Window fitter wasn't FENSA registered and we now want to sell - next steps

FreeBear

Titus_Wadd said: Fensa seems a bit of a racket to force fitters to join up (which pays for the data base upkeep) because it's created a perception that "No Fensa = No good"!  But I may have misread that if anyone can counter that perception.

There are alternatives to FENSA. Certass is another self certification body that can provide the appropriate paperwork. Or you can use Building Control directly to sign off on the work (as has been pointed out earlier).

Jonboy_1984

I think Fensa members now have to automatically include an insurance backed guarantee as a reasonably recent change. 

gypsymoth

Really appreciate all this feedback - much clearer on the process now. Thanks

ThisIsWeird

Gyps, when were the windows fitted?
The longer the interval, the less it matters. But if pretty recent, most buyers would - quite rightly - want to see some guarantee of quality and conformity. And a warranty.
FTBs might find it a bigger issue, but more seasoned house buyers may well shrug it off. Provided they look decent.

subjecttocontract

user1977 said:

subjecttocontract said:

The indemnity policy will cover the legal side but be prepared for your buyer to use it to negotiate a lower price. I would certainly see it as an opportunity to offer a little less.

What would be the logic in that? I dont see how it affects the market value.

I'd have less confidence in windows without a Fensa cert. Their quality, durability, correct fitment etc may be to a lower standard than windows covered by Fensa.

If trying to get building control to certify them after fitting is virtually impossible, then that in itself says it all in terms of confidence in non Fensa windows.

It doesn't really matter wether the seller has a different opinion to me......as a buyer I would see that as a negative and expect to negotiate a price reduction.

gypsymoth

ThisIsWeird said:

Gyps, when were the windows fitted?
The longer the interval, the less it matters. But if pretty recent, most buyers would - quite rightly - want to see some guarantee of quality and conformity. And a warranty.
FTBs might find it a bigger issue, but more seasoned house buyers may well shrug it off. Provided they look decent.

just under 6 months ago
they look great tbh and we think the buyer is an investor, so may be less of an issue

subjecttocontract

gypsymoth said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Gyps, when were the windows fitted?
The longer the interval, the less it matters. But if pretty recent, most buyers would - quite rightly - want to see some guarantee of quality and conformity. And a warranty.
FTBs might find it a bigger issue, but more seasoned house buyers may well shrug it off. Provided they look decent.

just under 6 months ago
they look great tbh and we think the buyer is an investor, so may be less of an issue

I'd say it could be more of an issue, not less. Investors may be more likely to make a low offer anyway but will also know that when they sell in the future (without a Fensa cert) that may impact the price they achieve.

user1977

subjecttocontract said:

user1977 said:

subjecttocontract said:

The indemnity policy will cover the legal side but be prepared for your buyer to use it to negotiate a lower price. I would certainly see it as an opportunity to offer a little less.

What would be the logic in that? I dont see how it affects the market value.

I'd have less confidence in windows without a Fensa cert. Their quality, durability, correct fitment etc may be to a lower standard than windows covered by Fensa.

In itself, all it means is that the windows are deemed to comply with building regulations. It doesn't prove anything about the quality of the work or the current condition of the windows.

If trying to get building control to certify them after fitting is virtually impossible

Nobody here has claimed that? Only that it's going to be cheaper, faster and more reliable to get indemnity insurance to cover the building regs point.

Of course if there's something objectively "wrong" with the windows e.g. they don't provide sufficient ventilation or escape-ability or are poor quality, that could be a different matter.

FFHillbilly

My LABC will inspect them and issue a building regs compliance certificate if they are ok for £120.
they aren't really interested in what efficiency rating as far as I can tell because it's quite hard to actually buy windows that aren't efficient enough, nobody makes them. all they care about is if you have used toughened glass where required, and if they have trickle vents if they are needed, and if they are fitted correctly of course which it just a quick glance

dannim12345

As a buyer, If it was one or 2 windows I wouldn’t care. If the whole house I would be more concerned. Just be honest.