FENSA Certificate

When a homeowner is completely replacing windows and doors (as opposed to having existing units repaired), they must comply with the relevant Building Regulations. This applies regardless of whether the installation work is being done by a company or as a DIY project by the homeowner. When having new windows, doors and roof lights installed, either the homeowner should notify the Local Authority Building Control Department (this may be done as part of the wider Building Control documentation for the project) or the homeowner should ensure that the contractor issues them with a FENSA Certificate after the work is completed. This shows that the work has been done by an installer who is registered with FENSA or a similar body and that the installation has been approved under the Building Regulations. This removes the need for the homeowner to register the installation with the Local Authority Building Control. If you do not get a FENSA certificate when your new units are installed, you may find that a future sale is held up and you may have to apply to your Local Authority separately for a certificate.

What Is FENSA

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. Following Government encouragement, FENSA has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies in response to Building Regulations for double glazing companies in England and Wales. When replacing windows, doors and roof lights in dwellings in England and Wales, homeowners must comply with current thermal performance and Building Regulation standards and ensure they get a certificate from a Competent Person scheme such as FENSA or Local Authority Building Control. FENSA enables companies that install replacement windows and doors to self-certify compliance under these Building Regulations without the need for a separate assessment from Building Control.

FENSA obtains funds to supports its certification operations through a combination of membership fees and inspection fees. FENSA does not aim to accumulate or distribute any surpluses, but set its charges at levels appropriate to finance the continuing operation and expansion of its certification product, and to provide prudent reserves against contingencies.

Legal Basis

The Building Regulations in England and Wales make it a legal requirement for the appropriate Local Authority (LA) to be informed about the installation of new double glazed windows and doors.

See Also In Chimni

Chimni Wiki Home Information Packs - HIPs

Other Interesting Web Sites

http://www.fensa.co.uk/homeowner-info.aspx

References

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