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The checklist
What to check in your window and door quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- How the replacement windows or doors will be certified
Replacement external windows and doors must meet building regulations. Agree whether a registered scheme installer or building control will handle certification before work starts.
Source: Planning Portal: doors and windows, building regulations
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Agree how you’ll receive the compliance certificate
A registered scheme installer provides certification for the work. If you use building control, it checks compliance and issues a certificate if satisfied. Agree the route before work starts.
Find a FENSA registered installerSource: Planning Portal: doors and windows, building regulations
- Check any scheme registration covers this work
Schemes authorised for replacement windows and doors include FENSA, CERTASS, Certsure, NAPIT, Blue Flame and ASSURE. If using a scheme installer, check their registration covers the work.
Source: GOV.UK: competent person schemes
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Will you certify the replacement through a registered scheme, or will building control handle it? Planning Portal: doors and windows, building regulations
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Do replacement windows need building regulations approval?
Replacement windows must meet building regulations. Agree the certification route before work starts: a registered scheme installer or building control.
Source: Planning Portal: doors and windows, building regulations
Do I need a FENSA certificate for replacement windows?
FENSA is one certification scheme. An installer registered with another relevant scheme can also certify the work. Alternatively, building control can check compliance and issue a certificate if satisfied.
Source: Planning Portal: doors and windows, building regulations
How much deposit should I pay for replacement windows and doors?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.