How Much Does an EICR Cost?

As London's trusted electrical experts at Switched On London, we often get asked about the cost of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs). Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, understanding EICR costs is crucial for maintaining the safety and compliance of your property. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the factors that influence EICR pricing and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is an EICR?

Before we dive into how much an EICR costs, let's quickly recap what an Electrical Installation Condition Report is and why it's important. An EICR is a detailed inspection of your property's electrical systems and installations. It identifies any defects, deterioration, or dangerous conditions in your electrical installation that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.

An EICR, also known as an electrical safety certificate or electrical safety report, is essential for:

Ensuring the safety of occupants and preventing electric shock
Complying with legal requirements, especially for landlords (landlord electrical safety certificate)
Identifying potential fire hazards and faulty electrical wiring
Highlighting any necessary upgrades or repairs to electrical components
Potentially reducing insurance premiums

Now, let's address the big question: how much does an EICR cost?

The Basic EICR Cost

At Switched On London, our EICR prices start from £180 + VAT. This base price typically covers a standard residential property with up to 10 electrical circuits. However, it's important to note that the final cost can vary depending on several factors, which we'll explore in detail.

Factors Affecting EICR Costs

Property Size and Type

The size and type of your property play a significant role in determining the cost of an electrical safety certificate. Here's a general breakdown:

Studio or 1-bedroom flat: £180 - £250 + VAT
2-3 bedroom house: £200 - £300 + VAT
4-5 bedroom house: £250 - £350 + VAT
Large homes or commercial properties: £300 - £500+ + VAT

Remember, these are estimated ranges for EICR certificate costs. The actual cost may vary based on other factors.

Number of Circuits

The number of electrical circuits in your property directly impacts the time required for the inspection. More circuits mean more electrical tests, which increases the overall cost. As a rule of thumb:

Up to 10 circuits: Included in base price
11-15 circuits: Additional £30 - £50
16-20 circuits: Additional £50 - £80
20+ circuits: Price on application

Age and Condition of Electrical Installation

Older properties or those with outdated wiring often require more thorough electrical safety inspections. This can increase the time needed and, consequently, the cost. If your property hasn't had an electrical safety check in many years, or if you suspect there might be issues with your electrical equipment, it's wise to budget for a potentially higher cost.

Accessibility

If parts of your electrical system, such as the consumer unit (fuse box) or wall outlets, are difficult to access, this can increase the time and effort required for the inspection. For example, if inspectors need to move furniture, lift floorboards, or access tight spaces, this may result in additional charges.

Location

In London, prices can vary slightly depending on the specific area. Properties in central London or areas with higher living costs might see slightly higher electrical safety certificate costs due to increased operational costs for electrical contractors.

Urgency

If you need an EICR performed urgently, perhaps due to a looming deadline or a property sale, you might incur additional costs for expedited service. At Switched On London, we always strive to accommodate our client's needs, but rush jobs may come at a premium.

Additional Tests

Sometimes, additional electrical tests might be recommended or required alongside the EICR. These could include:

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): From £90 + VAT
Earth Fault Loop Impedance Testing: £50 - £100 per circuit
Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing: £20 - £40 per device

Remedial Work

It's important to note that the EICR cost typically only covers the inspection and report. If the electrical safety report identifies any issues that need fixing, these repairs will incur additional costs. Common issues might include:

Upgrading consumer units or fuse boards: From £650 + vat
Rewiring (partial or full): £1,000 - £10,000+ size scope dependent,
Installing additional sockets or light fittings: £60 - £150 per point

At Switched On London, we always provide a detailed breakdown of any necessary remedial work, allowing you to make informed decisions about repairs to your electrical installations.

The True Value of an EICR

While the cost of an electrical safety certificate might seem significant, especially if repairs are needed, it's essential to consider the value it provides:

Safety: The primary benefit of an EICR is ensuring the safety of your property and its occupants. Faulty electrical wiring and dangerous electrical arcs are leading causes of house fires, and regular EICRs can help prevent these potentially devastating incidents.
Legal Compliance: For landlords, EICRs are a legal requirement. Failing to have a valid landlord's electrical safety certificate can result in fines of up to £30,000. When viewed in this context, the cost of an EICR is a small price to pay for compliance and peace of mind.
Insurance: Many insurance providers offer reduced premiums for properties with up-to-date electrical safety certificates, as they demonstrate a commitment to safety and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Property Value: A recent EICR can be a selling point if you're putting your property on the market, demonstrating to potential buyers that the electrical systems are in good condition.
Energy Efficiency: While not the primary focus of an EICR, the inspection might identify outdated or inefficient electrical components. Upgrading these can lead to improved energy efficiency and lower electricity bills in the long run.

How Often Should You Get an EICR?

The frequency of electrical safety checks depends on the property type:

Rental properties: Every five years or with each change of occupancy, whichever comes first
Homeowners: Every ten years or when you move into a new property
Commercial properties: Usually every five years, but this can vary based on the nature of the business

Choosing the Right EICR Provider

While cost is an important factor, it shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing an EICR provider. Here's why you should consider Switched On London for your electrical safety inspection needs:

Expertise: Our team consists of highly trained and certified electricians who understand the intricacies of London's diverse property landscape. To ensure compliance with government standards, our EICR process adheres to the guidelines set forth in the IET's 'Best Practice Guide 4: Electrical installation condition reporting', which serves as the foundation for the official EICR requirements.
Compliance: We're fully compliant with all relevant electrical regulations and stay up-to-date with any changes in legislation, including building regulations and the National Inspection Council guidelines.
Comprehensive Service: From the initial EICR to any necessary remedial electrical work, we offer a one-stop solution for all your electrical needs.
Clear Communication: We provide detailed electrical inspection reports in plain English, ensuring you understand any issues found and the recommended solutions.
Competitive Pricing: While we're not always the cheapest option, we offer fair and transparent pricing for high-quality, reliable service.
Local Knowledge: As a London-based company, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of properties in the capital.

How to Prepare for an EICR

To ensure your electrical safety check goes smoothly and to potentially reduce costs, consider these preparation tips:

Clear access to all electrical points, including sockets, switches, and the consumer unit.
If possible, provide any previous electrical installation certificates or documentation.
Make a note of any electrical issues you've noticed, no matter how minor they seem.
Ensure the property is accessible on the day of the inspection.
If you're a landlord, inform your tenants about the electrical safety inspection in advance.
Be aware that power will need to be turned off during testing. This is a crucial part of the inspection process and cannot be avoided.
Be aware that internet services will be disrupted during the inspection. We recommend not planning to work from home on the day of the EICR.
If there are any critical electrical devices (e.g., medical equipment), please inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

By following these steps, especially being prepared for power interruptions, we can conduct a thorough and efficient inspection while minimising inconvenience to the property's occupants.

The EICR Process with Switched On London

When you choose Switched On London for your EICR, here's what you can expect:

Initial Consultation: We'll discuss your property and requirements to provide an accurate quote for the cost of the EICR certificate.
Scheduling: We'll arrange a convenient time for the inspection, working around your schedule.
Inspection: Our qualified electrician will thoroughly inspect your property's electrical systems, including outdoor equipment.
Report: You'll receive a detailed electrical safety report outlining any issues found and recommendations for improvements.
Explanation: We'll walk you through the report, ensuring you understand all findings and recommendations.
Remedial Work: If any issues need addressing, we can provide a quote for the necessary repairs to ensure electrical compliance.
Certification: Once any required work is completed, we'll issue your EICR certificate or domestic electrical installation certificate.

Invest in Safety and Compliance

While the cost of an electrical safety certificate might seem like an additional expense, it's crucial to view it as an investment in the safety and compliance of your property. At Switched On London, we're committed to providing high-quality EICRs at fair prices, ensuring that London's homes and businesses are electrically safe and compliant.

Remember, the true cost of not having an up-to-date EICR – in terms of safety risks, legal penalties, and potential property damage – far outweighs the cost of the inspection itself.

If you're due for an EICR or have any questions about electrical safety on your property, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Switched On London. Our team of competent electricians is always here to help, providing clarity, expertise, and peace of mind when it comes to your property's electrical systems.

Phone:020 8715 4058
Address:: 625 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4SX
Email:info@switchedon.london

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