the building, such as windows, isn’t allowed without approval from the MCST and the relevant agencies.
• Grilles: you may install safety equipment, including window grilles or screens, whatever the by-laws say. You must install them competently, repair any damage to common property, and make them look in keeping with the building. BCA’s strata guide says the MCST can introduce design guidelines so grilles look uniform.

Landed houses

URA needs no planning permission to replace windows and doors if the floor area doesn’t increase, the setback isn’t reduced and the windows stay in the same position. Replacing windows is also an insignificant building work for BCA. The approved-window-contractor rule still applies.

Looking after windows

BCA asks owners to check and maintain their windows at least once every six months. In past announcements, BCA has said homeowners face a penalty of up to S$5,000, six months’ jail, or both, for not replacing all aluminium rivets in casement windows (required since 2004), and up to S$10,000, a year in jail, or both, if a window falls through lack of maintenance.

SpaceToReno is run by the team behind Junk to Clear, which also handles renovations. Where a guide links to Junk to Clear or a sister site, it’s because that step calls for the service, and the sentence says so. Enquiries sent through the form go to the same team. How SpaceToReno works