Local Authority Building Control

FENSA works in partnership with Local Authorities countrywide.

Did you know that:

• FENSA has to date, notified over 6 million installations to Local Authorities;
• Local Authorities are given special access to the FENSA database on www.fensaonline.com to enable them to verify and check the details of installations in their district;
• Local Authority Building Control departments and FENSA contact each other to share information on installations and queries relating to installers.
• Local Authorities' interpretation of the Building Regulations can differ as they incorporate other building control aspects such as overall insulation and thermal efficiency requirements;
• Consumers may submit a complaint to FENSA about an installer that is not registered with FENSA. In this case, the installer will be reported by FENSA to the relevant Local Authority Building Control department for investigation;
• Other non compliant installations carried out by non FENSA Registered Businesses are also reported.

Notifiable Work

Remember to let your customers know that if they are considering extending or altering their property in any way, they must obtain planning permission from their local authority.

Before you install any replacement glazing, check to see if the work must be notified to Building Control:

General: Where windows and doors are completely replaced (as opposed to repaired) in existing dwellings, they must comply with the relevant Building Regulations. This applies regardless of whether the installation work is being installed by a company or as a DIY project.

Flats:

If the property is a Flat, some local authorities do require planning permission before changing windows in flats and maisonettes. FENSA advises that you check with the relevant local authority before entering into a contract. Once planning permission is granted a FENSA registered installer can register the installation for certification purposes.

Listed Buildings:

If the homeowner lives in a property that is a Listed Building and wish to replace their windows this would fall under the Jurisdiction of the relevant Local Authority therefore planning permission would be required and the installation cannot be registered with FENSA.

Doors:

Doors with less than 50% glazing do not require registration.

Caravans and Holiday Chalets:

If the homeowner lives in a caravan or a holiday chalet permanently, it can be FENSA Registered. However the homeowner must have a separate postal address which has been registered with the Royal Mail. If the homeowner do not occupy this for more than 10 months of the year, this falls within the jurisdiction of the Local Authority and a Building Notice is required.

Decorative Effects:

• The requirement of the Regulations specifies the overall performance of the window, or the glass.
• There are no exclusions for decorative effects.

Trickle Vents:

• The Building Regulations Approved Documents N (Safety Glazing) and L (Thermal Insulation) are prime requirements for replacement windows and doors. Other elements of the Building Regulations A (Structure), F (Ventilation), B (Means of escape), J (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems), M (Disabled Access) must not be compromised by the replacement installation.

Compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 is essential:

• If there is any doubt about the original compliance with the Regulations, the installer must collect evidence of the features of the original installation. It may be that ventilation in the 'partially open' position will be acceptable in some circumstances (see the guidance in Approved Document F (Ventilation)). However, it will be good practice to offer trickle ventilation to customers to improve ventilation and help with the control of condensation. If there is any doubt about achieving compliance with regard to any of these matters, the installer should contact their local Building Control Department.

Bay Windows:

• Bay windows are included in the FENSA Scheme. This means that FENSA registered companies are able to certify and must ensure that bay window installations meet Building Regulations and do not compromise the load bearing ability of the bay. Therefore all appropriate poles and spreader plates must be in place to ensure conformance.
• How many 'windows' is a bay window? A bay window is a multi faceted structure including mullions. Please note that for the purpose of the FENSA Scheme a bay window is registered on the database as one window.
• How many 'doors' is a patio door? A patio door is made up of one facet and therefore = 1 door
• Bay windows and inspection Bay windows are included in the inspection process. During installation inspections will include checking for steel reinforcements and header and spreader plates.

Garage Windows:

When garage windows are fitted into an unheated area, which is not part of the house, the windows need not comply with the Building Regulations Approved Document L (Fuel Conservation). However, you may decide to standardise your product range and the information supplied with all windows, in order to reduce variations and specials.

Installations in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Q. When trading across border into Scotland and Northern Ireland, are the FENSA detailed requirements to be supplied and are the Regulations/Standards the same or different?

A. FENSA applies to the replacement windows and doors to the Building Regulations for England and Wales. The Building Standards for Scotland and Northern Ireland are different..

Not notifiable

Homeowners do not need to have their work installed and registered by a FENSA registered installer under the instances below. In these cases, homeowners are required to go through the relevant Local Authority Building Control process.

Summary list of window and door installations not notifiable to Building Control through FENSA

New Builds	Holiday Chalets (see above)	Lean To's
New Extensions	External Porches	Rooms where the use has been changed (e.g. bathroom converted into bedroom, new loft conversions)
Commercial Properties	Conservatories
Listed Buildings	Communal Areas
Doors with less than 50% glazing	Installations in Scotland, and Northern Ireland
Refurbishment on non-dwellings	Garages

Click here for further details on the Building Regulations and what has to be certified.

For further information on LABC (Local Authority Building Control) and to locate contact details of your Local Authority Building Control department, please go to www.labc.uk.com.