Guide to FENSA Certificates
What is FENSA?
FENSA — known as the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme – is a government-authorized and backed programme that guarantees compliance for newly-installed windows and doors. Essentially, they set the standards for how new windows and doors should be constructed and installed to guarantee quality and safety for the customer.
Window and door installations specialists can become an “approved installer” — meaning they’re regularly assessed by the FENSA governing body and that the standards issued by FENSA are upheld with each build.
What is a FENSA certificate?
FENSA certificate is a document that proves that your newly-installed windows or doors are safe, follow FENSA regulations and were fitted by a FENSA-backed, reputable tradesman.
Although not legally enforced, these documents are critical for selling your home and proving to any surveyors and home evaluators that any home renovations are of a high quality and safe for occupation.
How do I find my FENSA certificate
Finding your FENSA certificate is incredibly easy — even if you’ve misplaced it or don’t already have it to hand.
Simply go to the FENSA website and fill in their quick and easy form. You can request your certification details from FENSA by supplying your FENSA certification I.D number — if you don’t know it, you can request your details by supplying your home address and postcode.
If it turns out you your property isn’t FENSA certified or has no documentation attached to it, it’s highly recommended you get one to certify that your homes windows and doors are safe.
How do I get a FENSA certificate?
If you’ve lost your FENSA certificate — or need a new physical copy for something like a house sale — you can simply apply for a new FENSA certificate for a small fee of £25 to get the new certificate shipped over.
If you’re worried your windows haven’t been installed by a reputable FENSA fitter or are FENSA approved, you can book a free window and door assessment. A FENSA representative will conduct a thorough inspection of your windows and will issue you a certificate — provided you pass — that proves your windows are up to standard.
Although it’s not illegal to own a property without FENSA approved windows, it is illegal to sell a house with them — so, it’s important to make sure that your windows and doors are refurbished by a reputable fitter or make sure FENSA-approved windows and doors are installed before selling.
At Core Sash Windows, all our windows, casements and doors are crafted bespoke to your specifications and installed by our team of FENSA-backed fitters, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the finest quality installations.
If you’re looking to upgrade your windows or doors, book your no-obligation, free measuring and quote today.
How long does a FENSA certificate last?
FENSA certificates typically last around 10 years before the homeowner either needs to renew the certificate or have their windows reevaluated to make sure they’re still high-quality and safe.
A FENSA certificate also works as an insurance-backed guarantee meaning your fittings are protected and covered like any other insurance policy.
FAQs
What’s the difference between FENSA and CERTASS?
Instead of a FENSA certification, your windows might be backed by CERTASS instead — and that’s ok! Both are reputable organisations that help assure quality and safety standards for window and door fixtures across the UK — so, one isn’t inherently better than the other.
FENSA is just the older, more established organisation with more members, but both ensure the same level of compliance.
How do I get a FENSA certificate retrospectively?
If you’re unsure who installed the windows and have no installer or fitter to trace the installation back to, you can call FENSA to send a representative to do a free evaluation and issue you with a certificate.
Alternatively, homeowners can apply to their local authority for a Retrospective Building Regulation Compliance Certificate. However, this can take some more time is quite expensive, typically costing around £400 for a certification.
Is a FENSA certificate transferable?
FENSA certificates are non-transferable — this means you can’t move certificates from one property to the other.
However, FENSA certificates stay with the property, not the person. This means if a person buys a new house, they don’t need to get the windows reevaluated or perform additional checks as the fixtures will have already been certified.
Do I need a FENSA certificate to sell my house?
Yes, in order to sell your home, you must have a FENSA certificate or another accreditation from another reputable organisation, like CERTASS.
These certificates show that fittings or new installations put in since April 2002 comply with the updated regulations for safety and quality. The onus is therefore on the homeowner to make sure that the fittings are safe and FENSA certified before selling — and they are legally bound to do so.
Failing to comply with regulations can result in sanctions for businesses — like suspensions and cancellation of a FENSA registration — and can cause delays for homeowners looking to sell, as a certification is needed to push through a sale.
How can we guarantee compliance for you?
Core Sash windows only provided the highest quality timber doors, casements and windows.
Our team of top fitters are all FENSA-accredited and are fully equipped to help you get the perfect windows and doors made bespoke for your home.
If you want the headache of compliance taken out of your home renovations, enquire now and book your free, no-obligation measuring and quote or speak to a member of our team today.