Singapore has a well-developed home services industry with hundreds of providers for aircon servicing, cleaning, plumbing, handyman work, and renovation. The challenge isn't finding a provider — it's finding a reliable one. Here's how to navigate the market.
The Singapore Home Services Landscape
The market broadly breaks into three tiers:
Large platforms (aggregators) Companies like Kaodim, Helpling, Sendhelper, and Amazon Home Services aggregate dozens of vetted contractors. You submit a request, they send quotes from multiple providers, you choose. Good for getting a market rate, but you may not always know who actually shows up.
Direct specialist companies Many Singaporeans prefer to use direct aircon companies (e.g., Billy Aircon, Whisper Cool, Marvellous Aircon) or cleaning companies (Sureclean, Luce) with a track record. These companies employ their own technicians and are accountable for quality.
Individual freelancers Found on Carousell, Facebook groups, or referrals. Often the cheapest option, but with variable quality and no accountability structure. Good for simple tasks (furniture assembly, minor touch-up painting) where the stakes are low.
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Aircon Servicing
What to look for in a provider
- LEC (Licensing & Endorsement Certificates) for refrigerant handling — mandatory for gas top-ups
- Experience with your specific brand (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, etc.)
- Transparent pricing per unit (not a vague "from $X")
- Servicing contract options (quarterly visits are cheapest when bundled)
What to provide when getting a quote
- Number of indoor units
- Unit type (wall-mounted split, cassette, ceiling/ducted)
- Brand(s)
- Service type (general cleaning, chemical wash, gas top-up)
- Preferred date and time slot
Red flags
- Technician recommends chemical overhaul on the first visit without clear justification
- No written receipt after service
- Pressure to buy an extended contract on the spot
- Unable to explain what they did during the service
Typical costs:
- General service (per unit): $25–$45
- Chemical wash (per unit): $80–$120
- Chemical overhaul (per unit): $150–$250
- Gas top-up: $80–$180
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Home Cleaning
Types of cleaning services in Singapore
Regular cleaning (part-time cleaner) A part-time cleaner comes weekly or fortnightly to clean floors, surfaces, bathrooms, and kitchen. Most part-time cleaners in Singapore are Malaysian or Filipino nationals on valid work permits. They charge $15–$25/hour, with a typical 3-room flat taking 3–4 hours.
Agency vs. independent cleaners Hiring through an agency provides accountability and replacement coverage if the cleaner is sick. Independent cleaners are often cheaper ($12–$18/hour) but have no backup. Check that any cleaner you hire has a valid work pass (MOM requires this).
Deep cleaning / spring cleaning Full top-to-bottom clean of all surfaces, inside appliances, inside cabinets, and windows. Takes 6–10 hours for a 4-room HDB. Costs $250–$500 depending on property size.
Post-renovation cleaning Specialised service to remove construction dust, grout haze, and packaging residue after renovation. Priced per sqft at $0.25–$0.50/sqft. Always required after any significant renovation before moving in.
Move-in / move-out cleaning Standard deep clean with particular attention to kitchen degreasing and bathroom scale removal. Typically $200–$400 for an HDB flat.
What to clarify before booking
- Does the cleaner bring their own supplies and equipment, or do you supply?
- Is the rate per hour or per visit (fixed rate)?
- Are add-ons (oven, fridge interior, windows) included or extra?
- What's the cancellation/rescheduling policy?
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Plumbing
Singapore plumbers are generally licensed by PUB. For works involving modifications to water supply pipes (not just unblocking or replacement of fittings), a licensed plumber must be engaged.
When to call a plumber:
- Choked drains that don't clear with a plunger
- Leaking pipes or joints
- Water heater issues
- Basin or toilet replacement
- Any suspected concealed pipe leak
Call-out rates:
- Weekday daytime: $50–$80 call-out + labour
- Evening/weekend: $80–$150 call-out + labour
- Emergency (nights, public holidays): $120–$250 call-out
Always get a written quote before work begins. A reputable plumber will not start work without agreeing on scope and cost first.
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Handyman Services
Singapore handymen handle a wide range of tasks, but some work requires licensed professionals:
| Task | Handyman OK? |
|---|---|
| Furniture assembly (IKEA etc.) | Yes |
| TV wall mounting | Yes |
| Curtain rod / blind installation | Yes |
| Door / lock replacement | Yes |
| Light fitting replacement (like-for-like) | Yes |
| New power points or rewiring | No — must be a licensed electrician (EMA-licensed) |
| Load-bearing wall removal | No — must be a licensed structural engineer |
| Gas pipe work | No — must be a licensed gas service worker |
HDB-specific note: Renovation work in HDB flats during restricted hours (before 9am, after 6pm on weekdays; Sundays and public holidays) is not permitted. This applies to handyman work that generates noise.
Booking tips:
- Provide photos of the work required — it allows the handyman to bring the right tools and give a more accurate quote
- For multiple tasks, ask for a combined rate — many handymen give a discount for a full day of work
- Always check if materials are included in the quote or additional
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Using SGLinkUp Services
The SGLinkUp Services tab lets you request quotes for all 8 home service categories with structured forms that ask exactly what providers need:
- Property type (HDB/condo/landed)
- Service specifics
- Urgency
- Unit size and access details
Your request is sent as a message to the SGLinkUp Services team, who connect you with vetted local providers. No cold calls, no spammy callbacks — just a structured quote process.