What an EICR includes and why quotes differ
An EICR is a formal inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation: the consumer unit, the circuits, sockets, switches, light fittings, earthing and bonding. The electrician visually inspects what can be seen, then tests each circuit with specialist instruments to check things like insulation resistance, continuity, polarity and how fast protective devices disconnect. The results are written up in a report that records any observations with a classification code. Quotes vary because the time needed varies. A small, well-labelled flat with a modern board can be inspected far quicker than a large house with several boards and decades of alterations. Some quotes also differ in what they include: how much of the installation will be sampled, whether a written explanation of the results is provided, and whether minor fixes on the day are covered. Before comparing figures, check you are comparing the same scope.
Size, number of circuits and the consumer unit
The biggest single factor is how many circuits need testing. A one-bedroom flat might have a handful, while a large house with an extension, garden office and car charger can have many more, sometimes across more than one board. Each circuit takes time to isolate, test and record. The board itself matters too. A clearly labelled modern consumer unit with RCBOs is quicker to work on than an older board where circuits are unlabelled or shared. If the electrician has to trace which breaker feeds which room, that adds time before testing can even begin.
Access, occupancy and tenants
Testing means switching circuits off, so the property's occupants will lose power to parts of the house during the visit. In an empty property that is simple. In a busy family home, or a rental with tenants working from home, it needs more planning. Every room needs to be reachable, and furniture in front of sockets or a board hidden behind stored items slows things down. For landlords, timing is important. In England, private landlords must have the installation inspected and tested at least every five years and supply a copy of the report to tenants, and new tenants before they move in. GOV.UK publishes guidance on the electrical safety standards in the private rented sector. Arranging the inspection between tenancies, or giving tenants plenty of notice, often makes the visit smoother and avoids a wasted trip.
Age and condition: why older installations take longer
Older installations tend to take longer to inspect. There may be several generations of cable, junction boxes hidden under floors, and alterations made without records. Results can be borderline and need checking more carefully. If there is no previous report or certificate, the electrician has less information to start from. None of this means an older home will fail, but it does mean the inspection is more involved. If you have previous EICRs, electrical installation certificates or minor works certificates, have them ready. They help the electrician understand the history of the installation.
Remedial work after C1 or C2 codes is separate
An EICR records observations with codes. C1 means danger present – immediate action required; the installation cannot be left in this condition, so the issue must be made safe/resolved before we leave site. C2 means potentially dangerous – urgent remedial action required. C3 means improvement recommended. FI means further investigation required without delay. If the report includes any C1, C2 or FI codes, the overall result is unsatisfactory. Putting those items right is remedial work, and it is normally priced separately from the inspection, because nobody can know what is needed until the testing is done. For landlords, GOV.UK guidance says remedial work identified as required must be completed within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so, and written confirmation provided to tenants and the local authority.
Getting an exact quote
The quickest way to an accurate quote is to share the basics up front: the type and size of property, roughly how many bedrooms, whether there is more than one board, whether it is occupied, and when the last inspection was done. A photo of the consumer unit is very useful. Sean Reynolds at SR Installations (Electricals) holds City & Guilds 2391-52 in inspection and testing and carries out EICRs for homeowners, landlords and commercial premises. Call 07747 562927 or send a request through the contact page and he will give you a clear quote for the inspection, explaining what is and is not included.