How much does an EICR cost?

An EICR (electrical installation condition report) is an inspection and testing job, so electricians tend to price it in one of a few ways. Some give a fixed price for the whole inspection and report. Others charge by time, with an hourly rate and sometimes a separate callout fee. Some combine the two.

A fixed price is easier to budget for, but check what it covers. An hourly rate is fair when the job is hard to predict, but you should ask for an estimate of the time involved so the final bill holds no surprises. Either way, ask for the pricing method in writing.

The biggest factor is the size of the job. A small flat with a single consumer unit has far less to test than a large family house with several floors, an extension and outbuildings. The number of circuits matters most, because each one has to be inspected and tested. Property size usually follows the same pattern.

Age and condition come next. Older properties can have outdated wiring, mixed cable types, altered circuits or poor labelling, and all of these slow the inspection. Larger or older homes often need more time for tracing circuits.

Access also plays a part. If the consumer unit is blocked, floors are fully fitted, or loft spaces are hard to reach, the work takes longer. Time of day can matter too, as evening or weekend appointments may be priced differently from standard hours. If you can, ask about this when you enquire.

A good written quote for an EICR should be clear about a few points:

Whether the price is fixed or based on time, and whether any callout fee applies.

What the inspection covers, for example the whole electrical installation or only part of it, and whether outbuildings, garages or EV chargers are included.

Whether the written report is included in the price.

How any remedial work will be handled. The inspection itself is separate from fixing faults, and repairs are normally quoted separately once the report shows what is needed.

When you ask for quotes, give each electrician the same details: property type, approximate size, number of bedrooms, the age of the wiring if you know it, and whether it is rented or owner-occupied. That makes comparisons fair.

An electrician checks the consumer unit, earthing and bonding, sockets, switches, lighting and fixed wiring, and carries out tests on each circuit. Some of this needs the power switched off for short periods, so plan around that.

The time depends on the property. A small home may take a few hours, while a bigger or older one can take longer, sometimes spread over more than one visit. Time is a large part of what you pay for, which is why property size and circuit count matter so much.

At the end you receive an installation condition report. It lists any observations and gives each one a code showing whether it is potentially dangerous, needs urgent attention or is worth improving. The overall result is marked satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

If your report is unsatisfactory, remedial work will be needed to correct the faults, and that cost is separate from the inspection. Ask for a quote for the repairs and decide whether to use the same electrician or get a second opinion.

On who can carry out the inspection, choose an electrician who is competent in inspection and testing, not just general electrical work. Ask about their experience with condition reports and ask to see proof of their qualifications. Be cautious of anything offered as a free electrical safety check, as it is unlikely to be a full inspection with a written report.

For how often, an EICR is commonly recommended at least every five years for rented homes, and landlords have legal duties around electrical safety. Owner-occupiers are often advised to have one when buying a home or if the wiring is old. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK for the current position.