Advice for homeowners
Can I have windows or doors installed during England's second national coronavirus lockdown?
The advice in this article applies to the lockdown measures applied in England, initially for four weeks, starting 5 November.
Following the announcement of new coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England at the start of November 2020, you may be wondering how this will affect the work of FENSA Approved Installers, especially if you have installation work planned over the next month. We’ve got the answers to your questions below. If you still have concerns about your installation after reading this article, we recommend talking to your FENSA Approved Installer.
When does the new coronavirus lockdown period for England begin and end?
The government announced that new national restrictions begin on Thursday 5 November and will run at least until Wednesday 2 December. You can read the official guidance on the new national restrictions here.
Can a FENSA Approved Installer work in my home during the lockdown?
Yes they can. The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has confirmed with Government that FENSA Approved Installers and other tradespeople will still be allowed to work in people’s homes during the new lockdown period, provided they are able to do so while following COVID-secure guidelines.
Is it safe for a FENSA Approved Installer to work in my home during the lockdown?
As long as the risks are managed properly then it is safe for the work to go ahead. All FENSA Approved Installers have to complete a risk assessment before they can start work. If you wish, you can ask for a copy of your installer’s risk assessment before work begins.
In addition, FENSA Approved installers will:
- discuss with you where they’ll be working in your home
- comply with social distancing while on site
- wash and sanitise their hands regularly
- bring appropriate PPE with them
- santise areas they’ve worked in after finishing
Read our guide "Having windows and doors installed during the COVID-19 outbreak" to learn more.
When should I postpone work scheduled by a FENSA Approved Installer?
Before your FENSA Approved Installer arrives, they’ll contact you to make sure it’s safe for them to install windows or doors in your home. Your installer will need to postpone the installation if any person in your household has had COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, within 14 days of the installation date. Extra precautions will need to be taken if any person in your household is clinically vulnerable, e.g. someone over the age of 70.
I have mild symptoms, can a FENSA Approved Installer still fit my windows or doors?
No. If you or anyone in your household has had COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the installation date, the work will need to be postponed. This is the same for the installers: no employee that has had symptoms, no matter how mild, in the 14 days leading up to the installation date, will be allowed to install your windows or doors.
How will I know what to do on the day a FENSA Approved Installer comes to fit my windows or doors?
For a general idea, read our homeowner guide to installations during COVID-19 restrictions. For specifics, your installer will call you beforehand and discuss their installation plan for your home so you know how the day will go.
Will I need to clean up after my FENSA Approved Installer leaves?
Your installer will take care to sanitise any areas they’ve come into contact with during the installation process, including your new windows or doors. If you feel happier sanitising the area again, please avoid touching any wet sealant.
When will I get my FENSA certificate?
Once the installation is finished, the FENSA Approved Installer will notify FENSA that the job is complete and meets the Building Regulations. FENSA will then generate and post a FENSA certificate to you, which should arrive within two weeks.
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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.
