Are you wondering how to balance between safety and aesthetics during your next home renovation? Have you considered invisible grilles? It can be a bit costlier than standard grills. Keep reading to know how to estimate costs for invisible grilles.
Introduction
Safety and style are two major considerations during house renovations. The safety needs revolve around keeping occupants and surroundings safe. The aesthetic needs are about having a safe and functional space that is also visually appealing. Grilles are used for creating protective barriers while also making the space more visually appealing.
You can get grilles of various materials and designs. There are also different installation options. They can fit diverse personal preferences and architectural expressions. In relation to this, invisible grills are becoming extremely popular for offering the right balance between safety and aesthetics.
What Are Invisible Grilles?
Invisible grills are modern safety barriers. They are generally installed in windows and balconies. They are also used as stair barriers. These grills are typically built with slim but high-tensile cables. These cables are made of stainless steel or aluminium. Materials like nylon and PVC may also be used for coating.
You get a secure barrier that does not obstruct your view of the outside. It also makes your house look more visually appealing. This is why you will find most modern high-rise buildings installing invisible grilles.
Why Include Invisible Grilles In Your Renovation Budget?
It is understandable that invisible grills are visually appealing safety barriers. But how exactly do they offer a balance between safety and visual appeal? What about functionality? Let’s find out.
Safety For Children & Pets
Injury is the 5th leading factor behind the demise of children in Singapore. Around 15% to 37% of visits to the emergency department are due to it. But do you know that fall is the main reason behind the injuries? Falling from height is a big reason behind the death and disability of Singaporean children.
Even your pets are not safe. In Singapore, around 140 pets dropped from high points in 2024. These incidents were due to the failure of the owners to secure the house. Investigations revealed that simply installing grilles could have prevented the incidents.
Invisible grilles will let your children explore the outside safely. It will also allow your house-pet to peek without the risk of plunging.
Secure Perimeter With Unobstructed Views
The airflow or sunlight to your house will not be obstructed by invisible grilles. And your home will appear stylish and modern. Both visitors and onlookers will feel the visual appeal of your house.
Unobstructed views do not mean unobstructed entry. The gap between wires in invisible grills is large enough not to block your view. Yet the gaps are small enough not to allow objects and individuals to pass through.
Modern Aesthetics
The best part is that invisible grilles do not look forced. They seamlessly integrate with modern architecture. So they appear as aesthetic installations rather than perimeter security solutions. A collection of finishes is available for you to select from. You can further enhance your home aesthetics by carefully choosing the finishes.
Added Resale Value
Invisible grills make homes safer and more aesthetic. Your abode will become more desirable to interested purchasers. The aesthetic appeal and safety features also draw in more interested buyers. Both the value and demand of your house will increase. So, don’t you think an invisible grill is a good investment?
Low Maintenance Advantages
Invisible grills may appear slim. But don’t let that make you underestimate its strength. They are made of very tough, treated metal like stainless steel. They are resistant to wear and tear. They are also known for their sturdiness.
Sometimes they also come with extra layers of coating. This reduces the exposure of the metal wires to elements of nature. So they are well preserved and long-lasting. They are also rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. A simple wipe-down with a wet cloth is enough for maintenance.
Factors Determining The Cost Of Invisible Grilles
Are you wondering about invisible grille prices for balconies? Remember that these grills come with different builds and finishes. Let’s go through the factors determining the invisible grille price in Singapore.
Size & Area Coverage
It is very obvious that more materials mean more cost. So, prices of the invisible grilles go up for larger windows and balconies. You will need longer or wider grills to cover more area. More materials will go into these longer and wider grilles.
You can calculate the invisible grille price for the balcony by first measuring how much area will be covered. Then know the price per square foot. The total cost of the grill will be clear to you.
Installation Complexity
The complexity of installation can determine how much you will pay for the invisible grille. The labour cost will be higher if the installation has to be done at a great height. Installing at difficult-to-access sites can also increase labour costs. Such complex installations typically require advanced equipment and highly trained personnel.
The cost of installation can also increase if custom shapes are required. You will require custom-made grills to fit specific shapes or dimensions. The cost of installation will be higher also if you opt for modular grills.
Material & Cable Thickness
The amount of material used depends on the length and width of the grillwork. And more material goes into making grills with thick cables. You will find an invisible grille with varying levels of thickness. Some are designed for minimal obstruction of view. Others are made thicker for more perimeter security.
The thicker grills require more material. So the price will go up. But thickness only matters in pricing when comparing the same grades of material. For example, Grade 316 stainless steel can resist corrosion better. It is costlier. Grade 304 is less expensive. But it is prone to corrosion.
Installation cost will also depend on the type and amount of materials used for coating the metal wires.
Locking Mechanism Or Custom Features
The cost of installation will be higher if you choose special locking systems and custom features. For example, the magnetic locking option is usually costlier than swing-open panels.
Getting childproof locks will also cost you more. The cost will vary based on the specific model of lock rather than the type. The type of lock you can use may also depend on building codes.
Brand & Warranty
Big brands will try to offer you good quality products while trying to make them as inexpensive as they can. But it is safe to say that reputable installers offer better quality and services. So you will face higher costs if you choose reputable brands.
The bigger brands also offer a warranty. The quality and warranty can offset the high cost of installation from good brands.
Budgeting Tips
So you know what factors determine invisible grille prices in Singapore. Now, check out some budgeting tips before getting a quote.
- The cost of invisible grills can vary by brand and type. So, obtain price quotes from 2 to 3 different suppliers.
- Don’t make a decision based on just the cost of the grill. Also, consider the cost of labour.
- Before settling with a supplier, ask for the cost of a grill per square foot. Ask for the labour cost and installation time as well. Calculate the total cost yourself once.
- There can be hidden costs. Or complications may arise during installation. So you are recommended to set a 10% to 15% buffer aside.
The Right Time To Install During Renovation
Let’s talk about the best time to install invisible grilles during renovation.
After Fitting Window & Before Paintwork
Install invisible grills after the window is ready. You will be able to measure the windows to ensure proper fit of the grills. But finish the installation before the paintwork. It will help you paint the house and grilles at once.
After Discussion With Other Contractors
It will help to install invisible grills in coordination with other renovation work. The grille installers must coordinate with window installers and painters. There can be reworks and avoidable complications if coordination is not established between the three parties.
Alternatives & Cost Comparisons
Are you thinking about the invisible grill versus the normal grill cost? What about their aesthetics and safety? And what about mesh screens versus tempered glass? Check this comparison table to get a quick overview.
| Standard grills | Invisible grille | Mesh screens | Tempered glass | |
| Material cost | Medium | High | Low | High |
| Installation cost | Low | Medium | Low | High |
| Fall safety | High | High | Low | High |
| Entry barrier | High | High | Low | Medium |
| View obstruction | Medium | Low | High | None |
| Aesthetics | Low | High | Low | High |
| Durability/ Strength | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
| Corrosion/ Rust resistance | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance needs | Medium | Low | High | Low |
| Property value | Medium | High | Low | High |
| Privacy without treatment | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Final Thoughts?
Invisible grilles are smart and modern solutions to make your home safe for children and pets. They offer better aesthetics and less obstructed views than standard grills and mesh screens. They are also less costly to install than tempered glass in general.
Invisible grills are also corrosion and rust-resistant. They can also not be damaged easily by intruders. The value of your house will also increase with superior aesthetics. You can also apply different treatments to enhance strength or privacy. So, make sure you get invisible grills during your home renovation.
