FENSA (or not, as the case may be...)

JRsrule

Hi, I am very much in need of advice please.

So we had the windows in our house replaced in 2008, by a general builder. At the time I was completely unaware of the whole FENSA requirement (naive maybe but there you go), as I say he was a general builder. So of course there is no FENSA certificate and no certificate to apply for.

Fast forward to 2017 and I am trying to pull together the means to move house. Of course no FENSA certificate is going to be available.

What are my options? Help please!!

Ray_Singh-Blue

When asked, just say it like it is. The windows were replaced in 2008 by a builder, but no FENSA certificates exist.

Armed with all the facts a buyer can decide if they want your house, or not. And you get to sleep well.

Hoploz

Did the windows get done as part of a larger building project? If so they would be covered by the council building control sign-off rather than Fensa.

JRsrule

No, just replaced because the existing ones were draughty and wooden. These are UPVC but otherwise similar. We did the doors at the same time.....

Mickygg

My parents had exactly the same. The options were get local council in to inspect or pay for indemnity insurance. They paid iirc £150 a few years ago for indemnity insurance. Buyers were happy, folks happy and house sale was fine.

jimbog

Just in case you weren't aware - have you done a search here?:
http://www.fensa.co.uk/asp/certificate.asp

JRsrule

Yes, and no certificate available. I know where he sourced the actual windows but there's definitely no certificate.

Does anyone know what happens when the council inspect and certificate? Do I have to frantically tidy up inside?! (In the process of decorating so my normal love of tidy has had to take a break!)

lincroft1710

Mickygg wrote: »

My parents had exactly the same. The options were get local council in to inspect or pay for indemnity insurance. They paid iirc £150 a few years ago for indemnity insurance. Buyers were happy, folks happy and house sale was fine.

Why were your parents happy at paying out £150 for an indemnity which will never, ever pay out? Councils do not make random inspections looking for non Fensa certificated window installations.

Indemnity insurance is one of the biggest cons when housebuying, the only people who will benefit are - wait for it!!! - the solicitor/conveyancer (their commission on selling the policy) and of course the insurance company.

I am not criticising your parents, they were backed into a corner unfortunately.

Chanes

We bought our house with FENSA certs missing. We sold our other house and did not have FENSA certs for the windows. I don't know of any house sale not having some issues or another, but I wouldn't class missing FENSA or no FENSA as a serious problem.

Be certain you ensured you had the right glass and at least one fire escape window(s) on an upper floor. Notifying the council will make an indemnity impossible to help sell, from what I understand. And if the council say they are wholly not compliant it gives you a headache.

Someone will have a definitive answer about it.

Hoploz

JRsrule wrote: »

No, just replaced because the existing ones were draughty and wooden. These are UPVC but otherwise similar. We did the doors at the same time.....

Ooh that's a bit more complicated than swapping like for like then. Did the builder put in lintels? Best keep the building inspector out of this one and hope for the best I think. Any sign of cracking since they've been in? Hope it was all done right.

The buyer's surveyor ought to bring these things up if they are problems, fingers crossed it'll all be fine though.

JRsrule

There's no sign of issues (touches wood and throws salt over shoulder!)

Patio doors out and virtually identical ones in, that kinda thing.

If I'm going to be able to sell without a FENSA then I'll crack on with the decorating. Money is (as always) pretty tight and by the time we have calculated all the costs - legal, estate agents, stamp duty etc- the last thing we would need is taking a serious hit on the price of this one because of a missing certificate. Or worse, not being able to sell.

So is the general thought that we should just sell without a certificate?