When making the decision to purchase new windows and doors for your home there are a lot of important things to consider, the obvious being the quality of product, that the product suits your home and taste and often price will be a factor.
However what about the installer? reliable, quality installers should be able to provide you with references from previous customers. You can check these out yourself on Google reviews, Trust Pilot and Facebook, amongst others.
Before you appoint an installer to replace your windows and doors, ask them “Will I get a FENSA certificate when the job’s done?”
Why? Because their answer to that one simple question will tick a box with a yes as to if that company could be the right choice to undertake work on your home.
If they say no, you should say no because a FENSA certificate provides proof that your installer’s work complies with Building Regulations, uses energy efficient products, and is registered with the Local Council (a legal requirement).
If a company says no chances are you are not speaking to a reputable company.
However if a company says yes it also means your warranty is insured (this is the case for all FENSA certificates issued after June 2014).
In the event the installer stops trading before your installation is completed you have piece of mind that your deposit is safe.
There are many unprofessional installers out there, so you need to be careful. Remember, only a FENSA Approved Installer can get you a FENSA certificate. It’s all the proof you need of a job done right and an important document that will be required if you decide to sell your home in the future.
So, What Exactly is a FENSA Certificate?
In technical terms, FENSA is a Competent Person Scheme. It proves that installers are competent to carry out work which complies with building regulations.
Being part of the FENSA scheme is also the most common way for installers to show that their products comply with building regulations. When the install is registered on behalf of the customer FENSA will issue a certificate to the property owner (this can take up to 6 weeks) and register the installation with the local authority, so the owner does not have to do this themselves.
The certificate lasts as long as the new doors and windows last.
As well as this a FENSA certificate can also serve as evidence of guarantee as FENSA installers provide an up to 10-year insurance backed guarantee.
Make sure you understand what you’re being sold, that you get clear and detailed information and that you don’t feel under pressure to make a purchase quickly.
Remember a quality company will always trust that you, the customer, know your own mind. They will give good, accurate information and then allow you the time to make an informed decision.
