I’m selling my house and my solicitor has asked me to provide a FENSA certificate for 3 replacement windows back in 2006. I threw the certificates away years ago and my windows are probably due to be replaced now anyway. Why do you, the buyers, want copies?
The government introduced new building regulations on the 1st April 2002 with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of existing properties. New buildings have been designed and regulated for several years with energy efficiency as a key component. This does however represent only a small percentage of the country’s housing stock and it was felt that greater checks on existing properties were needed to improve heat loss and meet national and global energy saving targets. It is estimated that there are over 1 million replacements of windows and doors every year.
Any replacement windows and doors installed after 1st April 2002 must now comply with strict thermal performance standards and have either:
- A FENSA certificate showing that the work was carried out by a registered installer
- A certificate from the local authority confirming that the installation has building regulation approval
The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) is run by the Glass and Glazing Federation and is government approved. It allows installation companies that meet the relevant criteria to register and self-certify their work complies with the building regulations.
FENSA inspectors will make regular checks of samples of work for every installer to ensure standards are maintained. FENSA will also notify the local authority of every completed FENSA installation.
Before you sign any contract for replacement windows or doors you must ensure that the company is able to self-certify under the FENSA scheme or you will have to make an application to your local authority for building regulation approval and pay their fees.
If you install the windows yourself, you will also have to obtain building regulation approval from your local authority.
It is essential that you correctly install your replacement windows and doors and obtain and retain the necessary documentary evidence. It is the homeowner who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the installation complies with the regulations and it may lead to the delayed sale of your property if everything is not in order.
For more information, visit www.fensa.org.uk and www.ggf.org.uk