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FENSA lacking - can of worms?

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dunroving
dunroving Posts: 1,881 Forumite
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in House buying, renting & selling
Have just bought a house, and got no joy on FENSA registration request during solicitor enquiries. House was being sold by executor (son) of deceased, so assumed that windows were older and therefore let it rest. No warranties forthcoming, either.

I now see from markings on windows they were installed in 2015 (no clues yet by whom).

Have checked FENSA page and no FENSA cert for this address. Have been told if you pay council X amount (£150, I think), they will come out, run some sort of test on windows and supply certification.

I have two questions:

If the windows "fail" the test, what then? I'm already dealing with an issue over building regs with another Council so am a bit gun-shy, but would like to obtain FENSA certificate, just for peace of mind.

Two panes have misted up; seems strange for such new windows. Is there any way to find from markings on windows who supplied them, and potentially get them fixed under warranty?
(Nearly) dunroving
«13

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  • D_M_E
    D_M_E Posts: 3,008 Forumite
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    FENSA are not the only ones who do registration - try CERTASS as well

    http://www.certass.co.uk
  • anselld
    anselld Posts: 8,281 Forumite
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    In practical terms FENSA is a worthless piece of paper. Spend the £150 getting the glazing units replaced and you should still have some change.
  • SG27
    SG27 Posts: 2,773 Forumite
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    Are you plannimg on selling again anytime soon?

    If not don't bother.
  • Rambosmum
    Rambosmum Posts: 2,445 Forumite
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    How would a FENSA certificate give you piece of mind? Either the windows work or they don't, a certificate won't change that..
  • dunroving
    dunroving Posts: 1,881 Forumite
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    Rambosmum wrote: »
    How would a FENSA certificate give you piece of mind? Either the windows work or they don't, a certificate won't change that..

    As per Post #4, the peace of mind is to do with resale. I didn't think for a minute that getting a certificate would change how the windows operate.
    (Nearly) dunroving
  • System
    System Posts: 178,094 Community Admin
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    how long are you planning to stay in the house?
    Fensa is a load of rubbish tbh I wouldn't bother with any of it - if when you come to sell the new buyer wants something get a cheap as chips indemnity policy to keep their lender happy. it's just a game played by solicitors and lenders, as long as the windows perform ok and look ok that's more assurance than a fensa cert would give anyone!
  • Tiglet2
    Tiglet2 Posts: 2,470 Forumite
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    When you decide to sell, you can buy an indemnity policy for the lack of FENSA certificate. No big deal. It happens all the time.
  • Tiglet2
    Tiglet2 Posts: 2,470 Forumite
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    Oh and just get a glazier in to replace the two misted up windows. It's around £50 for the replacement sealed unit.
  • dunroving
    dunroving Posts: 1,881 Forumite
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    Tiglet2 wrote: »
    Oh and just get a glazier in to replace the two misted up windows. It's around £50 for the replacement sealed unit.

    Thanks. Got one quote (£225!) yesterday and have another coming today. I think the one today will be less expensive but comes highly recommended. I'm assuming the price is higher because it's a leaded window.

    Yesterday's quote:

    "To remove failed double glazed units from existing windows and replace
    them with new clear square leaded double glazed units, check and clean
    drainage channels and remove old units from site.

    Total amount £225.00"
    (Nearly) dunroving
  • Tiglet2
    Tiglet2 Posts: 2,470 Forumite
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    Wow, prices have risen since I got mine done then! Perhaps the leaded glass does make a difference!
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