FENSA is a certificate issued by companies working with replacement windows. The certificate is in line with building regulations. All replacement windows and doors installed since April 1st, 2002 require a FENSA certificate.
Contracts signed before April 1, 2000, but not completed before 30th June do not require a FENSA certificate. The question many people ask is how long does FENSA certificate last? We have the answers, and we’re here to share them with you in the following article…
FENSA Certificate 101: All You Need To Know
The certificate the companies issue is transferable. That means that the certificate lasts as long as you have your windows. And if you sell the house in the meantime, the certificate will transfer to the new owner.
The simplest way to explain FENSA is a “certificate that covers the of external windows, roof windows, roof lights, and doors against relevant building regulations in domestic properties on the original foot print of the property where the use or size of rooms have not been altered”.
Why Do You Need A FENSA Certificate?
Some homeowners opt for companies that do not offer a certificate with a scheme like FENSA. But it is always a better option to get a guarantee for the quality of work, and FENSA attests to just that.
Companies that are members of an authorised Competent Person Scheme (CPS) like FENSA will bring you a refreshing reduction in cost. You avoid local authority inspections and fees.
But that is just the financial aspect of the benefits on offer. You are also sure that the quality of work is outstanding. Companies that issue a FENSA certificate undergo strict vetting procedures and inspections from the Building regulation authorities, to make sure their work satisfies all of the standards.
Using a FENSA certified company reduces the likelihood of rogue traders on the market. Nobody benefits from rogue traders. The more certified companies there are on the market, the greater consumer confidence will be, and the more unified the glazing industry will be as a whole.
An underrated aspect of the FENSA certificate is what happens when you try to sell your home. The reality is that not all of us live in the same home our entire lives. We move from one home to another. The question ‘how long does a FENSA certificate last’ comes into play when you try to sell your home.
As mentioned previously, the certificate transfers from one owner to another. That is why you should always keep the original certificate safe.
Imagine the following scenario. You are trying to sell your house. A prospective buyer comes to see the property. And while your double glazing has been installed to a reasonable standard, you do not have FENSA certificate.
Chances are, the prospective buyer will ask for one, and he will try to negotiate a lower price with you. One solution is indemnity insurance, which can cost anywhere between £50 and £150.
Do I Still Need A Fensa Certificate To Create A Porch?
Unlike windows and doors, for conservatories, orangeries and porches FENSA registration is not required.
However, there are still a few stipulations you should bear in mind before pressing ahead with this kind of project.
Compliance with the glazing requirements of Approved Document N is mandatory for instances where safety glass is a necessary part of the build.
Generally speaking, most projects full in the remit of these regs; there are, nonetheless, a few exceptions including the following:
- Conservatories built for commercial use
- Conservatories adapted for use as an additional bedroom
- Conservatories with an internal floor area of more than 30 metres squared
Benefits Of FENSA
With all this talk of how long a FENSA certificate lasts, we touched on some of the benefits as well. But let’s summarise all of the advantages of hiring companies with FENSA certificates to give your a better overview of why this piece of paper is of utmost importance:
- You are sure your windows and doors are fitted to the highest standard required by Building Regulations
- Warranty to cover the costs of completing rectification work in respect of defect
- Deposit protection
- Replacement certificates
- Insurance to back up the guarantee/warranty, in the event the installer ceases to trade.
What About Certass? Why Is It So Important?
In terms of your home, Certass has too main prerogatives: ensuring the installation meets the very latest building regulations, and protecting consumer rights.
If you choose a Certass accredited company, you can rest assured that you will receive the very highest quality of glazing, installed to the highest standards.
This also extends to financial protection as well, with warranties and indemnities as standard. This means that your deposit is fully safeguarded against unforeseen events; should a company, for whatever reason, be unable to complete the installation, they must return your deposit.
Moreover, if you choose to sell your property at a later date, you will be able to confidently inform a potential buyer that your home meets all of the required stipulations for homes-and produce the certificate of compliance to prove it!
