FENSA certification: What every homeowner should know

If you’ve been looking into replacing your windows or doors, you may have come across the term FENSA certification. It’s something we get asked about quite a bit here at Diamond Windows Droitwich, especially by homeowners who want to make sure they’re doing things properly when it comes to building regulations and future property sales.

In this blog, we’ll break down what this certification means, why it matters, and how it protects you as a homeowner.

What is FENSA?

FENSA stands for Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme. It’s a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors in England and Wales. In simple terms, if you’re having new windows or doors installed, FENSA makes sure the work meets certain legal and safety standards.

When your installation is carried out by a registered installer, like Diamond Windows, you’ll receive a certificate after the work is completed. This certificate proves that:

• Your installation complies with current building regulations
• The work has been registered with your local council
• You’ve used a certified installer that meets high standards of quality and safety

Why certification matters

• Legal compliance
  If your replacement windows or doors don’t meet building regulations, you could run into trouble when it’s time to sell your home. Without a valid FENSA certificate (or separate local authority approval), you may be asked to replace non-compliant windows, or pay for inspections to prove they’re up to standard.
• Peace of mind
  Knowing that your installer is FENSA-approved gives you confidence that the work has been done properly. Installers are regularly assessed to ensure they’re meeting industry standards, including safety, thermal performance, and ventilation requirements.
• Easier property sales
  Most solicitors will ask for FENSA certificates during the process of selling a home. It’s a standard part of the paperwork and not having one can cause unnecessary delays. Having that certificate to hand helps show that your home has been properly maintained and improved.
• Insurance-backed guarantees
  FENSA-certified installations include the option for an insurance-backed guarantee, which protects you in the unlikely event that your installer ceases trading before the guarantee period ends. At Diamond Windows, we always provide a 10-year guarantee for added peace of mind.

What Does FENSA Cover?

FENSA certification applies to replacement windows, external doors, roof windows, and roof lights in domestic homes, provided the property remains on its original footprint and you’re not changing the size or use of the rooms.

When you don’t need a certification

There are a few situations where FENSA certification isn’t required. For example, if you’re:
• Installing new windows in a newly built extension or property (planning permission or building control covers this)
• Replacing glass in an existing frame
• Working on commercial buildings
• Adding a new porch or conservatory
• Doing the installation yourself (though you’ll still need local authority approval)
But for most domestic window and door replacements, a FENSA certificate is essential.

Choosing a registered installer

Not all companies are registered with FENSA, so it’s important to check before you commit. A reputable local installer will be happy to show their certification and explain what it covers. At Diamond Windows Droitwich, we’re proud to be a FENSA-registered installer. It means that our customers don’t have to worry about paperwork, compliance, or extra inspections. We take care of everything, from survey and installation to certification and aftercare.
FENSA certification might seem like just another piece of paper, but it plays an important role in protecting your home and your investment. It ensures your installation is safe, legal, and fully up to standard. Whether you’re replacing a single window or upgrading your whole house, choosing a FENSA-approved installer is one of the smartest steps you can take.

If you’d like to learn more about our certified installations, feel free to pop into our showroom in Droitwich, give us a call or request a call back. For more information, you can follow Diamond Windows Droitwich on Facebook and Instagram.