Indemnity policy for windows

fruitymango

Thanks for the replies,

Bananamana wrote: »

Check the underwriting criteria

Sounds like the solicitor is just short cutting. Ifsolicitor wants to use insurance he should send you a demands and needs statements explaining the policy, underwriting criteria and other options.

He hasn't sent anything, he only said (after I asked) it covers the possibility of the local authority asking you to ensure the installation meets building regulation standards.

tbs624 wrote: »

It's been a requirement since April 2002 and in the OP's case, it seems the windows were fitted last year, so no excuse not to comply. Poorly installed windows can affect a building's structural integrity, can cause condensation problems and so on

Exactly - this is what we were worried about, but yes I understand that you would be none the wiser with older windows, I would rather not know this!

tbs624 wrote: »

The vendor is going to hit this problem with any purchaser:any delay is down to their own omission and tbh there isn't generally a long wait for a Buildings Control Officer to check this sort of issue out. Having problems with poorly installed non-compliant windows is also very common, and that's not covered under the indemnity.
..but then you're not the buyer, just someone who makes money out of another house sale reaching its conclusion

Yes - when I asked the ea the question of getting the windows checked for safety rather than an getting an indemnity policy they sounded gone out! "This has never been asked before, other buyers just get the indemnity policy and it sorts it, I will speak to the vendor but I doubt she will know if they are installed to the FENSA standards". We haven't heard anything (since Friday) but we are supposed to be exchanging this week...

Bananamana

On the offchance FENSA did issue a certificate and the vendor just lost their copy try searching

http://www.fensa.org.uk/asp/certificate.asp

you can sort by postcode. Some solicitors don't bother to check

Slinky

You're as well getting things checked - my nephew bought a property where a new window had been put in, it turned out there was no lintel above the window!

gooner63_2

Look for a stamp on the glass in the corner should say if it's toughened or not........don't think toughened is needed if the bottom of the window is 800 mm above the floor (might be wrong )........ any double glazing unit can fault.....is Fensa just to confirm it's fitted correctly or manufactured as well ?.......can buy units from wickes etc......these should conform.....but if u diy them no Fensa certificate ......so seems a bit of stupid system imo !!!:D
+

fruitymango

They are replacement windows and a back door so I am pretty certain lintels are already in place! I checked on the Fensa site and its not listed on there.
I have asked the solicitor about a safety check, see what they say I guess! Thanks again

silvercar

Windows won't behave any difficulty if someone buys an indemnity policy or not. Ask your surveyor for their view on the quality of the windows and go from there.