Replacing garage windows - Building Control?
Discussion
The wooden, single-glazed windows in the garage are dropping to bits
Replacement with UPVC DG units is being considered - as is the option of bricking them up (wall hanging space quite valuable!).
The garage is attached to the house, but definitely not habitable, and there is no access from the house (if that matters). It's block-and-brick construction. There are three windows, each about 4' x 4'6".
Can I DIY or use a non-FENSA chap, without involving Building Control - or do garages also come under their remit? Would it be different if the garage was 'detached'?
Replacement with UPVC DG units is being considered - as is the option of bricking them up (wall hanging space quite valuable!).The garage is attached to the house, but definitely not habitable, and there is no access from the house (if that matters). It's block-and-brick construction. There are three windows, each about 4' x 4'6".
Can I DIY or use a non-FENSA chap, without involving Building Control - or do garages also come under their remit? Would it be different if the garage was 'detached'?
RATATTAK said:
Does not come under Building Control ... but why would you double glaze them anyway ?
Thanks for that. Assuming I can get rid of all the junk, I'd like to use the garage as a workshop so thought double glazing would be better. There's no CH-fed heating, so would be using infra-red electric jobbies.RATATTAK said:
Does not come under Building Control ...
Technically incorrect. Windows and doors are now (since 2002) 'Controlled Fittings', so fall within the scope of Building Regulations, period (except, as stated in Paragraph 9(1)(b) where they apply to buildings or work that is itself exempt under Schedule 2 of the Regs... which includes most detached developer-sized garages, under Class 6, to answer one of the OP's questions).
Remember, also, that it's not just about thermal insulation - there are relevant requirements relating to safety glazing, fire protection, proximity of openings to flues, resistance to passage of moisture, materials and workmanship, etc., etc., so the fact that you're installing them to an unheated room is not in and of itself enough to make them exempt.
In practice you're unlikely to do anything by changing the windows on an integral garage that fails to comply with the relevant requirements, and most Building Control Authorities would be pretty relaxed about it, but strictly speaking they do fall within the scope of B.Regs.
Edited by Equus on Monday 28th August 15:53
elanfan said:
And not being able to produce a certificate when you move next will make you liable for producing an indemnity to cover a non existent risk of failure. Not worth the hassle just get someone in it shouldn't cost much for 3 and is essentially a filler job for the fitters.
This is good advice - ask me how I know !We had a double glazed door and window fitted to our 'outhouse' back in 2004, and when we came to sell the house the purchasers solicitors wanted the fensa certificates.
I contacted the people who had done the windows and they told us they were not needed, thus they would not produce them.
They claimed the outhouse was not a proper part of the habitable house, even though it was connected. It wasn't heated either.
I contacted the people who had done the windows and they told us they were not needed, thus they would not produce them.
They claimed the outhouse was not a proper part of the habitable house, even though it was connected. It wasn't heated either.
King Herald said:
They claimed the outhouse was not a proper part of the habitable house, even though it was connected. It wasn't heated either.
I would refer you - and them - to the actual Building Regulations that I linked above. It doesn't matter if a building is a 'proper part of a house'... unless it's exempt under Schedule 2 of the Regs, its windows are 'controlled fittings' - even if it's an outbuilding.King Herald said:
We had a double glazed door and window fitted to our 'outhouse' back in 2004, and when we came to sell the house the purchasers solicitors wanted the fensa certificates.
I contacted the people who had done the windows and they told us they were not needed, thus they would not produce them.
They claimed the outhouse was not a proper part of the habitable house, even though it was connected. It wasn't heated either.
They were right.I contacted the people who had done the windows and they told us they were not needed, thus they would not produce them.
They claimed the outhouse was not a proper part of the habitable house, even though it was connected. It wasn't heated either.
FENSA does not cover, amongst other things:
New builds/extensions
Commercial premises
Listed buildings
External porch areas
Detached garages and sheds
Repair work (for example, the repair of an existing window).
Therefore, the OP will need a FENSA certificate for his replacement windows as his garage is attached.
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