Every household has the prerogative to ensure electrical safety, and obtaining an EICR is one way to guarantee this safety. This article examines what an EICR involves, why it is necessary, and how residents can handle the costs involved.
You will also explore the cost of EICRs, the reasons for the cost variation, and how to choose a provider to keep your home safe and within the law.
What an EICR Covers and Why It Matters
An EICR is a detailed report of a home's electrical installations. It pinpoints any existing electrical defects and tests the effectiveness of all systems in place. This report is critical to homeowners as it provides information about safety risks such as bad wiring and excessive currents in circuits.
Landlords also have to consider the importance of EICRs. Under the present guidelines, properties that are let must have a satisfactory electrical test certificate. This is satisfying a legal obligation and within acceptable limits, inspiring confidence among landlords and tenants that residents living within domestic let are safe.
In addition, regular inspections help preserve safety over time. An EICR will normally last for about five years, so property owners should seek such examinations more often.
Being knowledgeable about EICR pricing will help homeowners prepare for these types of evaluations, which are necessary for improving the risk-free environment overall.
Factors Affecting EICR Costs
There are factors which often vary the cost of acquiring an EICR, and some of them include:
- Property Size: The bigger the property, the higher the level of inspection. Considering that there are more rooms and electrical circuits to be examined, the demand for time and resources increases, and that cost increases.
- Installation Age: It might be necessary to conduct more extensive inspections, repairs, or modifications on a considerably aged electrical installation to bring it up to the current safety requirements. The older your wiring is, the less compliance there will be, and therefore, the inspection fees charged will be transformed more than usual.
- Patterns of Web Traffic: Houses or machines that use excessive electricity may need regular testing due to their electric systems sustaining a lot of wear and tear. For this reason, it applies very well to families with many power-consuming appliances or to commercial premises with heavy machinery which people operate.
Average EICR Prices
EICR prices vary depending on the type of property and the specifics of the inspection. Homeowners can expect a realistic range of costs for a standard residential EICR to be between £100 and £300. This cost typically includes an inspection of the electric circuits, consumer unit, and major appliances for damage and fire hazards using normal visual means.
There is a significant difference in the cost of EICRs for residential versus commercial properties. Commercial inspections are likely to cost more due to the extent of work required and the complexity of the electrical systems in industrial buildings. The inspection costs usually include a primary check-up of the property, re-checking any problems found, and preparing the report. Understanding these costs helps homeowners comprehend the total expense of an electrical safety certificate.
How to Find the Best EICR Provider
It is very important to appoint a qualified electrician to conduct an EICR inspection. Locate an EICR-proficient individual based on the following guidelines:
- Check Qualifications: Look for electricians who are members of recognised organisations such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC). Electricians bearing a certification undergo intense education and comply with the appropriate rules.
- Local Customer Reviews: Look at customer reviews and testimonials available online to gain a better perspective of different providers and their services.
- Request Multiple Quotes: Ask numerous inspectors for prices and compare the services offered based on their prices.
- Assess Communication Skills: A competent provider has to be able to communicate the inspection procedure and respond to any relevant questions you might have. Communication is also important for easier inspection.
Preparing for an EICR Inspection
Proper preparation can help ensure the inspection runs smoothly. Homeowners should ensure that electrical points are accessible, neat, and well-organised to facilitate visual assessments. Clear visibility is crucial for inspectors to conduct their work efficiently.
Additionally, it is beneficial to provide any available information about previous repairs made to the electrical installation. Documented information about past work can help the inspector focus on potential problem areas, resulting in a more thorough evaluation of the electrical system.
