Choosing the Right Installers for Your Window Replacement: A Guide to Playing it Safe

Replacing your windows is a significant investment that not only enhances the appearance of your home but also improves energy efficiency, reduces noise, and boosts property value. However, choosing the right company to carry out the work is crucial to ensuring the quality and longevity of your new windows.

To avoid common pitfalls, it's essential to work with installers who hold industry-recognised accreditations, such as FENSA certification, and offer an insurance-backed guarantee. This blog explains why these factors are so important and how they can give you peace of mind throughout your window replacement project.

1. The Importance of Accredited Installers: Why FENSA Matters

One of the safest ways to choose a reliable installer is to ensure they hold relevant accreditations, and FENSA is one of the most well-known and trusted certifications in the window and door industry. But what exactly is FENSA, and why does it matter?

What is FENSA?

FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme) is a government-authorized body that certifies window and door installers in England and Wales. FENSA ensures that the work completed by registered companies complies with building regulations, is energy-efficient, and meets relevant safety standards. When you hire a FENSA-approved installer, you can rest assured that:

• Compliance with Building Regulations: Your replacement windows will meet current energy-efficiency and safety standards as required by building regulations.

• A Certificate of Compliance: Upon completion of the work, you will receive a FENSA certificate. This is an important document that proves the installation meets building regulation standards. It's also required when selling your home, as prospective buyers will want to see proof of compliant installations.

• No Need for Local Authority Approval: Using a FENSA-certified installer means you won’t have to apply for building control approval from your local council, saving you time and money.

  
  

Choosing a FENSA-registered installer ensures that your windows are replaced by a reputable company that adheres to industry standards, providing security and peace of mind during and after the installation process.

2. Insurance-Backed Guarantees: Protecting Your Investment

While accreditations like FENSA ensure that installers meet the required standards, it’s also important to safeguard yourself in case unforeseen issues arise. One way to do this is by selecting a company that offers an insurance-backed guarantee (IBG).

An insurance-backed guarantee is a type of protection that covers your window installation in the unlikely event that the installation company ceases trading, goes into administration, or experiences financial difficulties before or after completing the work. Here’s why an IBG is essential:

• Continued Protection: If the company that installed your windows goes out of business, you could be left without a warranty for repairs or replacements. An IBG provides a safety net, ensuring that your installation is still protected and that you can access repairs or replacements even if the original installer is no longer available.

• Peace of Mind: When dealing with large home improvement projects, unforeseen issues can sometimes arise. An IBG offers you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safeguarded no matter what happens to the business carrying out the work.

• Compliance with Professional Standards: Companies offering an insurance-backed guarantee are usually aligned with professional associations and adhere to higher standards of customer service and financial integrity, reducing the risk of any issues during the project.

  
  

3. How to Choose the Right Window Installer: Key Tips

Now that we’ve highlighted the importance of FENSA certification and insurance-backed guarantees, here are some practical tips to help you choose the right company for your window replacement project:

• Look for FENSA Certification: Ensure the installer you’re considering is FENSA-registered by checking the FENSA website or asking the company to provide proof of accreditation. This is your assurance that the work will be compliant with building regulations.

• Ask About an Insurance-Backed Guarantee: Always ask if the company provides an IBG and what the details of the policy include. This will give you confidence that your installation is protected no matter what happens to the installer.

• Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for customer reviews and testimonials online to get an idea of the company’s reputation and previous work quality. Websites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews can offer insights from real customers.

• Request Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Get multiple estimates from FENSA-approved companies and compare their services, warranties, and pricing. This will help you find the best value for your money.

• Review Their Portfolio: Ask the installer to provide examples of previous work they’ve done. This will give you a sense of their expertise and attention to detail.

  
  

4. Conclusion: Invest Wisely and Safely

Replacing your windows can be a smart investment that pays off in increased home value, energy savings, and enhanced comfort. However, the key to a successful project is choosing the right installer. By selecting a FENSA-accredited company, you ensure that your windows meet all necessary regulations and receive a certificate of compliance that will serve you well in the future.

Additionally, by opting for a company that offers an insurance-backed guarantee, you safeguard your investment against potential risks and unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that your windows remain protected, no matter what happens to the business carrying out the work.

At Gallery Garden Rooms & Glazing Limited, we understand the importance of trust, quality, and protection. We are FENSA-certified and offer an insurance-backed guarantee on all our installations, giving you complete peace of mind. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you transform your home with new, energy-efficient windows.