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FENSA certificates are essential for your windows and doors to meet UK building regulations.
If you’re a UK homeowner you will have come across this term during property renovations or transactions. Let’s get into everything you need to know about them.
What is FENSA?
FENSA stands for Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme, it’s a government approved scheme that monitors compliance with building regulations for window and door installations. It’s to ensure these installations are energy efficient and meet UK safety standards.
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What is a FENSA Certificate?
These are a key document issued by the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA), a government approved scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for new window and door installations.
This is proof that the installation has been done in accordance with building regulations, so your windows and doors meet the required safety and energy efficiency standards.
Since 1st April 2002 it has been a requirement for all new windows and doors to have a FENSA certificate, so it’s an important document for homeowners to prove compliance with building regulations.
FENSA Certificates and Building Regulations
A FENSA certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it’s your proof your windows and doors meet the regulations.
Here’s why:
- Compliance Proof: It proves your installations meet building regulations.
- Local Council Registration: It confirms your installations are registered with the local council.
- Property Value: It’s an asset when selling or upgrading your property.
FENSA Benefits
FENSA certification has many benefits for homeowners:
- Quality Assurance: It’s proof qualified professionals did the installation.
- Energy Efficiency: Certified installations are energy efficient, could save you money on your bills.
- Property Value: Being FENSA certified can add value to your property and appeal to buyers.
- Warranty Protection: The installer’s warranty is insured, extra protection for the homeowner.
What is a FENSA Certificate for?
It will cover the replacement of external windows, doors, roof windows and roof lights. This certificate is to confirm the installation was done correctly and the products used meet the required standards.
It also proves the installer has complied with the relevant building regulations, including energy efficiency and thermal performance.
FENSA covers all types of installations, casement, sash, tilt & turn windows, various types of doors and roof windows, so total compliance and quality assurance.
How to Get a Certificate
Getting a certificate is easy:
- Use a FENSA approved installer
- Have your windows or doors installed
- Wait for the installer to notify FENSA
- Receive your certificate within 15 working days
Or you can get a certificate online. This is quick and easy, just reorder the certificate through the FENSA website.
Just visit the website, enter your details and pay the fees. Ordering online is quicker and cheaper than using a solicitor.
FENSA Approved Installers for Replacement Windows
Using a FENSA approved installer has many benefits:
Self Certification: They can self certify their work, saves you time and money on separate inspections.
Quality Assurance: FENSA approved installers are regularly audited to maintain high standards.
Simplified Process: They do the certification for you, less paperwork and hassle for you.
FENSA Certificate Costs
Cost of a certificate:
- Online replacement: £25 (inc VAT)
- Post replacement: £30 (inc VAT and admin fee)
- Non FENSA installer appraisal: £180-£260, plus £25 for certificate issue
Manage Your FENSA Certificate Online
Check Certificate Status: You can check your certificate status on the FENSA website using your certificate ID or property postcode.
Replace Lost Certificates: If you’ve lost your certificate you can reorder one through the FENSA website.
Replacement Certificates
If you’ve lost your certificate or need a replacement the process is easy. To reorder online visit the FENSA website and enter your postcode, house number or name and certificate ID (if known).
The replacement certificate can be paid for online £25 (inc VAT) or by post by sending a cheque to FENSA with a covering letter that includes your details and the address the certificate should be sent to.
The cost of a post replacement is £30 (inc VAT and admin fee). Having a replacement certificate means you keep proof of compliance with building regulations.
FENSA Certificate and Property Sales
This is a must have document when selling a property as it proves that any replacement windows or doors installed since 1st April 2002 comply with the relevant regulations.
Without a FENSA certificate the sale of a property can be delayed or even fall through as buyers need to be assured that the installations meet the regulations. Homeowners should make sure they have a valid FENSA certificate for any replacement windows or doors in their property.
If you’re buying a property you need to ask the seller for a FENSA certificate to confirm the installations comply with building regulations to avoid any future compliance issues.
Why Keep Your Certificate?
Keeping your certificate is important for:Property Transactions: They speed up the selling process by proving compliance.Ongoing Compliance: They ensure future installations or modifications meet regulations.
FAQs
To answer common questions:
- The certificates don’t expire but may need to be reassessed after major work.
- FENSA only covers external windows, doors, roof windows and roof lights.
- If your installer wasn’t FENSA registered, contact your local authority’s building control department for assessment and certification.
Q: Do I need a FENSA certificate when fitting windows?A: Yes you do, getting a FENSA certificate is essential when fitting windows. It means the installation meets UK building regs. Using registered fitters is important to guarantee quality and compliance especially if you’re thinking of doing it yourself.
Q: Why is a FENSA certificate important when replacing windows?A: When replacing windows a FENSA certificate is essential as it proves the work meets building standards. It also gives property owners peace of mind that the windows and the installation are good quality. Getting quotes from FENSA registered installers will ensure compliance and quality.
Now you know about a FENSA certificate and why they’re important you can make sure your home meets UK building regs and potentially increase its value and energy efficiency. Whether you’re fitting new windows or selling your property a FENSA certificate is a valuable document for any UK homeowner.
Summary
In summary these are a must have document that proves compliance with regulations for replacement window and door installations.
Homeowners should get a certificate for any replacement doors or windows in their property and have one when they sell their property.
Using a FENSA approved installation company such as Sheerwater Glass and having a valid certificate means you can relax knowing the installation meets the regulations and you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Keeping your FENSA certificates means compliance and adds value to your property.
