Advice for homeowners
Window and door installations in England under COVID-19 local restriction tiers
Is it safe to have windows or doors replaced under Tier 3? Can tradespeople enter my home under Tier 2? Are double glazing replacements permitted under the new local coronavirus restrictions? We answer your questions as England emerges from its second national lockdown.
Last week the government announced a new three-tier system of local coronavirus restrictions for England. This takes effect when the second national lockdown comes to an end on Wednesday 2 December.
Under the new system, regions will be placed into one of three tiers representing Medium Alert, High Alert or Very High Alert. These allocations will then be reviewed every two weeks. You can check the local coronavirus restrictions in your area by entering your postcode on this page.
> Read more about the new local restriction tiers and what you can do under each tier.
Can I still have windows or doors installed under the three tier local coronavirus restrictions?
Yes. Regardless of which tier your region has been placed in, it is permitted for tradespeople including window and door installers to work in your home. However the risks will need to be managed properly in order for it to be safe for the installation to go ahead.
How will my FENSA Approved Installer manage the risks associated with COVID-19?
Since resuming work after the first national coronavirus lockdown, FENSA Approved Installers have introduced extra measures designed to ensure the safety and protection of your household and their teams.
Before arriving at your property, your FENSA Approved Installer will complete a risk assessment. If you wish, you can ask for a copy of your installer’s risk assessment before work begins. Additionally:
- Installers will comply with social distancing guidelines whenever possible; when not, face coverings will be worn
- They’ll wash or sanitise their hands regularly, including before entering your property
- They’ll provide floor protection and will sanitise all surfaces they come into contact with
- They’ll bring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) with them
- They’ll minimise their movements around your property
You can learn more about the enhanced safety measures your FENSA Approved Installer will take in our document: Having windows and doors installed during the COVID-19 outbreak
If I have symptoms do I need to postpone my window or door installation?
Yes. If you or any person in your household has had COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, within 14 days of the installation date, your installer will need to postpone the installation. Extra precautions will also need to be taken if any person in your household is clinically vulnerable e.g. someone over the age of 70. If either of the above apply to you, we recommend contacting your installer as soon as possible.
What if I’m unsure if I should postpone the work?
It’s completely understandable if you have concerns about your scheduled installation work, even if no one in your household has COVID-19 symptoms. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your upcoming installation we recommend contacting your installer to discuss these as soon as possible.
Is there anything I can do to prepare my home for the visit of a window or door installer?
There are a number of things you can do to help prepare your home for a safe installation:
- When your installer arrives, agree with them any areas that will become out of bounds such as where you or other household members will remain during the installation.
- Try to comply with social distancing guidelines when near installers, whenever possible.
- Please provide a facility where installers may wash their hands regularly. They’ll be carrying hand sanitiser but soap and water is preferable.
- Please do not touch or handle any of your installer’s tools, materials or PPE.
- Keep internal doors to rooms that are being worked on open at all times to increase airflow and reduce contact with handles.
- Wait until installers have left the property before entering areas where they’ve been working, if possible.
- Please don’t be offended if your FENSA Approved Installer doesn’t shake your hand before leaving!
When will I get my FENSA certificate?
Once the installation is finished, your 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.
> Verify or reorder your FENSA certificate online
Can I get an online quote from a FENSA Approved Installer?
Yes you can now request a quote from a FENSA Approved Installer for your window or door replacement right here on the FENSA website. Just enter your postcode to get started, select installers to ask for a quote, then enter your installation details.
> Request a quote from a FENSA Approved Installer
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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.
