Building Inspector for window ?

GoldenOldy

Good Evening. I am seeking to replace a single glazed timber window with a double glazed one. I cannot get a upvc one to successfully match. Most companies who offer reasonably price timber windows do not offer FENSA certification. I read i will need some building approval for this, therefore. Could anyone tell me is this easy to do? Does it come at an additional cost? I know barely anything about it.
Thankyou Kindly.

stuart45

It will cost you, and it's not particularly cheap for just one window. Check with your local Building Control, or private inspector.

swingaloo

We just had windows and doors replaced and had to get building approval for it. The guy who put the windows in for us dealt with getting it and it was just a case of the inspector coming round after the work was completed.

I think the charge was about £130

mexican_dave

Maybe you can side-step this, to some extent Building Regs are "optional", if you want paperwork for everything and be 100% perfect then by all means get all your certification and pay for the luxury. TBA Building Regs inspectors don't tour the streets looking for non-compliant work!
If you are only wanting to replace the glass for Double Glazing, then Google "stepped double glazing". These have a slightly smaller inner pane to do you don't have to cut out a bigger grove (rebate) in the frame.
If you are looking for completely new timber windows with DG then just commission your joiner to do the job.
I wouldn't sweat about it and save the inspection/ certification fee! Understand one year after completion Building Regs, cannot be enforced in your own home - anyone confirm?

GoldenOldy

Thankyou, oh sounds a nuisance for 1 window! I may go back to the drawing board and look at upvc again which comes with a fensa, just in case I have to sell up and go into care one day, or what have you.

It  sprung to mind when replying that a lady who lived down the road had hers replaced about 5 years ago, and mentioned she didnt get any certification, fensa , or building control or the like. She was worried afterwards as the window company did not make her aware and as she was in her early 80’s then , it wasnt a thing she thought to ask about.  She still achieved a sale though . She’s gone to live with her daughter now, so I cant ask her, but I wonder how she managed it? Not that I am comsidering anything underhanded, reckless or illegal you understand.

stuart45

Wmexican_dave said:

I wouldn't sweat about it and save the inspection/ certification fee! Understand one year after completion Building Regs, cannot be enforced in your own home - anyone confirm?

You are partially correct that after 12 months a normal enforcement notice can't be served, but there's no time limit if they apply to the High court.
Unlikely for a window, but as its theoretically possible it's the reason why indemnity insurance policies are sold and why they are cheap.
Builders carrying out the work can be prosecuted either up to two years after the work, or I think the time was increased last year.

GoldenOldy

Oh thats interesting. Perhaps the lady purchased an indemnity policy then, I hadnt realised there is such a policy. It was a window company who did the work. They had quite a good reputation apparently for making grand staircases and such. However when I saw the installers, shall we say , they looked a little past retirement age. I chatted to one, lovely chap, and he had actually retired and had been bought in to help with the installation. He was knowledgeable but he and his two colleagues looked a little fragile. 

So, is it the company then who could be prosecuted? Could my neighbour had she continues to live there prosecute the window company? Or would it be she who would be prosecuted? 

Who knew? Certainly not I. This whole website is really a godsend , and rather informative when you are just being curious!

jonnydeppiwish!

If you are replacing wood with UPVC, please check whether you need a lintel installed. The wooden windows can be structural whereas upvc don’t necessarily provide the same structural support.

if you replace with wood then an indemnity when you sell may be the cheapest option

GoldenOldy

Thankyou Jonny. Now thats a tremendous idea as I would get best of both worlds. Would you happen to know where you might buy such a policy please for future reference? Obviously grateful even for the suggestion.

Yorkie1

GoldenOldy said:

Thankyou Jonny. Now thats a tremendous idea as I would get best of both worlds. Would you happen to know where you might buy such a policy please for future reference? Obviously grateful even for the suggestion.

Indemnity policies are usually arranged by the solicitor during the sale process. Can't usually be bought by the individual.

Be aware that if either party contacts the council building team, that will invalidate any policy.

FreeBear

stuart45 said:

mexican_dave said:
I wouldn't sweat about it and save the inspection/ certification fee! Understand one year after completion Building Regs, cannot be enforced in your own home - anyone confirm?

You are partially correct that after 12 months a normal enforcement notice can't be served, but there's no time limit if they apply to the High court.
Unlikely for a window, but as its theoretically possible it's the reason why indemnity insurance policies are sold and why they are cheap.
Builders carrying out the work can be prosecuted either up to two years after the work, or I think the time was increased last year.

There are (were) moves to increase the enforcement period for planning & building regs contraventions to 10 years. That would give councils much more time to pick up on non-conforming works..

No reason why you can't get BC to sign off on a timber framed window - They will (probably) want sight of paperwork confirming that both the glass and frame meet the minimum required thermal performance. But if you replace just the glass and/or casements, it isn't an install, so no sign off required.

The very last window I had replaced here was an original 1920s with an oak sill. It consisted of an outer frame with an inner one to hold the glass. Could have popped the inner frame out, routed a deeper rebate and then fitted a DG sealed unit (but not set in to traditional putty - it rots the seals apparently). But as the adjoining door & frame was being replaced at the same time, the whole lot got ripped out. And yes, I needed a lintel to support the outer leaf of brickwork.