Questions on self installation of replacement windows and front door

AGW2

I'm in the process of planning some home improvements, specifically replacing the windows and front door of my house. I have seen all kinds of conflicting answers around FENSA certificates and building control.

My brother, who has a background as a window fitter, has kindly offered to undertake the installation for me. However, there's a catch - although he's skilled in the work, he's no longer active in the profession and thus cannot provide a FENSA certificate for the job.

The reason I am ordering the windows myself and trying to do the work with my brother is to simply because I cannot afford the quotes I have been given. Most of the quotes I have had are at minimum 50% more or double the price than if I do it myself.

Questions:

1. The door I want to replace it with needs a pain of glass above the door (a top light). If the door glazing and top light is less than 50% of the overall door does this need FENSA or building control approval.
2. For the windows - if you just get building control approval does that completely negate the need for a FENSA certificate?
3. When getting building control approval for the windows do they need to do an inspection prior and after installation? Also, how long do I have to undertake the work since my brother would need to travel from across the country to help me?

Many thanks

FreeBear

AGW2 said: Questions:

1. The door I want to replace it with needs a pain of glass above the door (a top light). If the door glazing and top light is less than 50% of the overall door does this need FENSA or building control approval.
2. For the windows - if you just get building control approval does that completely negate the need for a FENSA certificate?
3. When getting building control approval for the windows do they need to do an inspection prior and after installation? Also, how long do I have to undertake the work since my brother would need to travel from across the country to help me?

Answers.

1.  If you are replacing the frame, then BC involvement is required regardless of how much glass is changed.
2. FENSA is a self certification scheme (there are others) that replaces Building Control. If BC sign off on the work, then you don't need a FENSA certificate (BC trumps FENSA).
3. You should contact BC before starting any work - They will tell you if a site visit is required before commencing installation, and can arrange a date afterwards to inspect the work. If they are confident in your brothers abilities, they may just ask for photos and documents confirming the u-values of the door & windows. As for time frame to do the work, that is entirely up to you. The final BC visit can take place at your convenience.

Note - Do check the brickwork above each door & window to see if a lintel is required to support the outer leaf. On a lot of older properties, the frame provided structural support. uPVC frames are not structural, so a lintel is needed in this situation. If you are lucky, a steel can be wriggled in to place after removing a couple of bricks at the top of each opening. Should you be unlucky, three courses of bricks may need to be cut out to get the steel in (and use proper supports).

stuart45

If you go through Building Control you won't need FENSA certificate.
Check with your local BCO for the costs. Normally around £150 for up to 4 windows, then more for 5 to 11.

AGW2

FreeBear said:

Note - Do check the brickwork above each door & window to see if a lintel is required to support the outer leaf. On a lot of older properties, the frame provided structural support. uPVC frames are not structural, so a lintel is needed in this situation. If you are lucky, a steel can be wriggled in to place after removing a couple of bricks at the top of each opening. Should you be unlucky, three courses of bricks may need to be cut out to get the steel in (and use proper supports).

Good point - we actually have a solid stone wall with no cavity so I'm pretty sure they already have a wooden lintel. I know for sure that one does since I re-plastered the room.

Appreciate your answer very much.