intouch

The absence of appropriate certification for replacement doors and windows is a problem that doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. The surprise is that, despite an ever-increasing need for cover to protect homebuyers against this omission, Countrywide is still the only legal indemnity provider offering a standalone FENSA policy.

It is one of the most common alterations that people will make to their homes, and while it may seem like a straightforward change, as we have seen elsewhere in this copy of intouch (Insight p4-5), it can become very disruptive at the time of sale, or when remedial action is required.

Originally, cover was only available as an integral part of our Lack of Building Regulations policy. It still is available as part of that, but as requests for cover, specifically for replacement windows became more common, we decided to offer a FENSA-only policy for a cheaper premium.

But there are more than just these two policies that provide this cover. We receive many enquiries for a variety of cases where windows and doors have been installed without securing the necessary consent. The cover is also provided under policies such as Leasehold Restrictive Covenant, Conservation Area Consent and Listed Buildings. Regardless of the guise it comes in, the need for cover has never been greater. As local authorities and landlords (sometimes one and the same) become more proactive in looking for unauthorised works, this seemingly minor nuisance should always be taken seriously!

Providing the windows and/or doors were installed by an approved tradesperson or installer, we can cover works completed within the last six months, with premiums for our FENSA policy starting from just £12.