Advice for homeowners

If you have ever tried to make any decorative or structural changes to your home, and used a tradesperson rather than trying to do everything yourself, you know that finding the right people to do the job can sometimes be a bit tricky. It might be finding an available plumber, or an registered electrician, where do you find them? Also, how do you know you can trust them?

Well, one thing that can make choosing that tradesperson a little easier is if they have logos displayed, which show accreditation with a particular trade association or competent person scheme. So do you know how to spot the logos and what they mean?

FENSA

FENSA is an easy name to remember - in this article, a company correctly identified the FENSA logo too. But what does it mean if you use a company with a FENSA logo? Well, here are some of the advantages of looking for the FENSA logo when having replacement windows and doors fitted in your property.

Working with FENSA registered tradespeople could save you some cash if you use a tradesman who is part of the government's competent persons schemes, like a FENSA Fitter. Being part of one of these schemes means they're qualified to meet building regulations and can self-certify their own work, so you don't have to pay extra to get the council to sign off the work. This could save you up to £250 and is much faster and easier than arranging an assessment by Building Control!

FENSA deals with the technical aspects of window fitting and FENSA Fitters undergo training and are aware of the latest technical updates to the Building Regulations for window installation. FENSA is also the brand trusted by all local authorities, industry and government. All FENSA registered companies are continually re-assessed by an independent inspection body too, ensuring consistency of Building Regulations adherence and service.

FENSA proactively protects consumers from cowboy builders by withholding the scheme from those unable to pass FENSA's independent assessments. Also, by reporting to Local Authorities and Trading Standards companies who erroneously claim FENSA registration, they can enable prosecution. All work carried out by a FENSA installer must give a 5-10 year guarantee and come with aninsurance backed guaranteetoo. As a result, homeowners can have added peace of mind.

FENSA Certificates will be sent by FENSA directly to you to demonstrate compliance, vital in the event you need to sell your house. If you have lost your FENSA certificate, then it is quick and simple to re-order online from this website or simply call the team. The FENSA team can offer support to your solicitor when tracing missing certificates during the sale of your property too.

FENSA companies offer consistent installations across a wide area. If you own properties across different local authorities then you are able to use the same FENSA installer for all installations, as they can work in all Local Authority jurisdictions. You'll get consistent quality and price as a result across the area.

So what other logos might be useful to know in the window industry?

GGF

GGF stands for the Glass and Glazing Federation, a trade association which is the industry authority on glass. Your replacement windows and doors will have to meet the standards of the GGF to be legally compliant. As a trade body, they seek to protect homeowners around the UK, offering guidance and advice on what to look for when investing in glazing products for their home. 

Much like FENSA, the GGF offer guidance for installers too on required working practice, and hold these installers to account. Acquiring GGF membership is a sign that a trader can meet high standards consistently, allowing you to rely on them for your next window or door replacement. You can also be sure that GGF-registered companies will meet health and safety standards during the installation, including COVID-19 related rules.

Trustmark

Trustmark is a Government-backed initiative, developed across the home improvement industry to endorse reputable trade associations and window installers. FENSA is a member of Trustmark. If you use a company that is Trustmark registered, you'll know the company will have been thoroughly checked and assessed on the standards of their work and the services they are able to provide to their customers.

That means its easy to find local, trustworthy and reliable tradesmen that operate to Government endorsed standards. FENSA has Trustmark status and you can search for a FENSA fitter who has Trustmark status too. Our recent poll on this blog found 77% of respondents thought that having Trustmark status has a big impact on their decision to hire a tradesman. By finding one with this status, you can replace windows and doors in your home with peace of mind.

Trustmark Windows Near Me

At FENSA, we're proud members of Trustmark, certifying local installers near you to make enhancing your home easier.

If you'd like to find out more about which tradespeople to trust, browse the advice section on our website or search through our certificates.

And, if you're ready to get new windows or doors for your home, find a FENSA Approved installer today online with our Find an Installer function!