How Much Does an EICR Cost?

An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. An electrician inspects and tests the fixed electrical installation, meaning the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches and light fittings, then records its condition against current electrical safety standards. The result is a condition report that lists anything damaged, deteriorated or potentially dangerous.

Because every property is wired differently, the amount of inspection and testing differs from one job to the next. That is why a fair quote comes from the details of your home rather than a flat figure quoted over the internet.

Electricians usually quote an EICR in one of a few ways. Some give a fixed price for the whole inspection and report. Others charge by the hour, or add a callout fee to a time-based charge. Parts are normally only relevant if something has to be replaced, and the inspection itself uses test equipment rather than materials.

Whichever method is used, ask for the quote in writing and check what it covers. Does it include the written report? Does it include a visit to a second building such as a garage or outbuilding? Is the time of day or the day of the week likely to change the price? A clear quote answers these before the work starts.

Several practical factors affect the cost of an EICR:

Property size and number of circuits. More rooms and more circuits mean more points to inspect and test. A one-bedroom flat is a smaller job than a large family house.

Age and condition. Older properties, or those that have been extended or altered over the years, can take longer because the wiring is harder to trace and the records may be missing.

Access. Furniture in the way, locked rooms, loft hatches, under-stair cupboards and meters in awkward places all add time. Clearing access beforehand can help.

The type of installation. Outbuildings, extra consumer units, electric vehicle chargers or solar equipment can add to the inspection.

Time taken. Most of the price comes down to how long the inspection takes. A small, well-documented property is quicker, while a larger or older home with several consumer units takes longer.

An EICR is an inspection, not a repair. If the report finds faults, the electrician will code them according to how urgent they are. Anything potentially dangerous needs attention promptly, and you will normally need remedial work before the installation can be called satisfactory.

The cost of that electrical work is separate from the cost of the inspection, and it depends on what is found. Some reports come back with only minor observations. Others need a consumer unit replaced or circuits corrected. Ask whether the electrician can quote for remedial work once the report is complete, and whether you are free to use someone else if you prefer.

Do not compare quotes on the bottom line alone. Check that each one covers the same scope: the whole installation, a written report, and an explanation of any findings. Be wary of a very vague quote, or one that cannot say how the inspection will be done.

Anyone doing this work should be a competent electrician. You can ask what scheme or qualifications they hold and ask to see proof. Give accurate details when asking for a quote: the type of property, the approximate number of bedrooms, the number of consumer units, and whether it is rented or owner-occupied.

How often you need an EICR depends on the property. For rented homes the rules require inspections at regular intervals, and five years at the most is commonly cited as a guide, but rules can change. Check GOV.UK for the current position.