Protecting your deposit and investment makes good commercial sense and puts you a step ahead of your competitors. Consumers are increasingly wary of spending large amounts of money on projects that are not protected by a warranty. Providing an IBG for the job reassures them that they will not lose their investment should your business cease to trade.
It is estimated that there are a huge number of installations of replacement glazing happening every year. If all of them were to go through the Local Authority Building Control application process, it would place an enormous burden on local authorities. It is essential to have a way to ensure that the work is done properly without an unreasonable increase in the administrative and financial burden on both installers and homeowners.
FENSA was set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) at the request of the Department for Communities and Local Government to allow registered companies to self-certify that their installations comply with current Building Regulations.
A percentage of the work of every FENSA registered business will be inspected by a FENSA appointed inspector to ensure standards are met and maintained. FENSA will also inform local authorities of all completed registered installations and will issue a certificate to the homeowner confirming compliance.
Any installation undertaken by a company which is not registered with FENSA or a similar body, or has been done as a DIY project by a homeowner, will need full Local Authority Building Control approval. All Local Authorities will know of the registered businesses in their areas and can identify unauthorised work very easily. It should be noted that the homeowner is ultimately responsible for ensuring the installation complies with these requirements.
Before you sign a contract to buy any replacement glazing, be sure to ask whether the installer is able to self-certify. If not, an application to Local Authority Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations will need to be made by either the installer or the homeowner. It is likely that there will be associated charges with this.
