Everything You Need to Know About FENSA

Who are FENSA?

FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. Each FENSA Approved Installer, from large national brands to small local companies, is assessed regularly to ensure its compliance to building regulations is continually maintained.

What does FENSA cover?

FENSA covers the replacement of external windows, doors, roof windows and roof lights in your home, against the relevant Building Regulations. The property must be sited on its original footprint, and the use and size of rooms mustn’t be altered.

What is outside of FENSA’s scope?

FENSA doesn’t cover the installation of windows and doors in new conservatories, porches, new builds, new extensions, repairs (where frame not included) and commercial properties.

Why should you choose a FENSA Approved Installer?

FENSA’s mission is to improve window and door replacements across England and Wales, by professionalising installers and protecting homeowners.

FENSA make sure the work complies with building regulations, is energy efficient and registered with the local council. And verify that every FENSA Approved Installer’s guarantee is insured.

Compliance with Building Regulations:

When windows and doors are installed by a FENSA-registered company, you can be confident that the work meets the safety, energy efficiency, and structural standards required by law. This includes regulations regarding things like thermal performance, safety glazing, and ventilation.

No Need for Additional Inspections:

If you hire a FENSA-registered company, they will provide a FENSA certificate once the installation is complete. This certificate proves that the installation complies with building regulations. As a result, you do not need to arrange for separate inspections from your local authority or building control, which can save time and money.

Smoother Home Sales:

If you ever decide to sell your home, having a FENSA certificate makes the process much smoother. It shows that your windows or doors meets the necessary standards — something buyers and solicitors often ask for. Without it, you could face delays or need to arrange extra paperwork, so it’s a smart choice for the future as well as the present.

Peace of Mind:

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your windows and doors have been installed by a company that follows a regulated and recognised standard. FENSA certification ensures that you are dealing with a professional company that takes quality and legal compliance seriously.

Why do you need a FENSA certificate

• Confirms compliance with building regulations
• Shows your installation’s energy efficient
• Ensures it’s registered with the Local Council
• Verifies your installer’s guarantee is insured
• Essential when selling the property
• FENSA Approved Installers can self-certify their work, making the process easy for homeowners.

If you don’t choose a FENSA Approved Installer, did you know…

• Not all installers comply with building regulations, and not all of them will register your installation with the local council.
• Compliance and registration are required by law.
• It’s your responsibility to make sure installations are registered with the local council.
• If your installer doesn’t mention that you’re responsible and doesn’t offer a FENSA certificate or other building regulations compliance certificate, you’ll need to pay for an inspection by building control.
• You’ll need to allow a few hundred pounds for this and make sure the installer agrees in their quote to rectify any non-compliance issues found by the building inspector.
• If there are problems with your installer and you can’t get them back, you may need to hire another to put things right.
• When you use a FENSA Approved Installer, they should always promise you a FENSA certificate when the job’s done.

At the end of the day, choosing a FENSA-registered company like P & K Lacey (Southampton) simply means you can trust the work has been done right — professionally installed, independently backed and built to last.