What to check before appointing an installer

Harry

Meet your
FENSA Advisor

This is Harry.

You might recognise him from our TV ad.

Harry works for a FENSA Approved installation company. He's on a mission to help professionalise installers and protect homeowners across the UK, so he started this advice column.

Before you appoint an installer to replace your windows and doors, ask them: “Will I get a FENSA certificate when the job’s done?” Why? Because their answer to that one, simple question will tell you immediately whether they are right for you.

If they say no, you should say no.

 

Why? Because a FENSA certificate provides proof that your installer’s work complies with Building Regulations, uses energy efficient products, and is registered with the Local Council (a legal requirement).

 

Also, it means their warranty is insured (this is the case for all FENSA certificates issued after June 2014). Good to know, in case anything goes wrong and the company is not around to honour their warranty. There are many unprofessional installers out there, so you need to be careful.

 

Remember, only a FENSA Approved Installer can get you a FENSA certificate. It’s all the proof you need of a job done right. We've put together this handy guide to help you put together your installer checklist, so you can understand what you need from a potential window and door replacement - and you will be able to get exactly what you need with a FENSA Approved Installer. 

 

Why is a FENSA Certificate Important?

 

A FENSA certificate is all the proof you need that your window and door installation has been completed to the highest standard. It should be one of the first questions to ask on your installer checklist when appointing a new fitter, and it will remain important long after the job is complete, right up until when you decide to sell your home. 

 

When selling your home, the buyer and their solicitor will need proof that any newly installed windows and doors were fitted to the required standards. A FENSA Approved Installer can self-certify and present the required certificate upon completion. What's more, even if you lose your FENSA certificate, you can request a new one, so you don't have to worry. 

 

If you're looking for new windows and doors to be fitted, no doubt you'll have a checklist for installers to see who is the best for you. With a FENSA Approved Installer, you'll have total peace of mind. They are vetted and registered with us, and able to self-certify that they have completed work at the highest quality. As a result, the FENSA certificate itself is hugely important, as is what it represents

 

What Else Should You Ask Your Installer?

 

Our installer checklist outlines some of the questions you may wish to ask a fitter who you are thinking of working with. One of the best and most reliable ways to find the best window and door installer is to ask friends or family for recommendations. You can also browse reviews online. You should be able to find mentions of whether others received a FENSA certificate when the work was completed. If not, make sure you simply ask your installer.

 

A FENSA certificate is an important point to cross off your installer checklist, and we understand that price is a key factor too. You want the very best products and service, provided in the most cost-effective way. That's why you should always have multiple quotes on your potential installer checklist. 

 

With our installer search functionality, you can find several local fitters near you and get quotes for your project from each one. Then, you can find the most affordable price for what you need. With a FENSA Approved Installer, you won't have to compromise on any part of your project. You'll get the best windows and doors, expertly installed at competitive prices. You can be sure of the quality of the work, and our installers are checked and able to present you with the all-important FENSA certificate when the job is done. 

 

Appoint a FENSA Installer

 

If you're looking to have your windows and doors replaced, you should make sure you choose to work with a FENSA Approved Installer. That way, you can be sure that your products will be of the highest quality and fitted to the exceptional standards that you deserve. 

 

To find a FENSA registered installer near you, the process couldn't be simpler. You can find an installer who is approved by us using our straightforward postcode search. You can connect with trusted tradespeople near you and find the best quote for the job you need.

 

If you want to know what else you could ask your installer to make sure you get the most out of your planned project, you can read our latest homeowner advice articles for helpful tips on how to maximise the style and performance of your property.

 

You can also consult our installer checklist below for an idea of what else you should ask your potential window and door fitter, to ensure you get the work completed to the highest standard. When you choose a FENSA installer, you can be sure that you'll get the job done right.

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What to check before appointing an installer

Check that you use a FENSA Approved Installer but also check the following:

  • Ask family and friends who have used installers about their satisfaction and whether they got a FENSA certificate.
  • Check the installer's references by talking to their previous customers.
  • Get at least three quotes and check you are being quoted like for like.
  • Cheapest is not always best and good contractors are always in demand.
  • Get quotes, timeframes and the fact that you will get a FENSA certificate all in writing. A proper written contract with an agreed completion date will help prevent confusion later on
  • Check the warranty on the installer's work and ensure they have enough insurance to cover their warranty. Domestic glazing installers that are registered with a competent person scheme like FENSA are legally obliged to provide warranty insurance to cover your installation should the company cease to trade within the life of the warranty.
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