CERTASS certified installer in Leeds

You’ve probably seen “CERTASS certified” on a quote and wondered what it actually buys you. Here’s the plain-English version from James, the owner of Wortley Windows & Doors.

What is CERTASS?

CERTASS is a government-authorised competent-person scheme for window and door installers. That’s a mouthful, so here’s what it means in practice. The government lets approved installers self-certify that their work meets Building Regulations, instead of every job going through the council for sign-off. To get on the scheme, an installer has to be assessed and stay accountable for the standard of their work. CERTASS is one of those approved schemes. It’s the equivalent of FENSA — same job, different name.

So when you see “CERTASS certified” on a quote, it tells you two things. First, the installer has been checked and approved. Second, your installation will be registered and certified as meeting Building Regulations.

What it means for you

This is the part that actually matters when it’s your home. When a CERTASS certified installer fits your windows or doors, the work gets registered and self-certified to Building Regulations. You don’t need to make a separate application to Leeds City Council, and you don’t need a building inspector to come round. It’s all handled for you, and you get a certificate confirming the work is compliant.

That certificate is worth keeping. If you ever sell your home, the buyer’s solicitor will usually ask for proof that any replacement windows and doors met Building Regulations. Having your CERTASS certificate to hand means no scramble and no delay at the worst possible moment. Donna keeps the paperwork straight on our end, so you’ll have what you need.

Your installation is registered and certified to Building Regulations.
No separate council application — it’s covered by the scheme.
No building inspector visit to arrange or pay for.
A compliance certificate you can show a buyer’s solicitor down the line.

Why it’s the equivalent of FENSA

FENSA and CERTASS are both competent-person schemes authorised by the government for the same purpose: letting installers self-certify replacement windows and doors against Building Regulations. People tend to know the FENSA name because it came first, but CERTASS does exactly the same job. If a solicitor or surveyor asks whether your windows are “FENSA registered,” a CERTASS certificate answers the same question. You’re covered either way.

Wortley Windows is a CERTASS certified installer

We’re CERTASS certified, and every installation we do is registered under that certification. There’s no subcontracting it out and hoping for the best — We fit every job with our own skilled team, on site — no subcontractors. The person who quotes you is the person doing the work, and the work is certified properly. That’s how it should be.

With over 20 years in the window and door trade, James has fitted plenty of homes across Lower Wortley (LS12), Pudsey, Bramley, Armley, Kirkstall, Horsforth and the rest of Leeds. CERTASS certification, a 10-year guarantee, and a proper local team that turns up — that’s the standard we work to on every job.

CERTASS certified
Registered to Building Regs

10-year guarantee
On every installation

Fitted by the owner
James, on site, every job

20+ years' experience
In the trade

Certified work, backed by a guarantee

CERTASS certification proves the work meets Building Regulations. Our 10-year guarantee backs the quality of the installation on top of that. The two go together: registered, compliant work that’s also guaranteed for a decade. Whether you’re after uPVC windows, a composite door, bay windows or bi-fold doors, every job is fitted to the same standard and certified the same way. You can see everything we fit on our services page.

If you’d rather spread the cost, you can pay with finance. And if you just want a straight answer to a question about CERTASS, Building Regs, or your particular job, give James a call — he’ll have a look and give you an honest quote.

Want certified work, fitted by the owner?

Frequently asked questions

What is CERTASS?

CERTASS is a government-authorised competent-person scheme for window and door installers. It lets approved installers self-certify their work as meeting Building Regulations, so your installation is registered and certified without a separate council application. It's the equivalent of FENSA.

Is CERTASS the same as FENSA?

Yes, in effect. FENSA and CERTASS are both government-authorised competent-person schemes that do the same job — letting installers self-certify replacement windows and doors against Building Regulations. A CERTASS certificate answers the same question a solicitor or surveyor is asking when they mention FENSA.

Do I need to tell the council about my new windows?

No. Because we're CERTASS certified, your installation is registered and self-certified to Building Regulations under the scheme. There's no separate application to Leeds City Council and no building inspector visit to arrange — it's all handled for you, and you get a compliance certificate.

Will I get a certificate, and why does it matter?

Yes. Your installation is registered under our CERTASS certification and you receive a compliance certificate. It's worth keeping — when you sell your home, the buyer's solicitor will usually ask for proof that replacement windows and doors met Building Regulations. Donna keeps the paperwork in order so you'll have what you need.

Is Wortley Windows CERTASS certified?

Yes. We're CERTASS certified and every installation we do is registered under that certification. We fit every job with our own team, so the people who quote you are the people doing the certified work — backed by a 10-year guarantee.