The importance of choosing and checking a FENSA registered installer.

We recently had a member of the public phone us for advice after choosing another local window and door company to install a door for them which unfortunately ended up having issues. Now, no product or installer is perfect, and issues occur from time to time, its part of the nature of our industry. However, the issue here was that after the issue the installation company hasn’t made any effort to rectify the problem. After investigating the issue further, the homeowner decided to contact FENSA, the right thing to do. It transpired that despite the installer’s claims the door was never registered with FENSA and the company wasn’t even registered with FENSA, a serious offence.

So what is FENSA?

FENSA is the glass and glazing industries regulatory body, installers registered with FENSA work to a set of minimum standards which adhere to building regulations. All relevant works carried out by FENSA registered companies is then certified by FENSA and does not require an inspection or visit from building control. If works are completed by installers who are not FENSA registered, the work must be inspected and signed off by building control at a cost to the homeowner. Or worse still the work may be deemed substantial or dangerous and may have to be re-installed, again at the homeowner’s cost.

How can I check if an installer is FENSA registered?

Unfortunately, as the above story demonstrates there are still several questionable window and door installers out there claiming to be FENSA registered who are not, this is not only immoral but is also potentially dangerous as the products they supply may not be fit for purpose or fitted correctly. As we can see causing significant stress to the homeowner. Checking if a company is FENSA registered is easier than you might think, if you visit the FENSA website (https://www.fensa.org.uk/) they have a feature where you can search for FENSA registered companies by name, location or their unique FENSA registration number.

What other benefits are there of choosing a FENSA registered installer?

Another key benefit in choosing a FENSA registered installer is that FENSA requires its members to offer a certain level of financial security to homeowners, by offering them an insurance backed guarantee.

As both members of the local community and industry experts we’re in a unique position where we can help advise homeowners in an effort to help them avoid being taken advantage of by rogue traders who give the double glazing sector a bad name.

If you have any questions about, windows, doors or any other type of home improvement please don’t hesitate to get in touch we are more than happy to help.