How much does an EICR cost?

An EICR is an electrical installation condition report. An electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring and equipment in your property, then records the condition of the installation and any problems found. Because the work is mostly testing time, firms tend to price it in one of a few ways.

Some give a fixed price for a property of a certain type or size. Others price by the number of circuits or consumer units. Some charge by time, using an hourly rate or a day rate. Any of these can be reasonable, but they are not the same thing, so always check which one your quote uses and what it includes.

Property size is the first factor. A small flat has fewer circuits, sockets and lights to test than a large house, so the inspection is shorter. The number of circuits matters more than the number of rooms, because each circuit has to be tested individually.

Age and condition come next. Older properties often have mixed or altered wiring, older consumer units, or circuits that are hard to trace, and all of that adds time. Larger or older homes with extensions, outbuildings or a garage supply also take longer.

Access has a real effect. If the consumer unit is blocked, floors are fully fitted, or loft spaces and meters are hard to reach, the job slows down. Clearing access beforehand can help keep the time, and the quote, sensible.

Finally, timing and logistics can play a part, such as evening or weekend visits, or several units in one building. Ask whether any of these change the price.

The inspection fee covers the inspection and the report. It does not usually cover fixing what the report finds. If the electrician records something as potentially dangerous or in need of urgent attention, you will need remedial work, and that is normally quoted separately once the faults are known.

This is why the cheapest inspection is not always the cheapest outcome. Ask how remedial work is priced, whether small fixes can be done during the visit, and whether you will get a written quote before any extra electrical work starts.

Time is the biggest driver of cost, so it is worth knowing what to expect. Many average homes take a few hours, while larger or older properties can take longer, and a big house may need more than one visit. Power will need to be switched off to parts of the property for periods, so plan for that, especially if you work from home or have equipment that needs to stay on.

A proper electrical safety check involves visual inspection, then testing of circuits, earthing and bonding, and the consumer unit. If a quote seems to promise a very quick visit for a large property, ask what is being tested.

Ask for the quote in writing and check that it states what is included: the inspection, the written condition report, and any re-visit if faults are found. Ask whether the price assumes a certain number of circuits, and what happens if there are more than expected.

Ask who will carry out the testing and whether they are registered with a competent person scheme. You can ask to see ID and proof of registration. A normal electrician can do an EICR only if they are qualified in inspection and testing, which is a different skill from installing, so ask about that directly.

Be cautious about offers of a free electrical safety check. A quick look at your sockets is not the same as a full EICR, which needs time and test equipment.

An EICR is commonly needed by landlords, who have a legal requirement to keep the electrical installation safe and to have it inspected at set intervals, often at least every five years. Homeowners may choose one when buying or selling, after buying an older property, or simply for peace of mind. You are not generally stopped from selling a house without one, but a buyer or their surveyor may ask for it.

Rules and intervals can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position for your situation before you book.