Don’t fall prey to ‘rogue traders’ with your double glazing - Advertisement Feature

Anyone who installs replacement windows or doors must comply with current Building Regulations and thermal performance standards. They must also prove compliance by either A certificate showing that the work has been undertaken by an installer who is registered with a self-certification scheme; FENSA or 2) A certificate from the Local Authority stating that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

Before undertaking replacement glazing, check on www.fensa.org.uk to see if your installer is registered with the Government authorised scheme FENSA.

Avoid Cowboys:
Did you know that rogue traders are taking advantage of vulnerable homeowners who are under increasing pressure to meet soaring living costs? Rogue traders will try to tempt you with ‘last minute deals’, ‘VAT-free’ work, ‘cash in hand’ deals and installation work that is not backed by guarantees/insurance to protect you. Beware, not only is this illegal as the work will not comply with the Building Regulations, but the work will ultimately cost more and create more hassle in the longer term when the installation work turns pear shaped.

How do I protect myself?
1) Know the regulations: Ask a local FENSA company to explain the technical Building Regulations. In summary, anyone who installs replacement windows or doors must comply with current Building Regulations and thermal performance standards.

When the time comes to selling a property, the purchaser's solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations.
Any replacement glazing contract signed after 1st October 2010 will need to comply with the revised 2010 Building Regulations under Approved Document L1B which require a Window Energy Rating of a band ‘C’ or above, or a whole window ‘U’ value of 1.6 W/M2/K.

2) Know what to do: You can prove compliance with:

A certificate showing that the work has been undertaken by an installer who is registered with a self-certification scheme; FENSA;
A certificate from the Local Authority stating that the installation has approval under the Building Regulations.

Why FENSA?

An independent report commissioned by the Government reported FENSA to be the most successful government authorised Competent Persons Scheme: Click here
FENSA was set up by industry bodies with Government encouragement in response to the Building Regulations for England and Wales which came into effect on 1st April 2002 and which were revised on 1st October 2010.
Today, the FENSA scheme is still industry-led and works closely with all the leading trade bodies and organisations and important stakeholders such the Government (department for CLG), Local Authority Building Control (LABC), Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC).
Many Local Authorities, home improvement companies, building maintenance/repair companies, housing associations and glazing companies join FENSA to become associated with the brand that is trusted by Local Authorities and homeowners. Indeed, FENSA installers consistently win multiple awards for the outstanding work they carry out.

Look out for the FENSA logo – Over 9000 vetted installers nationwide

Vetted Companies - Regular assessment of every FENSA double glazing company by an 'independent inspection body' to ensure Building Regulation and thermal performance standards are continually met and maintained.
5-10 year insurance backed guarantee available to homeowners on every installation.
FENSA Building Regulations certificate dispatched to the homeowner for every registered installation as proof of compliance.
Your property will be compliant with the Building Regulations without the added cost/time of arranging assessment by Building Control.
Proper written contracts with an agreed price and deposit indemnity, offering consumer protection for all manner of issues.

Don’t Forget Before signing a contract to buy replacement glazing and before parting with any money, ensure that your installer is FENSA registered. If not, an application to your relevant Local Authority Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations with the associated charges will need to be made by the installer or the homeowner.

Don’t fall prey to rogue traders as the overall costs to your home improvement project will be greater over the longer term.

Address: 54 Ayres Street, London, SE1 1EU, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7645 3700
Fax: 020 7407 8307

www.fensa.org.uk
enquiries@fensa.org.uk