101 on FENSA

FENSA stands for Fenestrations Self-Assessment Scheme and was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Backed by the government, the scheme monitors building regulation compliance and also regulates double glazing companies who install replacement windows and doors.

What is a FENSA certificate?

The FENSA certificate was first authorised by the government in 2002. Since then it has been issued to window and door installers who are signed up.

Approved Installers have proven they are registered, compliant and energy-efficient with their installations.

Homeowners who purchase replacement windows and doors should be provided with a FENSA certificate once their installation is complete. This acts as proof that the work carried out was in compliance with regulations for thermal performance.

The certificate is an essential document when it comes to selling a property where work has taken place.

Many homeowners will want to check for a FENSA certificate when buying or selling.

How to become a FENSA Approved Installer

To help build homeowner trust, you may want to sign up with FENSA. If you install replacement windows, roof lights, roof windows or doors it is worth joining the scheme.

Whether your business is a Checkatrade member or not, you can complete a form online to become a FENSA approved installer.

Once accredited, you will be provided with a member ID card which you can show customers.

As one of many FENSA registered companies, you will be consistently monitored and assessed to ensure your work is fully compliant. The scheme checks that windows and doors are in line with building regulations, and that your trade business provides a good quality service.

How FENSA certification can help your window fitting business

Being a FENSA approved installer can help businesses and tradespeople to win more work.

Customers often look for installers to be registered with FENSA. Being an Approved Installer proves to homeowners that you can provide a FENSA certificate as soon as the job is complete. Having that document is important should they ever come to sell their home.

As well as increasing customer leads, FENSA also saves you the time and hassle of having to register your installations with the local council.

What is covered by a FENSA certificate?

FENSA covers replacement installations of windows and doors against building regulations. A certificate can be given for:

• External windows
•  External doors
• Roof windows
• Roof lights

The FENSA certificate is given when the use or size of the room has not been altered, and in residential properties cited in their original location.

It does not cover new builds, extensions, commercial properties, conservatories, porches or repairs.

How much does it cost to be a FENSA Approved Installer?

When you apply to become an approved installer, there is a one-off application fee of £265. Once you’re approved, your membership fee will be determined by how many jobs you complete per year.

For example:

• If you complete between 26-200 jobs each year, for example, the yearly membership fee is £160, yearly assessment costs are £270, and each job costs £1.90
• Then if you complete 100 jobs per year, the yearly total would be £620

If you install replacement windows and doors and can see the benefits of becoming FENSA approved, you can start your application today.

As a replacement window and door installer, you can join Checkatrade to help customers find your services easily. Checkatrade is the best known sign of quality in the trade industry. That’s why 1 in 4 people who visit us are checking a tradesperson’s quality credentials before booking a job direct.*

Being part of both FENSA and Checkatrade helps grow your business, so it pays to be listed. If you would like to join as a professional trade member, start your application today.

* Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021.