What is the WI1 Certificate? A Complete Guide to Statutory Documents in the Mandatory Window Inspection Procedure
In recent years, building safety awareness in Hong Kong has increased, and more owners have begun paying attention to the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS). However, when owners receive related notices or arrange window inspections, they often encounter documents with different names, including the WI1 certificate, inspection reports, inspection records, and electronic window inspection reports.
Because these documents are all related to “window inspection,” many owners easily confuse their purposes and even mistakenly believe that all window-related documents are the same type of submission to the Buildings Department.
In reality, the mandatory window inspection procedure involves different stages and documents with different functions. WI1 is a relevant statutory document within the MWIS procedure, while the electronic window inspection report provided by EJW to clients is a digital analysis document that helps clients understand the inspection results.
This article explains, from an owner’s perspective, the function of WI1, the document flow in the mandatory window inspection procedure, the differences between WI1 and other inspection materials, and the points owners should note after completing the procedure.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview of Key Points
- What is the WI1 Certificate?
- Relationship Between the Mandatory Window Inspection Procedure and WI1
- What are the Differences Between WI1, Inspection Reports, and Electronic Window Inspection Reports?
- The Role of EJW’s Electronic Window Inspection Report
- What Should Owners Note After Completing Mandatory Window Inspection?
- Common Misunderstandings Among Owners
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Quick Overview of Key Points
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose of WI1 | WI1 is a relevant statutory document in the mandatory window inspection procedure, used to record procedure-related information. |
| Parties involved | The procedure involves a Qualified Person (QP) carrying out the relevant inspection and handling the procedure. |
| Document differences | WI1 and the electronic window inspection report serve different purposes. The former is a procedural document; the latter helps clients understand the inspection results. |
| Electronic window inspection report | EJW provides a digital analysis document to help owners understand window conditions and the locations of issues. |
| Owners’ responsibility | Owners should keep the relevant documents and inspection records for future reference and follow-up works. |
What is the WI1 Certificate?
WI1 is a relevant statutory document in the mandatory window inspection procedure. It records the appointment of a Qualified Person (QP) and information related to the prescribed inspection and prescribed repair of windows.
In simple terms, WI1 is one of the documents in the MWIS procedure used to record procedural matters. It is not a general analysis report that owners would normally read to understand window inspection results.
Important note: WI1 is a document related to the mandatory window inspection procedure, whereas the electronic window inspection report is a digital analysis document that helps clients understand the inspection results. The two serve different purposes.
Many owners, when first encountering mandatory window inspection, refer to all related materials as an “inspection report.” In fact, statutory procedural documents, works inspection records, and client analysis reports have different functions.
Relationship Between the Mandatory Window Inspection Procedure and WI1
Mandatory window inspection is not simply a visual check of windows. It is a complete process that includes professional inspection, condition assessment, and handling of related procedural documents.
Step 1: Arrange for a Qualified Person to carry out the inspection
Owners need to arrange for a Qualified Person to inspect the windows in accordance with the relevant requirements and to assess the safety condition of the existing windows.
The inspection may cover:
- Condition of window frames and sashes
- Whether ironmongery is functioning normally
- Window opening and closing operation
- Fixing positions and safety condition
- Other locations that may affect window safety
Step 2: Analyse the inspection results
After the inspection, the actual condition must be assessed to determine whether further action is required.
Different issues may require different treatments, for example:
- Repair of components
- Localised repair
- Waterproofing-related works
- Arrangement of further works
Finding issues during inspection does not mean that every case requires immediate window replacement. The cause of the problem and the actual safety condition should first be understood.
What are the Differences Between WI1, Inspection Reports, and Electronic Window Inspection Reports?
The most common source of confusion for owners during the mandatory window inspection process is treating all window-related materials as an “inspection report.”
In fact, different documents serve different purposes. Understanding the role of each type of document helps avoid mixing statutory procedural documents with client analysis materials.
| Document type | Main purpose | Main users |
|---|---|---|
| WI1 certificate | Relevant statutory document in the mandatory window inspection procedure, used to record related procedural information. | Parties involved in the MWIS procedure |
| Electronic window inspection report | Digital analysis document provided by EJW to clients to help them understand the inspection results. | Owners and clients |
| Inspection records | Record window condition, problem locations, and inspection analysis. | Owners and works follow-up personnel |
WI1 is not a general window inspection analysis report
Owners should note that the main function of WI1 is to meet the document requirements of the mandatory window inspection procedure. It is not intended to present in detail the inspection condition of every window.
If owners wish to know:
- Where a problem was found
- What type of problem it is
- The current condition of the windows
- How follow-up can be handled
This type of information is usually obtained through inspection records or the electronic window inspection report.
The electronic window inspection report and statutory documents have different roles
The electronic window inspection report provided by EJW is not intended to replace the statutory documents in the mandatory window inspection procedure. It uses a digital format to help clients understand the inspection results more easily.
For typical owners, the value of the electronic window inspection report lies in:
- Organising window inspection information more clearly
- Making it easier to understand problem locations
- Assisting with future repair or works arrangements
- Keeping a record of window conditions
The Role of EJW’s Electronic Window Inspection Report
After a traditional window inspection, if only simple written descriptions are provided, owners may find it difficult to fully understand the condition of different window positions.
Therefore, EJW uses a digital electronic window inspection report to help clients organise inspection information more systematically.
Organising information for different window positions
A residential unit may have multiple window positions, and the usage, degree of ageing, and causes of problems at each position may differ.
The electronic window inspection report can help organise:
- Inspection locations
- Issues identified
- Condition descriptions
- Related recommendations
Helping owners understand aluminium window issues
Aluminium window problems do not necessarily originate from a single part.
Common areas that require attention include:
- Ageing of hinges
- Problems with opening/closing devices
- Ageing of seals
- Failure of waterproofing gaskets
- Issues at fixing positions
With organised inspection information, owners can more easily understand where the problems lie, rather than only knowing that “the windows have problems.”
Facilitating future works follow-up
If repairs, waterproofing works, or other window treatments are needed later, complete inspection records serve as an important reference.
Clearly knowing the problem locations and conditions helps avoid repeated inspections and makes it easier for owners to communicate with works personnel.
What Should Owners Note After Completing Mandatory Window Inspection?
After completing mandatory window inspection, owners should not only focus on whether the procedure has been completed. They should also properly keep the related materials.
| Materials to keep | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Related procedural documents | For future reference when needed. |
| Inspection records | To understand previous window conditions and issues that were found. |
| Repair records | To facilitate future window maintenance and works arrangements. |
Do not only look at the result; also understand the cause
Window problems may arise from different causes, such as years of use, ageing of components, installation condition, or environmental factors.
Therefore, the purpose of a professional inspection is not only to identify problems, but also to help owners understand the actual situation and then decide on an appropriate treatment.
Common Misunderstandings Among Owners
Mistake 1: Assuming all window inspection documents are the same document
Different documents have different purposes. WI1, the electronic window inspection report, and inspection records should be understood separately.
Mistake 2: Assuming that finding issues during inspection always requires full window replacement
Window problems must be assessed according to the actual condition. Not every problem means replacement is required.
Mistake 3: Focusing only on documents and not understanding the actual window condition
Documents are only part of the procedure. What truly matters is understanding the safety condition of the windows and the locations that need to be addressed.
When choosing a window inspection service, besides understanding the procedural arrangements, owners should also value whether the inspection is clear, whether the information is complete, and whether it genuinely helps them understand the window condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WI1 an inspection report?
Is the electronic window inspection report the same as WI1?
Does mandatory window inspection only require a visual check of the windows?
Does finding a problem during inspection always mean the aluminium windows must be replaced?
Why should owners understand the differences between various window inspection documents?
What is the purpose of the electronic window inspection report?
What materials should owners keep after completing mandatory window inspection?
If the windows currently show no obvious problems, does that mean inspection is unnecessary?
Conclusion: Understanding WI1 and Window Inspection Documents Helps You Grasp the Entire Procedure
Mandatory window inspection involves more than just inspecting the windows. It also includes related procedures and document management.
WI1, the electronic window inspection report, and other inspection records each have different purposes. When owners clearly understand the role of each document, they can more effectively grasp the inspection process and avoid misunderstandings caused by similar document names.
EJW is committed to providing professional aluminium window inspection and digital analysis services, helping owners understand window conditions more clearly and make appropriate arrangements based on the actual situation.
