New uPVC windows and doors - fensa?

[Rubyredroo]

We're looking to have new windows and doors installed found a company with great reviews but when I look on the fensa register, they're not on there and it would appear very few companies are. The ones that are on there have terrible reviews so I am reluctant to go with them.

Would you go with the better company who said they will get fensa certificate or a pre registered company that maybe isn't as good?

The better company 100%. As far as I can work out, FENSA certification is almost completely useless & is pretty much paperwork for paperwork's sake, & does not relate to the actual quality of the job one bit.

If you opt for a window installer who isn’t registered with FENSA you will need to arrange for the council’s building control to come and inspect the work, which will be an additional cost. As long as you use a well-recommended non-FENSA installer and obtain written confirmation that their windows come within the scope of building regs, it’s not complicated, just additional hassle for you. You’ll need the sign off when it comes to selling your property.

FENSA is pathetic IMO . When we had our windows replaced they sent a letter basically saying they may come round to spot check and there was no need to be in if they did as it’s viewed from outside. However if you might sell in years to come I’m told you need it. How true this is I have no idea.

FENSA is NOT the only window certification scheme, CERTASS is another (the company I used were registered with them.

I'd go with people who had been recommended, but make sure you get it signed off for building regs. Our friend is a builder and he does windows occasionally and gets the council in to sign them off as the fensa registration isn't worth it for him.
Another friend bought a house which had had windows replaced by a fensa registered company, first heavy rain and water came pouring in through them as they'd done something iffy with the filling. Our non-fensa friend fixed them!