Double Glazing On The Web

Did you know that when you have your windows fitted by a FENSA registered installer, you will receive a certificate from your local council which goes in your properties HIP?

The government introduced the HIP Home Information Pack, to aid home buyers as part of the 2004 Housing Act. Essentially a set of documents concerning the property, they contain an energy performance certificate, details of local authority searches, title documents, guarantees etc. They became mandatory for homes with four or more bedrooms from 1 August 2007 and were extended to three-bedroom properties from 10 September 2007.

Professionally installed double glazing has a significant impact on your homes carbon footprint. So much so that local councils feel the need to document the quality of your double glazing and more importantly, the fact that your new windows were installed by FENSA a registered company.

The bottom-line is that if you are investing in new windows or any double glazing upgrade, then it is well worth sourcing a reputable double glazing firm. Check that they trade in high quality raw products i.e. uPVC and toughened glass and that they are FENSA registered with an experienced team of fitters.

FENSA stands for the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme and with over 9,000 members, it  is very much the regulatory body in the world of glazing. With encouragement from the Government, FENSA was established by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and other industry bodies, to monitor and ensure that Building Regulations for England and Wales are enforced and applied.

Any DIY project undertaken by a homeowner, or installation undertaken by a company, which is not registered by FENSA or a similar body,  has to have full Local Authority Building Control approval, which is likely to incur a charge.

Changes to Home Information Packs (HIPs) introduced on 6 April 2009 heighten the importance of using a regulated glazing installer. Sellers now need to provide better information to prospective buyers from the first day a property is put on the market.

FENSA registered businesses can assist with the selling process by reminding homeowners to insert their FENSA certificate into the optional part of HIPs. When the time comes to sell a property, the purchaser’s solicitors will ask for evidence that any replacement glazing installed since April 2002 complies with the Building Regulations. The FENSA building regulations certificate will act as documentary proof of compliance.

To find out more about FENSA click here  or visit www.fensa.org.uk/

Conscientious approach to buying and selling homes or bureaucratic complication imposed by a nanny-state? As from April 6th 2009 anyone selling a house must possess a Home Information Pack prior to marketing.

In Green terms, the HIP pack is crucial. The inclusion of an Energy Performance Certificate is expected to considerably influence people’s decisions when buying a home. Even if buyers are not environmentally conscientious, the impact a property’s energy rating has on heating/running costs, should certainly feature highly when accessing a purchase price. 

The HIP provides proof as to whether or not a home is well heated and well insulated; if it’s not, then it’s very likely to affect the property’s price.  It is estimated that without double glazing, a property will achieve around £5,000 less than the market value. Put simply, to get the best market value a property will need to be double glazed.

Whether they will have any effect, other than raising the blood pressure of potential sellers;  HIP’s are with us for the indefinite future.  Click here for more information.