What is an EICR?
The Electrical Inspection Condition Report, or EICR, is a thorough inspection of your property’s electrical system and its installation. The inspection is designed to assess and identify any condition, deterioration or defect which has the potential to be hazardous. For information on the average costs of an electric inspection report, multiquotetime breaks down the price base on where you line in the UK.
Do I need one?
There have been a number of changes surrounding electrical report legislation so it is important that you are aware of the changes before booking your electrical certificate online. For landlords in the private rental sector, an Electrical Installation Condition Report is now a legal requirement. The most recent changes came into force on 1st June 2020 so now all landlords looking to start a new tenancy, or renew an existing tenancy, have to produce a ‘satisfactory’ electrical report before the tenants can move in.If you are a private homeowner, then you are not currently obliged by law to have one, although it is recommended for good health and safety, as well as peace of mind.
Who can carry out the inspection?
Before you book your electrical certificate online you should make sure that person is fully qualified. To obtain a valid EICR, the inspection must be carried out by a fully qualified electrician. It is always recommended that you ask for the electrician’s credentials before you let them start work on your property.
How long does it take?
For smaller properties you should allow approximately 60-90 minutes for the inspection. Family homes can take quite a bit longer, sometimes as much as 3-4 hours. The length of the survey will depend on the number of circuits in the system, the complexity of the installation and if there are any issues discovered during the inspection.
How long is an EICR valid for?
If you are renting your property out privately then current legislation states that the report is valid for five years. Private homeowners are currently recommended to have the report renewed every ten years.
Can my property faii the inspection?
Yes. Simply booking your electrical certificate online is not where your responsibility ends if you plan to rent your property. In order to move tenants in, the property must be issued with a ‘satisfactory’ report. Some older electrical installations will contain elements that do not conform to the current standards. If your property does not meet the required standard, the electrician will note which part of the installation does not meet the standard and why.
These are marked using the following codes;
- C1 – ‘danger is present’, risk of injury is likely and immediate action is required.
- C2 – potentially dangerous and remedial action is needed urgently.
- C3 – improvement of your electrical system is recommended. Please note that C3 is the only classification code that can appear on a report and still pass the electrical certificate UK test.
What happens if I do fail?
If your property does not return a ‘satisfactory’ report then you have a period of 28 days in order to have the remedial works completed and a new EICR certificate issued. Once a new certificate has been issued, you have a 28 day period to provide it to your tenants.
What does an EICR cost?
The prices of the reports will vary, with the size of the property and the number of circuits in the system, being the key factors in determining the cost of the inspection.
Can I get a discount for multiple bookings?
You sure can! We are experienced in dealing with multi property landlords, managing agents and estate agents. We recognise the appeal of keeping all your maintenance needs under one roof and reflect that in our pricing for block bookings. All you need to do is get in touch with us, let us know how many properties you need to book, the number of bedrooms in each and we will be able to offer you an even better rate. In order to make the process as hassle free as possible we can even liaise with your tenants to arrange access.
Where can I book an electrical certificate online?
MyConstructor is a price comparison platform which provides you with access to a nationwide network of fully qualified electrical engineers. The marketplace nature of the platform ensures that our engineers are always offering you their best rates possible. Simply click here, enter your postcode, select the number of bedrooms in the property and then browse through a selection of fully qualified local electricians. You can also read genuine customer reviews and check availability. When you are ready you can book your electrical certificate online with fixed prices, 24/7!