EICR Cost Guide: Electrical Certificate Prices

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) typically costs between £120 and £350 for a standard residential property in the UK, depending on size, location, number of circuits, and property age. London prices are 30-60% higher. Commercial EICRs cost £200-£800+ depending on complexity.

EICR cost breakdown by property type

1-2 bedroom flats

Typical cost: £120-£180 (regional) | £180-£280 (London)

Small flats are the most affordable to test:

What affects cost:

• Typically 4-8 circuits to test
• 1.5-2 hour inspection time
• Easier access to consumer unit and wiring
• Fewer rooms and accessories to inspect
• Ground floor vs higher floors (minimal impact)

What's included:

• Visual inspection of consumer unit (fuse box)
• Testing of all circuits (lights, sockets, cooker, shower)
• Inspection of earthing and bonding
• Check of accessible wiring and accessories
• Full EICR report with test results

What may cost extra:

• Remedial work if defects found
• Access issues (locked cupboards, tenants uncooperative)
• Very old installations requiring more testing time
• Weekend or evening appointments

3 bedroom houses

Typical cost: £150-£250 (regional) | £220-£350 (London)

The most common property type for EICRs:

What affects cost:

• Typically 8-12 circuits
• 2-3 hour inspection
• Standard house layout with accessible consumer unit
• May include garage or outbuilding on same supply
• Loft access required for wiring inspection

Common circuit breakdown:

• Upstairs lighting circuit
• Downstairs lighting circuit
• Upstairs sockets circuit
• Downstairs sockets circuit
• Cooker circuit
• Shower circuit
• Immersion heater circuit (if fitted)
• Garage/outbuilding circuit (if applicable)

Price variations:

• Semi-detached/terraced: Lower end of range
• Detached with garage: Middle to upper range
• Multiple outbuildings: Add £30-£50 each if on same supply
• Poor access (lifted floorboards required): Add £50-£100

4-5 bedroom houses

Typical cost: £200-£350 (regional) | £300-£500 (London)

Larger properties require more time and testing:

What affects cost:

• 12-20+ circuits typical
• 3-4 hour inspection
• Multiple consumer units possible
• Outbuildings, garages, summer houses
• More complex wiring routes
• Older properties may have multiple additions over time

Additional considerations:

• Properties built in phases (extensions added over years)
• Multiple consumer units or distribution boards
• Three-phase supply (rare in residential, but increases cost)
• Split-level properties with difficult access
• Listed buildings requiring careful inspection

Budget extra for:

• Properties over 30 years old (likely remedial work needed)
• Previous DIY electrical work
• Outdated consumer units requiring upgrade (£300-£800)
• Inadequate earthing or bonding (£100-£400 to fix)

HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)

Typical cost: £250-£500 (depends on size and units)

HMOs have additional requirements:

Why HMOs cost more:

• More circuits than equivalent single dwelling
• Individual meters for each unit
• Additional safety requirements
• Emergency lighting systems to test
• Fire alarm integration checks
• More comprehensive inspection required by licensing

Pricing factors:

• Number of lettable units
• Shared vs self-contained facilities
• Age and condition of installation
• Local authority licensing requirements
• Three-phase vs single-phase supply

HMO-specific considerations:

• Some local authorities require annual or 3-yearly EICRs (not 5-yearly)
• Remedial work standards may be higher
• Additional certification for fire systems
• May need separate PAT testing for communal appliances

Commercial and business property costs

Small commercial units (shops, offices)

Typical cost: £200-£400

Characteristics:

• 10-20 circuits typical
• Single-phase supply
• Standard office equipment loads
• 3-5 hour inspection
• May include emergency lighting

Factors increasing cost:

• Three-phase supply (even if small premises)
• Complex lighting systems
• Server rooms requiring separate circuits
• Industrial equipment
• Multiple distribution boards

Medium commercial premises

Typical cost: £400-£800

Examples:

• Larger retail units
• Restaurant with commercial kitchen
• Small warehouses
• Multi-tenanted offices
• Workshops and light industrial

Why costs increase:

• 20-40+ circuits
• Three-phase supply common
• Specialist equipment (motors, heaters, commercial cooking)
• Emergency lighting and fire alarm integration
• Height access equipment may be needed
• Testing outside normal hours to avoid disruption

Large industrial and complex commercial

Typical cost: £800-£3,000+

Examples:

• Factories and manufacturing facilities
• Large warehouses and distribution centers
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Leisure centers and gyms
• Hospitals and care homes
• Schools and educational campuses

Cost drivers:

• 50-200+ circuits
• Multiple main distribution boards
• Three-phase heavy machinery
• Specialist testing equipment required
• Complex control systems
• Height access, confined spaces
• Staged inspections over multiple days

Additional commercial considerations:

• Insurance may specify maximum EICR age (often 3 or 5 years)
• Some industries require annual inspections
• Landlord vs tenant responsibility (check lease terms)
• Business interruption costs during inspection
• Planned maintenance contracts may include EICR

Factors affecting EICR cost

Property size and circuit count

The single biggest factor affecting cost is the number of circuits to test.

Why circuit count matters:

• Each circuit requires individual testing (30-45 minutes per circuit)
• More circuits = longer inspection time
• More detailed report and documentation
• Higher liability for the electrician

Typical circuit counts:

• Studio/1-bed flat: 4-6 circuits
• 2-bed flat: 6-8 circuits
• 3-bed house: 8-12 circuits
• 4-bed house: 12-16 circuits
• 5-bed house: 15-20 circuits
• Commercial unit: 10-50+ circuits

How to find your circuit count:

• Look at your consumer unit (fuse box)
• Count the number of circuit breakers or fuses
• Check any existing EICR or electrical certificates
• Ask a previous electrician who worked on the property

Property age and condition

Older properties take longer to inspect and test:

Why age matters:

Pre-1970s properties:

• May have outdated wiring systems (rubber, lead, fabric insulation)
• Require more detailed inspection
• Higher likelihood of defects requiring remedial work
• Potential for asbestos around old consumer units (adds safety precautions)

1970s-1990s properties:

• Often have PVC wiring in acceptable condition
• May need consumer unit upgrades for modern RCD protection
• Earthing and bonding may not meet current standards

Post-2000 properties:

• Usually straightforward inspections
• Meet current or recent wiring regulations
• Lower probability of major defects
• Faster testing process

Condition considerations:

• Well-maintained installations: Standard pricing
• Signs of deterioration: More testing time required
• Visible DIY work: Additional investigation needed
• Previous fire or flood damage: Specialist assessment

Location and regional pricing

Significant regional variation in EICR costs:

Regional breakdown (2024-2025):

Scotland, North England, Wales:

• Small flat: £110-£160
• 3-bed house: £140-£220
• 4-5 bed house: £180-£300

Midlands, South West:

• Small flat: £120-£180
• 3-bed house: £150-£250
• 4-5 bed house: £200-£330

South East (excluding London):

• Small flat: £140-£200
• 3-bed house: £180-£280
• 4-5 bed house: £220-£380

London and M25:

• Small flat: £180-£280
• 3-bed house: £220-£350
• 4-5 bed house: £300-£500

Why London costs more:

• Higher electrician labor rates
• Travel time and parking costs in congested areas
• Higher business overheads (insurance, premises costs)
• Higher demand, less competition for qualified inspectors
• Cost of living adjustments

Number of circuits and distribution boards

Single consumer unit (standard):

• One main fuse box
• All circuits in one location
• Straightforward testing
• Standard pricing applies

Multiple consumer units (+£50-£150 each additional unit):

• Main house + garage/outbuilding
• Split-level properties with separate boards
• Additions/extensions with new consumer units
• Each unit requires separate testing schedule

Sub-main distribution boards:

• Found in larger properties
• Fed from main consumer unit to remote locations
• Requires testing from main supply through to final circuits
• Adds complexity and time

Access and practical considerations

Easy access (standard pricing):

• Empty property or cooperative occupants
• Consumer unit in accessible location
• No furniture blocking sockets or switches
• Clear loft access
• Normal working hours (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)

Moderate access challenges (+10-20% cost):

• Tenanted property requiring coordination
• Consumer unit in awkward location (cupboard, blocked)
• Some furniture to move
• Limited loft access
• Weekend appointments

Difficult access (+20-40% cost):

• Tenants uncooperative or restrictive access times
• Consumer unit behind built-in furniture
• Floorboards need lifting for inspection
• No loft access (limits inspection scope, may result in FI codes)
• Out-of-hours requirements (evenings, weekends)
• High-level access equipment needed

Commercial access premiums:

• Out-of-hours working: +25-50%
• Night shifts: +50-100%
• Working around operational business: +20-30%
• Height access equipment rental: +£100-£300
• Confined space entry requirements: +£50-£200

Type of installation

Standard domestic installation (base price):

• Single-phase supply
• Standard circuits (lights, sockets, cooker, shower)
• Normal protective devices
• Conventional wiring

Complex installations (+20-50% cost):

• Three-phase supply (rare in domestic, common in commercial)
• Underfloor heating circuits
• Swimming pool or hot tub installations
• Home automation systems
• Solar PV integration
• EV charging points
• Multiple outbuildings
• Stables, kennels, workshops

Very complex installations (+50-100%+ cost):

• Industrial three-phase with multiple motors
• Commercial kitchens with specialist equipment
• Data centers and server rooms
• Medical or care facilities with critical systems
• Entertainment venues with complex lighting rigs
• Agricultural installations

Cost of remedial work

The EICR inspection itself is only part of the cost. If defects are found, remedial work can add significantly to expenses.

Common defects and typical costs

C1 defects (danger present - immediate action required):

Live parts accessible (£100-£500):

• Broken sockets or switches exposing live terminals
• Damaged cables with exposed conductors
• Missing consumer unit covers
• Unsafe accessories

Missing or inadequate earthing (£150-£600):

• No earth connection to main installation
• Earth conductor disconnected or corroded
• Requires earthing rod installation or upgrade
• Bonding to gas/water services missing

Dangerous DIY work (£200-£1,500+):

• Incorrectly wired circuits
• Unsafe cable routes or connections
• Non-compliant additions
• May require complete rewiring of affected circuits

C2 defects (potentially dangerous - urgent action required):

Lack of RCD protection (£150-£800):

• Old consumer unit without RCDs
• Usually requires consumer unit replacement
• Consumer unit upgrade: £300-£800 depending on size
• Adds RCD protection to all circuits as required by current standards

Inadequate bonding (£100-£400):

• Gas and water bonding missing or insufficient
• Cross-bonding in bathrooms inadequate
• Additional bonding cables and connections needed

Wrong type or rating of protective devices (£50-£300):

• Circuit breakers rated incorrectly for cable size
• Missing overcurrent protection
• Replacement devices and testing

Damaged cables or accessories (£80-£500):

• Cracked sockets or switches
• Damaged cables needing replacement
• Depends on location and accessibility

Overloaded circuits (£150-£800):

• Too many sockets on one circuit
• Undersized cables for load
• May require additional circuits

C3 defects (improvement recommended - not urgent):

Old wiring in reasonable condition (£0 - plan for future):

• Not an immediate safety issue
• Consider during planned renovations
• May affect property value or insurance

Lack of labeling (£50-£100):

• Consumer unit circuits not labeled
• Electrician can add labels and circuit schedule

Minor non-compliances (£50-£200 each):

• Accessories not to current standards but safe
• Improvement recommendations
• Address during maintenance or updates

Consumer unit replacement costs

One of the most common remedial works:

Why consumer units need replacement:

• Old-style fuse boxes don't meet current regulations
• Lack of RCD protection (required since 2008 for new installations)
• Damaged or obsolete equipment
• Insufficient capacity for modern electrical loads

Typical consumer unit replacement costs:

Basic replacement (£300-£500):

• Small property, 6-8 circuits
• Straightforward replacement
• All cables in good condition and reach new unit
• 3-4 hours work

Standard replacement (£400-£600):

• Medium property, 8-12 circuits
• May need some cable extension
• Dual RCD or RCBO protection
• 4-6 hours work

Complex replacement (£600-£1,200):

• Large property, 12-20 circuits
• RCBO protection for each circuit (best practice)
• Cable modifications required
• Difficult location or access
• 6-8 hours work

What's included:

• New consumer unit with appropriate protection devices
• Labeling of all circuits
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• Testing to verify safe installation
• Part P building regulations notification

Additional costs that may apply:

• Meter tails upgrade (if required by DNO): £150-£400
• Earthing upgrades: £100-£500
• New circuits to bring system to standard: £80-£200 per circuit

Full or partial rewiring costs

When EICR identifies extensive problems:

Partial rewire (£1,500-£4,000):

• One or two rooms
• Specific circuits replaced
• Consumer unit upgrade
• Minimal disruption to rest of property

Full rewire - small property (£3,000-£5,000):

• 1-2 bedroom flat
• All circuits replaced
• New consumer unit
• All accessories (sockets, switches, lights)
• Minimal disruption method (surface mounting or small chases)

Full rewire - medium property (£4,500-£7,500):

• 3 bedroom house
• Complete new installation
• Multiple circuits for modern living
• Proper first-fix and second-fix
• Making good and decoration extra

Full rewire - large property (£7,000-£15,000+):

• 4-5 bedroom house
• Extensive circuit layout
• Multiple consumer units or distribution boards
• Outbuildings included
• Full upgrade to modern standards

Rewiring considerations:

• Costs above are electrical work only
• Making good, plastering, decorating add 20-40% to total project cost
• Consider doing during renovation to minimize disruption
• Obtain multiple quotes from NICEIC/NAPIT registered electricians
• May need to vacate property during works

Remedial work priorities and budgeting

Immediate priorities (must fix before letting/using):

1. C1 defects - danger present
2. C2 defects - potentially dangerous
3. FI codes - complete further investigation

Budget allocation guide:

For modern properties (0-20 years):

• Inspection: £150-£280
• Likely remedial work: £0-£500
• Total budget: £200-£800

For mature properties (20-40 years):

• Inspection: £180-£300
• Likely remedial work: £300-£1,500
• Total budget: £500-£1,800

For older properties (40+ years, never inspected):

• Inspection: £200-£350
• Likely remedial work: £800-£5,000+
• Total budget: £1,000-£5,500

For HMOs and commercial:

• Inspection: £250-£800+
• Likely remedial work: £500-£3,000+
• Total budget: £750-£4,000+

How to get competitive EICR quotes

Finding qualified electricians

Competent person scheme registration:

Always use electricians registered with recognized schemes:

• NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) - www.niceic.com↗
• NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) - www.napit.org.uk↗
• ELECSA (Electrical Safety Certification Scheme) - www.elecsa.co.uk↗
• NAIC (National Association of Inspectors and Certification)

Why registration matters:

• Assessed for technical competence
• Regular inspections of work quality
• Insurance and complaints procedures
• Right to issue certificates
• Keeps up to date with regulations

Search for registered electricians:

• Use scheme provider websites (have searchable databases)
• Filter by postcode and EICR/testing services
• Check registration is current (scammers claim false registration)
• Verify registration number on scheme website

What to ask when requesting quotes

Essential questions:

1. "Are you registered with a competent person scheme? Which one?"

   • Should specify NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.
   • Ask for registration number
   • Verify independently on scheme website

2. "What qualifications do you hold for inspection and testing?"

   • Should mention City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent
   • 18th Edition BS 7671 (current wiring regulations)
   • Ask to see certificates if unsure

3. "What's included in your EICR price?"

   • Full inspection and testing
   • EICR report with schedule of test results
   • Classification of any defects
   • How many circuits does the price cover?
   • Is travel included?

4. "How long will the inspection take?"

   • Should give realistic timeframe (not rushed)
   • 2-4 hours for typical house
   • Longer for larger/complex properties

5. "When will I receive the report?"

   • Typically within 7 days
   • Digital and/or paper copy
   • Contains full test results and recommendations

6. "Do you provide quotes for remedial work?"

   • Most electricians quote for fixes they identify
   • Not obliged to use same electrician for remedial work
   • Get separate quotes if work is extensive

7. "Do you have public liability and professional indemnity insurance?"

   • Should carry minimum £2 million public liability
   • Professional indemnity covers errors in testing/reporting
   • Ask for evidence if conducting expensive remedial work

Property-specific questions:

1. "Have you inspected [property type] before?"

   • Experience with your property type
   • Flats, houses, HMOs, commercial, industrial

2. "Will you need access to all areas?"

   • Confirm loft, under floors, all rooms
   • Discuss access arrangements
   • Coordinate with tenants if needed

3. "What happens if you can't access part of the installation?"

   • FI (Further Investigation) codes issued
   • May make EICR incomplete
   • Understand implications for landlord compliance

Getting multiple quotes

Best practice: Get 3 quotes

Why three quotes:

• Compare pricing for your specific property
• Identify outliers (suspiciously cheap or expensive)
• Assess professionalism and communication
• Understand what different electricians include

How to get comparable quotes:

Provide consistent information:

• Property type and size (bedrooms)
• Approximate age of property
• Number of circuits (if known)
• Any outbuildings on same supply
• Access considerations
• Preferred timing

Request written quotes including:

• Itemized pricing
• What's included and excluded
• Electrician's registration details
• Insurance information
• Expected completion time
• Report delivery timeframe

Compare like-for-like:

• Inspection cost
• Number of circuits covered
• Qualifications and registration
• Insurance coverage
• Report quality and detail
• Remedial work rates (if needed)

Red flags to avoid

Warning signs of poor or unqualified electricians:

Price-related red flags:

• Significantly cheaper than other quotes (30%+ below market rate)
• "Cash discount" offers to avoid VAT (tax evasion)
• Pressure to book immediately with "special offer expiring"
• Vague pricing without property details

Qualification red flags:

• Can't or won't provide registration number
• Vague about qualifications ("fully qualified electrician")
• No mention of competent person scheme
• Can't produce insurance documentation
• Offers to do EICR "while fixing something else" without proper testing

Professional conduct red flags:

• Unwilling to provide written quote
• No business address or landline (mobile-only operations)
• No reviews or references available
• Pressures you to use them for remedial work before showing EICR
• Promises to "pass" the inspection regardless of actual condition

Quality red flags:

• Claims inspection can be done very quickly (under 2 hours for a house)
• Doesn't ask about property details
• Offers EICR without site visit or property information
• Uses terms incorrectly (confuses EICR with other certificates)
• Can't explain what they'll test or why

How to verify electrician credentials:

• Search registration number on scheme website (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.)
• Check reviews on independent sites (Checkatrade, TrustPilot, Google)
• Ask for references from recent EICR clients
• Verify business registration at Companies House
• Check they have fixed business address
• Confirm insurance with insurer if commissioning expensive work

Timing and booking considerations

When to book your EICR:

For landlords:

• Book 3 months before current EICR expires
• Allows time for inspection, remedial work, and any delays
• Avoids non-compliance if work is needed
• Don't wait until last minute

For property transactions:

• Sellers: 2-3 months before listing property
• Buyers: During survey and conveyancing period
• Factor in time for remedial work if needed

For businesses:

• Book during quieter periods if possible
• Allow for out-of-hours work if business can't close
• Plan around insurance renewal dates
• Coordinate with planned maintenance schedules

Seasonal considerations:

Winter (Nov-Feb):

• Potentially shorter wait times
• May be slight price reductions (lower demand)
• Cold lofts and outdoor access
• Earlier darkness limits working hours

Spring/Summer (Mar-Aug):

• Peak demand (landlords preparing for student lets)
• Longer wait times for appointments
• Better access to lofts and outbuildings
• Longer working hours

Autumn (Sep-Oct):

• Second peak (end of tax year for landlords)
• Moderate demand and availability

Peak times to avoid if possible:

• April-May (pre-summer letting season)
• August-September (student accommodation)
• End of tax year (March for businesses)

Best time to book for value:

• January-February (quieter period)
• November-December (before year-end rush)
• Mid-week appointments (Mon-Wed usually no premium)

Money-saving tips for EICRs

Legitimate ways to reduce costs

1. Book multiple properties together

If you have a portfolio:

• Many electricians offer discounts for multiple properties
• Typical discount: 10-20% for 3+ properties
• Can schedule on same day or week
• Economies of scale for electrician's time

Example: Single property £200, but 5 properties at £170 each (£150 saving)

2. Bundle with other electrical work

If you need electrical work anyway:

• Combine EICR with planned electrical upgrades
• Some electricians discount EICR if doing remedial work
• Avoids multiple call-out charges
• More efficient use of electrician's time

3. Ensure good access

Reduce inspection time by:

• Providing clear access to consumer unit
• Moving furniture away from sockets
• Ensuring loft hatch is accessible
• Having keys to all locked areas ready
• Coordinating with tenants for full access

Result: Faster inspection, potentially lower cost, complete report (no FI codes)

4. Book during quiet periods

Avoid peak demand:

• January-February typically quieter
• Mid-week appointments (no weekend premium)
• Consider off-peak hours if flexible
• Book well in advance for best rates

5. Maintain your installation

Regular maintenance reduces problems:

• Fix minor issues as they arise
• Replace damaged sockets/switches promptly
• Keep installation clean and accessible
• Reduces likelihood of expensive remedial work

6. Use local electricians

Reduce travel costs:

• Local electricians charge less travel time
• Support local businesses
• Often have better knowledge of local authority requirements
• Easier to arrange follow-up if needed

7. Professional landlord schemes

Join landlord associations:

• National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
• Residential Landlords Association (RLA - merged with NRLA)
• Some offer member discounts with partner electricians
• Access to vetted, qualified electricians

8. Plan ahead for remedial work

Avoid emergency rates:

• Address C2 defects within reasonable timeframe
• Don't wait until absolute deadline
• Get competitive quotes for remedial work
• Consider doing non-urgent improvements during planned maintenance

What NOT to do to save money

Don't:

Use unregistered electricians

• May produce invalid certificates
• Miss dangerous defects
• No comeback if work is poor
• Can't self-certify remedial work
• Insurance may be invalidated
• Not actually cheaper if you need proper EICR afterward

Accept cash-only deals

• Tax evasion (illegal)
• No paper trail or consumer protection
• Often correlates with poor workmanship
• No proper insurance
• Can't prove compliance to authorities

Skip remedial work

• Landlords: Illegal to let property with C1/C2 defects
• Fines far exceed cost of fixing problems
• Personal liability if someone injured
• Insurance claims may be refused
• Property may be prohibited from letting

DIY electrical work to "fix" defects

• Unless you're qualified, it's illegal to do notifiable electrical work
• Will likely create more problems
• Voids any warranties
• Next EICR will fail
• Dangerous to yourself and occupants

Choose cheapest quote automatically

• May be unqualified or rushed inspection
• Can miss dangerous defects
• False economy if problems not identified
• May not be valid for compliance

Delay getting EICR

• Landlord penalties up to £30,000
• Can't issue Section 21 notices in many areas
• Electrical problems worsen over time
• May face larger remedial costs later
• Risks tenant injury and liability

What's included in EICR price

Standard inclusions

What you should receive for the inspection fee:

1. Visual inspection

• Consumer unit (fuse box) condition and type
• Visible cables and accessories
• Signs of damage, overheating, or deterioration
• DIY work or non-standard installations
• Circuit loading assessment
• Earthing and bonding visual checks

2. Testing

• Continuity of protective conductors
• Insulation resistance
• Polarity checks
• Earth fault loop impedance
• RCD operation (if fitted)
• Circuit loading measurements

3. EICR report document

• Front sheet with property details
• Summary of inspection scope
• Classification of defects (C1, C2, C3, FI)
• Overall result (satisfactory / unsatisfactory)
• Recommendations for remedial work
• Next inspection date recommendation

4. Schedule of test results

• Detailed readings for each circuit
• Consumer unit details
• Earthing arrangements
• Circuit descriptions
• Test values and whether they pass/fail
• Electrician's signature and registration details

5. Professional certification

• Electrician's name and signature
• Competent person scheme registration number
• Date of inspection
• Company details and insurance information

6. Basic explanation

• Verbal explanation of findings
• Overview of any defects identified
• General recommendations
• Answers to immediate questions

Common exclusions (quoted separately)

What's NOT usually included in the inspection price:

Remedial work

• Fixing defects identified
• Upgrading components
• Installing new circuits or equipment
• Making installation compliant
• Typically quoted separately after EICR findings

Repeat inspection

• Follow-up EICR after remedial work
• Some electricians include this, many charge separately
• Typically 30-50% of full EICR cost if same electrician

Destructive testing

• Lifting floorboards
• Removing fitted furniture
• Accessing sealed areas
• May be quoted as additional work if needed

Access arrangements

• Coordinating with tenants
• Arranging access to locked areas
• Moving furniture or belongings
• Clearing access to consumer unit

Additional properties or outbuildings

• Separate buildings with own supply
• Multiple units in HMO
• Outbuildings not on main house supply

Emergency or out-of-hours

• Weekend appointments (may be +20-40%)
• Evening inspections (+15-30%)
• Urgent/same-day service (+50-100%)

Additional testing

• Specialist equipment testing beyond standard EICR
• Thermal imaging
• Detailed fault-finding for specific issues

Understanding EICR quotes and invoices

How to read an EICR quote

Essential elements of a proper quote:

1. Electrician details

• Business name and address
• Competent person scheme registration (NICEIC, NAPIT, etc.)
• Registration number
• Contact details
• Insurance information

2. Property details

• Your property address
• Property type and size
• Number of circuits (if known or estimated)
• Any special considerations noted

3. Scope of work

• "Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)"
• Inspection and testing to BS 7671
• Visual inspection
• Testing schedule
• Report provision

4. Price breakdown

• Inspection fee
• Any additional costs clearly itemized
• VAT (if applicable - electricians over VAT threshold)
• Total cost

5. Terms

• Payment terms (usually payment on completion)
• Validity of quote (typically 30 days)
• Cancellation policy
• What happens if access issues prevent completion

6. Exclusions

• Remedial work (quoted separately)
• Additional properties
• Out-of-scope items

Example good quote:

EICR Quote - 123 Example Street

Property: 3-bedroom semi-detached house
Circuits: Approximately 10-12 circuits
Consumer Unit: Single phase

Scope: Electrical Installation Condition Report to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022
- Visual inspection of fixed electrical installation
- Testing of all circuits
- Schedule of test results
- Classification of any defects
- EICR report (digital and paper copy)

Price: £195.00 + VAT (£234.00 total)

Included: Inspection, testing, report
Excluded: Remedial work (quoted separately if required), repeat inspection after repairs

Quote valid: 30 days
Payment: On completion by bank transfer or card

ABC Electrical Ltd
NICEIC Registration: 12345
Public Liability Insurance: £5,000,000

Red flags in quotes:

• No registration number
• Vague scope ("electrical check")
• No exclusions listed (suggests lack of transparency)
• Pressure tactics ("only today")
• Cash-only pricing
• No business address
• Spelling errors and unprofessional presentation

After the inspection: Interpreting the report

Understanding your EICR result:

Overall Outcome:

SATISFACTORY

• No C1 or C2 defects
• Installation safe to continue using
• May have C3 recommendations (not mandatory)
• Valid for up to 5 years (or as recommended)
• Meets legal requirements

UNSATISFACTORY

• One or more C1 or C2 defects present
• Remedial work required
• Cannot let property until C1/C2 fixed (landlords)
• Must complete repairs and obtain confirmation
• Not compliant until rectified

Next inspection date:

• Usually 5 years for residential
• May be sooner if installation condition warrants
• Commercial may be 1-5 years depending on type
• Note this date and book next inspection in advance

Defect codes explained:

• C1: Danger present - immediate action required
• C2: Potentially dangerous - urgent remedial action required
• C3: Improvement recommended
• FI: Further investigation required

See our detailed guide: Understanding EICR Codes

Frequently asked questions about EICR costs

Regional EICR cost variations

London and South East

London zones:

• Central London (Zones 1-2): £250-£500 for 3-bed house
• Inner London (Zones 3-4): £220-£400
• Outer London (Zones 5-6): £200-£350
• M25 corridor: £180-£320

Why London costs more:

• Electrician rates 40-60% higher than regional UK
• Higher business costs (premises, parking, congestion charge)
• Travel time in congested areas
• Higher demand, more competition for appointments
• Higher cost of living for tradespeople

South East (excluding London):

• Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton: £170-£300
• Surrey, Kent, Sussex: £160-£280
• Berkshire, Hampshire: £150-£270

Midlands and North

Midlands:

• Birmingham area: £140-£240
• East Midlands (Nottingham, Leicester, Derby): £130-£220
• West Midlands smaller towns: £120-£200

North West:

• Manchester, Liverpool: £140-£230
• Chester, Preston, Lancaster: £130-£210
• Smaller towns: £120-£190

North East:

• Newcastle, Sunderland: £130-£210
• Durham, Middlesbrough: £120-£200
• Rural areas: £110-£190

Yorkshire:

• Leeds, Sheffield, York: £135-£220
• Bradford, Huddersfield: £125-£200
• Smaller towns: £115-£190

Wales, Scotland, and Southwest

Wales:

• Cardiff, Swansea: £130-£220
• North Wales coastal: £120-£200
• Rural Wales: £110-£180

Scotland:

• Edinburgh, Glasgow: £140-£240
• Aberdeen: £135-£230
• Smaller cities and towns: £120-£200
• Highlands and Islands: £140-£250 (travel premiums)

South West:

• Bristol, Bath: £145-£240
• Plymouth, Exeter: £135-£220
• Cornwall: £130-£220 (some areas higher due to travel)
• Dorset, Somerset: £130-£210

Value for money: What makes a good EICR

Signs of a thorough inspection

Time spent:

• Minimum 2 hours for small flat
• 3-4 hours for typical 3-bed house
• 4-6 hours for large house
• Electrician shouldn't rush

Comprehensive testing:

• Tests every circuit individually
• Opens consumer unit for internal inspection
• Checks earthing and bonding throughout
• Inspects accessible cables and accessories
• Uses calibrated test equipment

Detailed report:

• Full schedule of test results
• Clear photographs of defects
• Specific circuit identification
• Detailed observations
• Professional presentation

Professional conduct:

• Explains findings clearly
• Provides advice on remedial priorities
• Answers questions patiently
• Treats property with respect
• Cleans up any disruption

Questions to ask after receiving the report

Understanding your report:

1. "Can you explain the overall result and what it means?"
2. "What are the priority defects I need to address?"
3. "What's the likely cost range for remedial work?"
4. "Can you quote for the remedial work, or should I get other quotes?"
5. "How urgent is each defect - what's my timeline?"
6. "Are there any safety issues I should address immediately?"
7. "When should the next EICR be carried out?"
8. "Will I need another inspection after remedial work?"
9. "Can you explain any technical terms I don't understand?"
10. "Are there any improvements you'd recommend beyond the mandatory work?"

For landlords specifically:

• "Does this report meet my legal obligations?"
• "Can I provide this to tenants as-is, or do I need remedial work first?"
• "What's my deadline for completing the required work?"
• "Can I continue letting while remedial work is completed?"

Long-term cost management

Proactive maintenance:

• Regular visual checks between EICRs
• Address minor issues before they become major
• Keep installation clean and dry
• Don't overload circuits
• Replace damaged accessories promptly

Planning for future costs:

• Set aside £500-£1,000 per property for electrical maintenance
• Budget for EICR + potential remedial work every 5 years
• Consider consumer unit upgrade before it fails EICR
• Plan major electrical work during void periods or renovations

Record keeping:

• Keep all EICRs, even if superseded
• Retain remedial work certificates
• Document all electrical work with Electrical Installation Certificates
• Photograph installation condition at regular intervals
• Track circuit changes and additions

Insurance considerations:

• Maintain valid EICR for insurance coverage
• Some insurers offer discounts for regular EICRs
• Disclose any known defects to insurers
• Keep certificates accessible for claims

Next steps

Now you understand EICR costs, learn what's involved in the inspection:

What is an EICR? →

Understand if you legally need an EICR:

Do I need an EICR? →

If you've received an EICR with defect codes:

EICR codes explained →

For landlords, understand your full obligations:

Landlord electrical safety requirements →

Related articles:

• What is an EICR?
• Do I need an EICR?
• Understanding EICR codes
• Landlord electrical safety requirements

Useful tools:

• Compliance Checker
• Electrical Safety Self-Check