Why is it so important for window installers to be certified?
17th July 2023 - By Jason Clemmit
Whether you’re in need of a window repair or need to replace all the windows and doors in your home, finding a trusted installer is vital to safeguarding your investment. This is why it’s crucial to choose a Certified Competent window installer. In this post, we will explore the importance of window installers being certified and the benefits it brings to homeowners.
Certifications Explained:
All Certified Competent window installers featured on the Certass installer search undergo a thorough checking and auditing process to ensure their work complies with current Building Regulations. They also commit to the Certass Ltd Consumer Code of Conduct, which provides additional assurance to homeowners. For more details on certifications, please refer to our ‘Certifications Explained’ page.
Methods of Certification:
Certified window installers working on replacement windows and doors in England and Wales must adhere to the latest Building Regulations to demonstrate compliance and maintain high standards. There are two primary ways for window installers to certify their work:
- Registering with Building Control – Installers can register their work with the Local Authority or an approved Building Inspector, who will inspect the installation for compliance and issue a certificate of compliance (window certificate) if satisfied.
- Self-Certification – Window installers can choose to self-certify their workthrough a relevant Government-approved Competent Person Scheme such as Certass Ltd. This method is faster and more cost-effective for both the installer and the homeowner. Once the work is complete and registered with Certass, a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate (BRCC/ window certificate) is issued.
The Ultimate Assurance: Third-Party Certification
Third-party certification is one of the most reliable ways to ensure you choose a genuinely certified window installer. Companies that opt for self-certification must do so through a Government-approved Competent Person Scheme. Being registered with such a scheme like Certass Ltd, means that certified window installers provide the following safeguarding to homeowners:
- Regular Audits: Certified window installers undergo regular audits of their work to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. These audits help maintain and improve the quality of their installations.
- Adherence to the Consumer Code of Conduct: Certified installers commit to the Consumer Code of Conduct, which sets out guidelines for fair and ethical practices.
- Consumer Paperwork: Certified installers are required on all jobs to provide a standard level of paperwork, including a Contract/Sales Agreement, Workmanship and Building Regulations Compliance Guarantee, Financial Protection and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (window certificate).
- Complaints Procedures: Certified installers are required to have an established complaints procedure in place.
Time and Cost Benefits of Self-Certification:
Window installers can benefit from self-certification through Competent Person Schemes, as it allows them to demonstrate their competency and ensure that a BRCC (window certificate) can be issued for compliant installation work. To become a member of the Certass Competent Person Scheme, window installers must:
- Have a trained, competent operative on site
- Prove they have effective business management processes
- Provide written contracts before work commences
- Provide written guarantees after work is completed
- Provide consumer financial protection
- Undergo business management process audits by Certass
- Regularly have their work inspected on-site by Certass Technical Auditors
- Agree to work in accordance with the Certass Consumer Code of Conduct.
Finding a Certified Competent Installer:
If you’re ready to discuss your home improvement project with a certified window installer, you can utilise our online search for a trader tool.
Alternatively, you can click here to find our list of double-glazing companies in your area.
Choosing a certified window installer is crucial to ensure the quality and compliance of your window replacement project. By selecting a Certified Competent installer, you can have peace of mind knowing that they have undergone rigorous checks.