Guide · FENSA
FENSA certificates explained
What FENSA is, what your FENSA certificate proves, how it’s issued and why you’ll want it when you sell your home. Explained by a FENSA registered installer in Hastings.
What is FENSA?
FENSA stands for Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It’s a government-approved Competent Person Scheme that monitors the installation of replacement windows and doors, and it’s a name trusted by homeowners, local authorities and the industry.
Installers have to pass FENSA’s vetting before they can register, and FENSA then assesses its members regularly and impartially to check that their work keeps meeting the required standards and complies with Building Regulations.
What is a FENSA certificate?
A FENSA certificate is the official record of your replacement window or door installation. It shows the work was carried out by a FENSA registered installer, so you don’t need to apply separately to your local building control.
FENSA members have been required to provide a certificate for replacement window and door contracts since April 2002. If a FENSA registered installer has replaced windows or doors in your home since then, you should have been sent one.
How your certificate is issued
- Your FENSA registered installer finishes the work.
- The installer tells FENSA about your installation. Some installations are selected for inspection.
- FENSA informs your local building control about the work.
- FENSA sends the certificate to you, the homeowner.
Why your FENSA certificate matters
When you sell your home
The certificate is usually one of the documents you’ll be asked for when you sell. It shows that the replacement windows and doors were fitted by a registered installer in line with the regulations, so keep it with your other important household papers.
Proof of who fitted your windows
If you ever have doubts about who installed your windows or doors, the certificate is a clear way to confirm that the work was done by a FENSA member.
No building control application
Because a FENSA registered installer handles the notification for you, you don’t have to apply to your local authority’s building control yourself, which also saves you its inspection fees.
Our FENSA registration
Southern Window Systems is a family-run firm based in Hastings and has been fitting windows and doors since 1993. We’re FENSA registered, so when we replace your windows or doors we notify FENSA for you and you receive your certificate.
We’re also Certass registered, which gives you deposit protection and an insurance-backed guarantee. If we fitted your windows and you have a question about your certificate, call us on 01424 239023.
Want to know more about what registration means for you? Read why it’s worth choosing a FENSA registered installer.
Fitted by a FENSA registered installer
Replacement windows and doors
Questions about FENSA certificates
What does FENSA stand for?
FENSA stands for Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It’s a government-approved Competent Person Scheme for the installation of replacement windows and doors.
What is a FENSA certificate?
It’s the official record that your replacement windows or doors were fitted by a FENSA registered installer, whose work FENSA monitors for compliance with Building Regulations. FENSA members have issued certificates for replacement windows and doors since April 2002.
Why do I need a FENSA certificate when I sell my house?
It shows that the replacement windows and doors in the property were fitted by a registered installer in line with the regulations. It’s usually one of the documents you’ll be asked for when you sell, so keep it somewhere safe.
Who applies for the certificate?
Your installer does. Once the work is finished, a FENSA registered installer tells FENSA about the installation, FENSA informs your local building control, and the certificate is sent to you. You don’t have to apply to building control yourself.
Will I get a FENSA certificate if Southern Window Systems fits my windows?
Yes. We’re FENSA registered, so we register your replacement windows and doors with FENSA and you receive a certificate.
Replacing your windows or doors?
We’re FENSA registered. Free home visit, survey and quote across Hastings and East Sussex.