How Much Does an EICR Cost? A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners and Landlords

If you’re a homeowner or landlord wondering about electrical safety, you’ve likely come across the term EICR. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is essential for ensuring your property’s wiring is safe and compliant with UK standards. But one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: how much does an EICR cost?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical costs, what affects pricing, and everything else you need to know about EICRs in Dorset and the wider UK.

What is an EICR?

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed inspection and testing of your property’s electrical installation. A qualified electrician examines your wiring, consumer unit (fuse board), circuits, sockets, and other electrical components to identify any defects, damage, or potential safety hazards.

The inspection assesses whether your electrical system meets the requirements of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and assigns codes to any issues found:

• C1: Danger present – requires immediate action
• C2: Potentially dangerous – requires urgent remedial work
• C3: Improvement recommended

Once complete, you’ll receive a certificate detailing the condition of your electrical installation and any necessary remedial works.

Average EICR Cost in the UK

The cost of an EICR typically ranges from £150 to £500 for most residential properties in the UK. The exact price depends on several factors, which we’ll explore in detail below.

For a standard 2-3 bedroom property in Dorset with a modern consumer unit and straightforward access, you can expect to pay around £200 to £350. Larger properties with multiple consumer units or older, more complex wiring systems may cost more.

It’s important to note that this cost covers the inspection and testing only. If the EICR identifies faults that require remedial work, repairs will be quoted separately.

What Factors Affect EICR Pricing?

Understanding what influences the cost of an EICR helps you budget accordingly and appreciate why quotes may vary between properties.

Property Size and Number of Circuits

Larger properties take longer to inspect and test. An electrician needs to check every circuit in your home, including lighting, sockets, cooker circuits, and more. A one-bedroom flat with 6-8 circuits will cost considerably less than a five-bedroom house with 15-20 circuits.

Consumer Unit Complexity

Modern consumer units with RCD protection and clearly labelled circuits are quicker to test than older fuse boards. If your property has multiple consumer units or sub-distribution boards, this adds to the inspection time and overall cost.

Age and Condition of Wiring

Older properties with outdated wiring require more thorough testing. If your property still has older wiring systems, the electrician may need additional time to assess the installation’s condition, which can increase costs.

Accessibility

Easy access to your consumer unit, wiring routes, and all electrical points helps keep costs down. If areas are difficult to reach or items need moving before testing can begin, this may add to the time required and therefore the price.

Location

While prices are relatively consistent across most of the UK, London and the South East typically see higher rates. In Dorset and surrounding areas, you’ll generally find more competitive pricing compared to major cities.

Pricing Models

Electricians may charge using different models:

• Fixed fee: A set price for the entire inspection based on property details
• Per consumer unit + per circuit: Some electricians charge a base rate per consumer unit plus an additional fee per circuit tested
• Day rate: For very large or complex properties, a day rate may apply

Most NICEIC and NAPIT registered electricians in Dorset will provide a fixed-fee quote after discussing your property details, giving you clarity on costs upfront.

What’s Included in an EICR?

Your EICR cost covers a comprehensive inspection and testing service that includes:

• Visual inspection of the consumer unit, wiring, sockets, switches, and fixed electrical equipment
• Testing of earthing and bonding arrangements
• Assessment of protective devices (RCDs, circuit breakers)
• Testing of circuit integrity and insulation resistance
• Verification of polarity and continuity
• Assessment of potential electric shock and fire hazards
• A detailed report with observations and recommendations
• Official certification upon satisfactory completion

The electrician will need access to all areas of your property, including lofts, garages, and outbuildings if they contain electrical installations.

What’s Not Included

It’s crucial to understand that an EICR is an inspection and testing service only. The following are typically not included in the standard EICR cost:

• Remedial works: Any repairs needed to fix faults identified in the report
• Appliance testing (PAT testing): EICRs assess fixed wiring, not portable appliances
• Rewiring: If extensive work is recommended, this will require a separate quote
• Upgrades: Installing new circuits or additional sockets beyond what’s necessary for safety

If your EICR identifies C1 or C2 faults, your electrician will provide a separate quote for the necessary repairs. It’s often cost-effective to have the same qualified contractor carry out both the inspection and any required remedial work.

How Long Does an EICR Take?

The duration of an EICR varies based on property size and complexity:

• Small flat or one-bedroom property: 2-4 hours
• Standard 2-3 bedroom house: 4-6 hours
• Larger property (4+ bedrooms): 6-8 hours or a full day
• Very large or complex properties: May require more than one day

The electrician will need to test the installation while it’s live in some cases and may need to turn off power for certain tests. It’s helpful to plan accordingly if you work from home or have equipment that needs continuous power.

How Often Do You Need an EICR?

The frequency of EICRs depends on your property type and usage:

For Landlords

UK government regulations require private landlords to have an EICR carried out at least every 5 years, or at every change of tenancy if that’s sooner. This is a legal requirement in England since June 2020, and non-compliance can result in:

• Fines of up to £30,000
• Prohibition on letting the property
• Issues with landlord insurance claims
• Potential liability for accidents or injuries

For Homeowners

While there’s no legal requirement for homeowners to have regular EICRs, it’s strongly recommended to have your electrical installation inspected:

• Every 10 years for owner-occupied homes
• When buying a property (particularly older homes)
• After significant electrical work has been completed
• If you notice any electrical issues or concerns
• Before selling, to identify potential problems

Regular inspections give you peace of mind that your home is electrically safe and can help prevent electrical fires or shocks.

Understanding EICR Outcomes and Next Steps

After your inspection, the electrician will issue your EICR with one of the following overall outcomes:

Satisfactory: Your installation is safe with no C1 or C2 faults identified. You may have C3 improvements recommended, but these aren’t urgent. Your certificate is valid for the recommended period (typically 5 years for rental properties, 10 years for owner-occupied homes).

Unsatisfactory: One or more C1 or C2 faults require attention. For landlords, this means you must complete the necessary remedial work and obtain a satisfactory certificate before letting the property. The electrician will detail what work is needed and provide recommendations.

Potential Remedial Work Costs

If your EICR identifies faults, remedial work costs vary depending on what’s needed:

• Minor repairs (replacing damaged sockets, tightening connections): £50-£150
• Consumer unit replacement: £400-£800
• Circuit rewiring: £200-£500 per circuit
• Full property rewire: £3,000-£10,000+ depending on property size

Many NICEIC and NAPIT registered electricians, including TJC Electrical, will discuss any issues found during the inspection and provide transparent pricing for necessary repairs. It’s often more cost-effective to address issues promptly rather than delaying, both for safety and to avoid larger problems developing.

EICR vs EIC: What’s the Difference?

You may also hear about an EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate). These are different documents:

• EICR: An inspection of an existing electrical installation to assess its current condition
• EIC: A certificate issued when new electrical work is completed, confirming the new installation meets current standards

Even if you’ve had recent electrical work and received an EIC, you’ll still need an EICR for the entire property if you’re a landlord or if it’s been more than the recommended inspection period since your last full inspection.

How to Choose a Reputable Electrician for Your EICR

Not all electricians are qualified to carry out EICRs. When choosing who to carry out your electrical safety inspection, look for:

Proper Qualifications and Registration

Ensure your electrician is registered with a competent person scheme such as:

• NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
• NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)

These accreditations mean the electrician has demonstrated technical competence and is regularly assessed to maintain standards. NICEIC guidance confirms that only qualified electricians should carry out EICRs.

Transparent Pricing

Reputable electricians will provide clear quotes after discussing your property. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually cheap – a thorough EICR takes time, and extremely low prices may indicate corners being cut or hidden additional charges later.

Clear Explanations

Your electrician should be happy to explain what the inspection involves, answer your questions, and discuss any findings in terms you understand.

Reviews and Recommendations

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from other landlords or homeowners in your area. Local reputation matters, particularly in communities across Dorset.

Booking Your EICR in Dorset

If you’re a homeowner or landlord in Dorset and surrounding areas looking for a professional, reliable EICR, TJC Electrical offers comprehensive electrical safety inspections carried out by NICEIC and NAPIT accredited engineers.

We provide:

• Transparent, fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs
• Thorough inspections that meet all UK regulatory requirements
• Clear, detailed reports explaining any findings
• Competitive quotes for any necessary remedial work
• Professional, friendly service tailored to homeowners and landlords

Whether you need an EICR for landlord compliance, peace of mind as a homeowner, or before buying or selling a property, we’re here to help.

Ready to book your EICR? Contact TJC Electrical today or visit our EICR service page for more information. We’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a competitive quote for your property.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much an EICR costs helps you budget for this essential electrical safety check. While prices typically range from £150 to £500 depending on your property, the investment is worthwhile for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your electrical installation is safe.

For landlords, it’s a legal requirement that protects both you and your tenants. For homeowners, it’s a sensible precaution that can prevent electrical fires, protect your family, and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Don’t put off your electrical safety inspection. If you’re due an EICR or unsure when your property was last checked, get in touch with TJC Electrical today to arrange your inspection with qualified, accredited professionals serving Dorset and surrounding areas.