Global Windows

I am looking to purchase some new windows for my home and have noticed that some window companies are Certass registered and some aren’t. Can you explain what Certass registered means?

Certass stands for certification and self-assessment. This came about due to the regulations that were put in place regarding the replacement of windows and doors in April 2002.

The reason it is so important is that if the installer is Certass registered, the installation is registered with the relevant Local Authority Building Control Offices- who then issue you, the customer, with a certificate that basically states that your new windows meet Building Regulations set out in the legislation that was brought in to force in April 2002. This is called a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (BRCC) .If you do not have a BRCC , it can be an issue when you come to sell your home as the sale will not be allowed to go through if you have windows that were fitted after April 2002 and do not have a BRCC. Your solicitor will need your BRCC to pass to the new buyers’ solicitor.

If you use a contractor that is not Certass registered, you will be required to notify the relevant Local Building Authority and apply for approval of the work that has been carried out- they can charge you anything up to £250 for this.
By choosing a company that is Certass registered you are choosing a company that is qualified to fit windows and doors in line with the current Building Regulations.