How to get new windows inspected?

PoGee

I've just had new windows fitted. I don't think the company is part of any trade association. Is it possible to get them inspected to make sure they have been fitted correctly? I called the local FENSA fitter, who said he only does inspections for windows his company fitted. I'm based in Scotland.

TELLIT01

I don't know if it's something the council's building control department would do.  Possibly worth asking, and there would be a cost.

eddddy

In England, you could get sign-off from an inspector from the council's building control department. A quick Google suggest that in Scotland it's the council's building standards surveyor.

But you normally notify them before the work starts - in case they want to inspect the work while it's being done.

The kind of thing they'll want to check is:

• Thermal efficiency
• Safety Glazing (if required)
• Means of escape from fire
• Ventilation
• Support for the structure above the window

You might want to check that the windows are likely to pass before getting the council involved. If they fail, the council might serve an enforcement notice on you (or they might in England, I don't know if it's different in Scotland).  So you might want to have a 'Plan B' in place, if there's a risk of that happening.

Why isn't the fitter you used registered with FENSA? And/or why didn't they tell you about needing building regulations sign-off?

Hopefully it's not because their work and/or materials are substandard, and don't meet building regs requirements.

macman

Assuming you've already paid the installer, it's much too late to be asking now...

fenwick458

do you really need someone to tell you if they have been installed correctly? usually anyone can do this, look at them, are they level/plumb/square? are they sealed all the way round? do they open and close smoothly and are there no draughts?

If you just need a FENSA cert first option would be to ask the original installer. second option as suggested by @eddddy is get in touch with building control, I recently enquired about this process and was told it was quite straightforward as long as I could provide proof they were efficient enough, the right type of glass (i.e toughened glass for windows next to doors or glass low to the ground) then thats basically it. he mentioned a fee I can't remember what it was tho, probably less that £100

BUFF

eddddy 

Why isn't the fitter you used registered with FENSA? 

FENSA are pretty new in Scotland (June 2021 iirc) & it is a voluntary scheme. Think that there are only a handful registered in all of Scotland.

PoGee

macman said:

Assuming you've already paid the installer, it's much too late to be asking now...

I contacted this company to ask re building regs at the advice of my letting agent. Window guy answered my question and then asked if I wanted a quote. It was around the time I had health issues regarding a brain injury. He came round to the house to measure up in July. I asked re paper work and he said 'trust me'. Red flag but as he was an associate of my letting agent I let it stand. I contacted him over the next few weeks asking re vat, styles of window, openings, when they'd be fitted. I said that order would need to be cancelled if vat not included, to which the company said - everything included. Windows got fitted last week. A few issues - transom on one window not matching others, same frame not lined up correctly, covers on handle locks missing, and this morning - condensation on all windows. I have not been drying clothes in house. 
I contacted the company by email 3 days ago asking for an invoice and bank details. The owner called me saying - it's cash. I did not agree to a cash payment. I have never paid in cash for any building work in my own home or rental. He hasn't sent me an invoice.
The price was £400 less than the next quote, which was for better profile windows, better handles + locks, included an insurance backed warranty and an independent inspection from a surveyor who would then provide a certificate.
I made a big mistake going with the company recommended to me. My own error in judgement.
I'll contact building control to see if they'll inspect them. 

Bendy_House

So you haven't yet paid them? Phew!

Yes, I'd contact BC and I'd personally hope they condemn them. You then organise windows from the 'proper' company, and inform the original that theirs will be available for collection on X date (when the new guys remove them).

I don't believe the original guy will have any chance of insisting on a opportunity for putting things right as there appears to be multiple breaches - insisting on cash, no conformity, potentially poor installation, presumably no proper paper-chain... Ie, more than enough to you to have zero trust in them.

And all for £400? You may have mitigating circumstances, and hope all is well with you.

BUFF

PoGee said:

 and this morning - condensation on all windows. I have not been drying clothes in house. 

Inside or outside?
Inside is an issue, outside would actually show that they were working well.

PoGee

BUFF said:

PoGee said:

 and this morning - condensation on all windows. I have not been drying clothes in house. 

Inside or outside?
Inside is an issue, outside would actually show that they were working well.

On the inside. Does that mean they're duff?

PoGee

Thanks Bendy_House. I called another window advice kind of person who told me to look for a kite mark in the toughened glass, which it does have. He said the condensation will be due to poor air flow so I've left the the air vents open tonight to see if that makes a difference. I contacted BC and await their reply regarding an inspection. The window company sent an invoice with vat included. If BC say they're fine, I will pay at that point. I was about to get him to do new windows on my rental but no way will that be happening nor will he be doing new french doors at back of house or new front door. I'm well health wise but spent the morning at Minor Injuries after breaking a finger. I've been a bit accident prone this year, hope next year's better.