How much does an EICR cost?

An EICR is an electrical installation condition report. An electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring and the consumer unit, then records the findings in a condition report. Because the amount of testing varies from one property to the next, firms price it in different ways.

Some quote a fixed price after asking about the property. Others work from an hourly rate or a day rate, and some add a callout fee. None of these is wrong, but they are not directly comparable until you know what each one covers. When you ask for a quote, check whether it is fixed or an estimate, and whether anything could be added later.

The biggest factor is the number of circuits. Every circuit has to be tested, so a property with many circuits takes more time than one with only a few. Property size usually goes hand in hand with this, which is why a flat and a large family house are rarely priced alike.

Access matters too. If the consumer unit is in a cupboard full of stored items, if floors or fittings are hard to reach, or if there are outbuildings, garages or a separate supply to check, the inspection takes longer. Timing can also play a part. Evening or weekend appointments may be priced differently from standard working hours, so ask.

Tenanted properties can add some coordination, such as arranging entry, which can affect how the work is scheduled.

Older properties often cost more to inspect. Wiring may have been altered over the years, records may be missing, and there can be a mix of old and new circuits. The inspector has to work out what is there before testing it, and that takes time.

The time needed is a big part of the price. A small, modern home may take a few hours, while a larger or older property can run beyond four hours. Your electrician should give you a realistic idea once they know the property. Power will normally be switched off for periods during testing, so plan around that.

The quote for the EICR covers the inspection and the report. It does not usually cover fixing anything the report finds. If the inspector records observations or codes that need attention, such as something potentially dangerous, any remedial work is a separate piece of electrical work and should be quoted separately.

This is worth asking about up front. A good quote explains what happens if faults are found, whether repairs can be priced afterwards, and whether a retest or an updated report is needed once the work is done. You are free to get remedial work quoted elsewhere, though it is often simpler if the same electrician carries it out.

A normal electrician may be able to carry out an EICR, but inspection and testing is a specific skill. Ask whether the person is experienced in periodic inspection and testing, what they will test, and who will sign off the report. Check that they work to current electrical safety standards.

When comparing quotes, line up the same things: the number of circuits covered, whether the consumer unit is included, the cost basis, and how remedial work would be handled. Be cautious about offers of a free electrical safety check. Find out whether it is a full inspection with a written report or only a brief visual look.

For rented homes, landlords generally need the installation inspected at regular intervals, commonly at least every five years, and this is a legal requirement in many cases. The rules can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position. If you are selling, an EICR is not always required, but buyers sometimes ask for one.