EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an important safety check for your home’s electrical system. It’s a professional assessment carried out by a qualified electrician to verify that the wiring, sockets, and other fixed electrical equipment are safe and comply with current regulations.

You’ll usually need an EICR:

When buying or selling a property, as mortgage lenders or insurers may require one.
If you’re a landlord, since periodic electrical inspections are a legal requirement under UK landlord regulations.
If your home has not had an inspection for many years, or if you suspect faults.
Following significant electrical work or damage (e.g. after a flood or fire).

The report highlights any issues and suggests remedial work to maintain safety, giving you peace of mind about your home’s electrical system.

🔧 What the job involves

An EICR involves a thorough inspection and testing of your home’s fixed electrical installations. This includes:

Examining wiring (cables, circuits) to ensure it’s intact and properly insulated.
Checking consumer units (fuse boxes) and earthing systems.
Inspecting all fixed sockets, lighting fittings, and switches.
Testing circuit protection devices like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) to make sure they trip correctly.
Verifying correct circuit labelling and adherence to wiring regulations (BS 7671).

The electrician uses specialised testing equipment to measure insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity. No portable appliances (like kettles or TVs) are tested under an EICR.

At the end of the inspection, the electrician issues a formal report detailing:

Whether the installation is safe to use.
Any observed defects or code violations.
Recommended remedial actions with priority ratings.

If electrical faults are found, it’s important to get these fixed promptly to avoid the risk of electric shocks, fire, or equipment failure.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Make an enquiry: Contact a Gas Safe registered or Part P qualified electrician and request an EICR. Confirm the scope (whole house or specific areas) and discuss availability.
Arrange survey/quote: The electrician may visit first to assess your property’s size and complexity before sending you a written quote.
Book an appointment: Agree on a date/time. Ensure you’ll be home or able to provide access.
Day of inspection: The electrician will turn off power to circuits as needed for safe testing. They carry out visual checks and electrical tests, which usually take a few hours. You may experience brief power interruptions.
Receive report: After testing, you’ll get a detailed electrical condition report. This includes test results, any warnings, and recommended repairs or improvements.
Discuss remedial works: If the report highlights issues, arrange for remedial electrical work to be done by a qualified electrician.
Keep documentation: Store the EICR safely—it may be needed for insurance, sale, or future inspections.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Electrician’s hourly rate (typically £40–£70 per hour).
Materials/parts: Replacement sockets, cables, circuit breakers, or sockets if repairs are needed.
Certification/report: A formal EICR usually costs £100–£250 depending on property size.
Travel or call-out fees: May apply if the electrician travels a long distance or visits multiple times.
Disposal: Small cost for safely disposing of removed parts if necessary.
Remedial works: Additional cost if faults are found; varies widely depending on severity.

Example cost breakdown for a three-bedroom semi-detached house:

EICR labour & certification: £150
Minor repairs (fuse replacement): £50
Parts and disposal: £30
Total: ~£230

📊 What affects the price

Property size and number of circuits to test.
Age and condition of wiring—older homes may require more work.
Accessibility to consumer units and wiring (tightly packed or hard-to-reach areas).
Presence of outdated or non-compliant equipment.
Required certification or adherence to specific regulations.
Whether remedial works are needed after the inspection.
Location—prices can vary regionally.
Urgency or short notice bookings.

⏱ How long does it take?

Small flats or one-bedroom homes: 1 to 2 hours.
Average 3–4 bedroom house: 2 to 4 hours.
Larger properties or complex installations: up to 6 hours or more.

Simple inspections where no faults are found take less time. If remedial works are needed, the electrician will advise on additional time for repairs.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

No, an EICR must be completed by a qualified electrician registered under Part P Building Regulations. Electrical testing involves specialised instruments and knowledge of BS 7671 wiring regulations.

Attempting to inspect or test your home’s wiring yourself is unsafe and may invalidate home insurance. Also, only certified electricians can issue compliant reports that mortgage lenders, insurers, or local authorities accept.

For your safety and legal compliance, always hire a professional to carry out an EICR and any recommended repairs.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a standard domestic property, an EICR typically costs between £100 and £300 including VAT (VAT currently at 20%). Larger or more complex properties, or those requiring remedial work, can cost more.

Remember this is an estimate—get a personalised written quote before booking.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Provide clear access to consumer units, wiring cupboards, and all circuit points.
Inform the electrician of any previous electrical problems or recent work.
Arrange to be at home during the inspection so you can discuss findings.
Keep a copy of the EICR and any certificates safe for future reference.
Arrange remedial repairs promptly if the report identifies issues.
Schedule regular periodic inspections—every 5 years is typical, or more often in rented properties.
Check that your electrician is Part P qualified and experienced with domestic electrical safety.

Taking these steps will help ensure your home’s electrical system stays safe and compliant for you and your family.