FENSA Requirements - Window Replacements

Aeisor

Hello

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to read this. Appreciate any help.

As it is Sunday, I can't get hold of FENSA to check the official response, and I'd like to plug as many gaps as possible before calling as I'm expecting a 'check our website for more information' kind of answer.

As this is my first post, URLs are not allowed. Replace the spaces in the URL with periods.

My wife and I are buying a house. The vendor states that the windows were replaced 4 years ago; However, the FENSA Certificate check (fensa org uk/asp/certificate.asp) says nearly 8 years ago. That's not massively important, the certificate is still valid.

We've had a Buildings Survey conducted (the expensive one) and the surveyor believes that the lintels above the windows are missing. From what I can find (southkesteven gov uk/index.aspx?articleid=2367) it would appear that all FENSA Registered installed MUST install lintels, or properly reinforce the windows in order to meet all FENSA requirements.

Can anyone confirm or deny the requirement for lintels / support? I'd hate to buy a house only to find that we need to spend a few thousand more fitting lintels. Not to mention the few days of disruption, possibility of requiring the neighbours for support, etc... I'm sure we'd be loved instantly if we mess with the neighbours in the first week.

Thanks in advance.

red40

Aeisor wrote: »

Can anyone confirm or deny the requirement for lintels / support?

I would find it hard to see how windows can be taaken out without the lintels being left insitu. I assume you are referring to a bay window? These are the most common to have problems with lintels, structural support. Any FENSA reg co. is required to ensure the structural integrity of any the lintels and their respect support in relation to an opening.

he only time building control would be interested is if an existing opening has been made bigger and obviously a bigger lintel would be required.

camptownraces

Aeisor wrote: »

We've had a Buildings Survey conducted (the expensive one) and the surveyor believes that the lintels above the windows are missing. From what I can find (southkesteven gov uk/index.aspx?articleid=2367) it would appear that all FENSA Registered installed MUST install lintels, or properly reinforce the windows in order to meet all FENSA requirements.

As you have PAID for the expensive survey, suggest you call the surveyor tomorrow and ask for a fuller explanation and a suggestion for action.

Aeisor

This is not a bay window. All 7 windows in the house were replaced (4 beds, bathroom, living room, kitchen) in one hit. As far as I can see, openings were not made larger as the windows appear to be the same size as the neighbours' windows.

So assuming the installer did their job properly, everything should be sound. Is there scope in this for a get-out clause, such as installer offered lintels but was refused w/ buyer taking all responsibility thereafter?

Aeisor

Already spoke to surveyor. His answer is that the lintel is not visible, but that that does not mean it isn't there. He suggested having it properly inspected by a builder, but that the vendor would need to give permission as the inspection would be damaging (ie- removing some of the brick).

sonastin

Aeisor wrote: »

The vendor states that the windows were replaced 4 years ago; However, the FENSA Certificate check (fensa org uk/asp/certificate.asp) says nearly 8 years ago. That's not massively important, the certificate is still valid.

Are you sure that the FENSA cert applies to the current windows? Perhaps the vendors got BodgeIt&Co in 4 years ago to change the windows and they took out the lintels as well.

No idea why the vendors would replace 4 year old windows but there's nowt as queer as folk. How long have they owned the property? If its less than 8 years, it might give you a bit of a clue whether the FENSA cert is theirs...

Aeisor

The vendor has lived there for 17 years (no proof, just their word for it) - based on the history they've given us that seems to tally up (kids raised in the house, kids are my age or older!). The FENSA Certificate specifies 7 windows in March, 2004. Vendor claimed windows were replaced 'about 4 years ago', but I don't see why someone would pay for windows to be replaced in 2004, then again in 2007 with the latter not being a FENSA deal.

The building survey suggested that the windows were older than 4 years and after speaking to the surveyor, he thinks around 8-10. As it stands they're a little over 7.5 years, so his estimate is about right.

lincroft1710

Steel lintels aren't always visible. Were lintels not present, after a time the windows would be showing some evidence of downward pressure. The vendor's memory may be playing him tricks about the window replacement, or he could be lying.