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]]>As a homeowner needing periodic Electrical Installation Condition Reports, have you felt overwhelmed comparing quotes from different electricians while ensuring quality and safety? It’s tricky balancing cost savings with reliable inspections you can trust.
Legally mandated EICRs evaluate compliance and risk levels of a property’s whole electrical system. Identifying an electrician committed to thorough, diligent assessing is critical for safeguarding your family and home’s value.
However, not all inspection quotes are created equal. Fees depend on things like an electrician’s reputation, equipment, years of expertise, travel fees, and extra guarantees. Today, we’ll discuss some insider tips on navigating costs without compromising certified periodic testing meeting regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Understand factors influencing EICR quote variations like inspector qualifications and service scope
- Properly vet providers through credentials, reviews, and assessing customer service
- Insist on transparent, itemised quotes outlining all inclusions and costs
- Balance budget with quality workmanship – don’t just choose the cheapest option
Understanding EICR Requirements for Homeowners
UK law makes homeowners get Electrical Installation Condition Reports – called EICRs. These professional safety inspections are required when:
- Renting out homes – checks safety to meet legal standards
- Major electrical projects – ensures rewiring or other work meets regulations
- Selling properties – inspects all circuits function properly
Specialists thoroughly check all electrical systems against safety standards – from the main fuse box to appliances to outdoor lights.
They test to ensure wiring connections are tight, fuse boxes are correctly sized against circuits, and outlets are not overloaded. Otherwise, fire or dangerous shock risks could arise over time unseen.
Think of EICRs like a check-up with your doctor – they catch potential issues early when they’re still simpler and inexpensive fixes. Being informed early allows smart upgrades to electrical systems before major problems emerge. It’s essential to avoid situations that would need urgent repairs later.
Factors Influencing EICR Quote Variations
When you start comparing quotes from different EICR providers, you’ll likely notice some pretty significant price differences. There are several reasons behind these variations, and it’s important to understand them so you can make the best choice.
First up, the qualifications and experience of the inspectors themselves play a big role. Naturally, the real pros with advanced training, top-notch qualifications, and years of hands-on experience under their belt are going to charge more. Their expertise allows them to spot even the trickiest issues and give you a truly comprehensive evaluation. On the flip side, less seasoned inspectors may offer lower rates, but there’s also a risk they could miss something important.
Another factor is the reputation and accreditations of the provider company. Outfits with a sterling reputation, stamps of approval from major industry bodies, and a proven history of reliable work tend to command higher fees.
The scope of the inspection itself makes a difference, too. Some providers might just tick the basic regulatory boxes, while others go the extra mile with additional specialised tests or assessments like thermal imaging or load testing. More comprehensive inspections mean a higher price tag, but you’re getting a truly in-depth evaluation.
Geographic location plays a part as well. Providers operating in major cities or having to travel long distances will likely bake those higher overhead and travel costs into their quotes compared to a local company.
Finally, some quotes bundle in additional services beyond just the inspection, like repair work, new installations, or warranties on their labour. These extras can drive up the total cost but also provide added value if you need that extra work done.
Identifying Reputable EICR Providers
When it comes to something as important as electrical safety in your home, you can’t just hire the first EICR provider you come across. Doing a bit of due diligence upfront can save you a lot of potential headaches down the road.
First off, check their credentials and make sure they have all the proper qualifications and licenses to be doing this kind of work. Any legitimate EICR inspector should be registered and accredited with the relevant regulatory bodies like NICEIC, NAPIT or the government’s Competent Person Scheme. Don’t be afraid to ask to see proof.
Spend some time scouring online reviews from past customers, too. Sure, you’ll find a complainer here and there, but overall, you want to see a pattern of positive feedback about their professionalism, thoroughness, and quality of work. Testimonials from friends or neighbours who’ve used them are golden as well.
It’s also a good idea to verify they have proper insurance and liability coverage in case anything goes wrong during the inspection or subsequent work.
Finally, pay attention to how responsive and communicative they are from the very first inquiry. Reliable providers should be happy to answer questions, explain their process, and make you feel comfortable about what you’re paying for.
Evaluating Quote Transparency and Inclusions
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few reputable EICR providers, it’s time to really scrutinise those quotes and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Transparency is key here – the last thing you want is to get blindsided by unexpected fees after the fact.
An upfront, honest quote should clearly break down and itemise every single cost for you. That includes things like:
- Labour rates and total hours/days required
- Any fees for equipment, testing, or specialised assessments
- Material costs for any parts or components needed
- Travel/transportation expenses, if applicable
Pay close attention to what’s explicitly included or excluded from each quote. One provider’s “basic” inspection package might cover way less than another’s “comprehensive” option. Having those details laid out prevents any surprises when the final bill comes due.
For example, is the quote just for the initial inspection itself? Or does it also include the cost for an electrician to actually implement any necessary repairs or upgrades that get identified? Those remediation fees can add up quickly, so you’ll want to know upfront.
The bottom line is, that you shouldn’t have to play any guessing games about what work will be performed and what you’ll ultimately be paying for it all. If a quote seems ambiguous or lacks those key specifics, it’s perfectly reasonable to request a more detailed breakdown before making a decision.
A little extra due diligence evaluating that transparency now can save you from major headaches, unexpected costs, and having to play catch-up on a half-baked job later. Take the time to understand exactly what’s being quoted.
Negotiating and Finding Value
Now that we’ve covered the importance of not just going for the absolute cheapest EICR quote out there let’s talk about still trying to find the best value for your money. You don’t necessarily have to pay premium prices to get quality work done.
One tactic is simply not being afraid to negotiate a little bit. With some providers, those initial quotes may be more of a starting point for discussion rather than set in stone. As long as you’re reasonable, it never hurts to politely inquire about any potential discounts or pricing adjustments.
For example, if you’re able to bundle multiple services together, like the EICR plus any needed repair/upgrade work, some companies may cut you a package deal rate. Or if you can credibly demonstrate you’ve received lower quotes from other reputable sources, a provider may be willing to price match or at least meet you halfway to secure your business.
Another angle is asking about any special promotions, discounts for paying upfront, seasonal deals, or referral bonuses that could reduce the overall cost. Don’t be shy – the worst they can say is no!
The key is weighing any potential savings against the broader factors of the provider’s quality, trustworthiness, and customer service reputation.
It’s also totally fair game to clearly communicate your budget constraints upfront and see if the company can work within those parameters by potentially adjusting the scope of the inspection. Maybe you skip certain add-ons or opt for a more streamlined basic package this time and upgrade to premium services down the road.
At the end of the day, having an open, honest dialogue with prospective providers is the best way to find that sweet spot of value pricing aligned with your priorities. Don’t be afraid to be your own advocate throughout the process.
How We Can Help At Hexo Electrical Testing
Take the time to vet providers through qualifications, reviews, accreditations, and transparency in their quotes. An upfront investment in quality workmanship provides way more long-term safety and peace of mind.
The right EICR inspector is worth their weight in gold for protecting your biggest investment – your home. So take your time, do your homework on providers, get quotes transparently broken down, and be willing to advocate for the combination of affordability and quality that works best for your situation.
At Hexo Electrical Testing, we have years of experience working with electrical systems of all types and uses. We offer a tailored service so you can choose exactly what you want to have done and when with expert advice every step of the way. Use our handy contact form to get in touch today for a quote.
FAQs
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a comprehensive inspection of a property’s electrical installation to assess its safety and compliance with current regulations. It identifies any defects, damage, or potential hazards that need to be addressed.
How often should you get an EICR?
For homeowners, it’s generally recommended to have an EICR conducted every 10 years for a rental property and every 5 years for an owner-occupied home. However, an EICR may also be required when renovating, selling, or if electrical issues arise.
What should be checked during an EICR?
During an EICR, a qualified electrician thoroughly examines the entire electrical system, including wiring, fuse boxes, sockets, lighting, earthing, and any electrical equipment or appliances. They test and inspect for any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance issues.
Who needs an EICR?
An EICR is a legal requirement for landlords renting out properties. Homeowners should also get regular EICRs, especially when renovating, selling, or if the electrical installation is over 25 years old and hasn’t been inspected recently.
Sources:
Rebecca Milligan (2020). ‘All homes need an electrical-installation condition report (EICR) – does yours have one?’
Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (2021). ‘Guide for landlords: electrical safety standards in the private rented sector’
NICEIC, ‘How to work with your tradesperson’
https://niceic.com/householders/how-to-work-with-your-tradesperson/
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]]>The post The Most Common EICR Faults And How We Fix Them appeared first on Hexo Electrical Testing Limited.
]]>Discover the most prevalent EICR faults we deal with daily, from circuit overloads to outdated systems, and learn the expert solutions to ensure electrical safety. Dive deep into the importance of EICR, the role of certified electricians, and the cost implications of fixes.
Circuit Overloads
Circuit overloads can be extremely dangerous. They happen when too many electrical devices draw power from the same circuit simultaneously, overloading it beyond its rated capacity. This causes the circuit breaker to trip or fuses to blow, interrupting power. It also leads to overheated wires, which can start electrical fires.
The immediate solution is to upgrade the circuit to a higher amperage rating, or balance the electrical load across multiple circuits. An electrician can determine the actual load on a circuit and install new breaker panels or wiring as needed. Attempting DIY electrical work often leads to more hazards, so calling in a certified professional is critical.
Damaged or Exposed Wiring
Wiring inside walls or electrical boxes can damage due to age, pests, improper installation, or excessive loads. Bare wires, loose connections, and fraying or sliced insulation can all cause shorts, shocks, and fires.
Electricians carefully inspect for any compromised wiring and will replace entire wire runs if necessary. They also ensure wires are properly routed and secured, with tight, enclosed connections. Damaged wiring must be addressed immediately to avoid potential shocks or fire hazards.
Absence of RCD (Residual Current Device)
An RCD is a crucial safety device that instantly breaks the electrical circuit if it detects dangerous earth fault currents.
RCDs greatly reduce the risk of severe shocks and electrocutions. Modern safety standards require RCD protection for nearly all circuits.
For older installations lacking RCDs, an electrician can assess the electrical system and install suitable RCD protection devices. They determine the right locations and types of RCDs and the proper installation methods. Attempting to add RCDs without professional knowledge risks improperly protecting the circuits.
Delving Deeper: The Most Common EICR Faults And How We Fix Them – Understanding the Root Causes
Outdated Electrical Systems
Older electrical systems often lack the capacity and safety features of modern standards. Warning signs include fuse boxes, undersized wiring, two-prong outlets, and an absence of RCD protection. Outdated systems increase fire risks and reduce performance.
According to Electrical Safety First, 53.4% of all accidental domestic fires in England had an electrical origin in 2018/19. This highlights the importance of updating ageing electrical installations.
Modernising solves immediate issues and prevents future hazards. Electricians can fully evaluate systems to identify antiquated or unsuitable components.
They then recommend bringing the property up to current codes and standards. This often requires new consumer units, circuit breakers, wiring, outlets, and safety devices.
Faulty Electrical Installations
Installation mistakes happen more often than homeowners realise. Even professional electricians can make errors. DIY attempts frequently result in unsafe conditions due to lack of skills and knowledge.
Common mistakes include undersized wiring, unsecured connections, improper grounding, and incorrectly rated overcurrent protection. These issues can lead to overloaded circuits, shocks, and fire hazards. According to Electrical Safety First, there was a 400% rise in dangerous interference with energy metres and equipment in homes in 2018 compared to 2015. This further highlights the risks of DIY electrical work.
The solution is thoroughly inspecting and testing the installation to identify any deficiencies. These are then meticulously corrected to ensure completely safe and compliant electrical systems.
Comprehensive Solutions for Long-Term Safety
Upgrading Outdated Systems
To modernise electrical systems, components that often need a replacement include:
- Fuse boxes – These older style panels use fuses that must be replaced when they blow, rather than resetting a circuit breaker. Fuse boxes have a more limited capacity and lack modern safety features. Upgrading to a circuit breaker panel provides increased circuit capacity, overcurrent protection, and easier resetting of tripped breakers.
- Undersized wiring – Older wiring is often rated for 15 or 20 amps, insufficient for today’s electrical loads. Replacing with new wiring rated for 30 amps or higher allows for running more high-wattage appliances and devices simultaneously. It reduces the chance of overloads.
- Two-prong outlets – Outlets without a grounding pin lack a safe path for fault currents. Upgrading to modern grounded outlets improves safety and allows 3-prong plugs to be used.
- Lack of RCD protection – Installing RCDs protects against electrocution and shocks. RCDs should be installed for nearly all circuits, especially those supplying sockets, external wiring, or water sources.
The Role of a Certified Electrician in EICR Corrections
Electrical work can seem straightforward, but looks are deceiving. There are many intricacies and safety risks involved. That’s why expertise and qualifications are so important for proper, compliant electrical work.
A certified electrician has extensive training and experience. They possess the specialised knowledge to inspect systems and thoroughly identify any issues or risks. Electricians also understand the most effective correction methods to apply for specific problems according to electrical regulations.
The process an EICR follows includes:
- Comprehensive inspection of all system components, checking for any deficiencies.
- Diagnostic testing using proper equipment to detect any hidden issues.
- Detailed evaluation of the system condition and remaining service life.
- Development of a correction plan addressing all discovered faults and risk areas.
- Meticulous remediation work performed to the highest standards.
- Certification of the corrected system as fully compliant and safe.
According to Electrical Safety First, the rate of dangerous electrical installations in UK housing jumped from 1 in 10 in 2012 to 1 in 5 in 2017. Yet the UK maintains high safety standards overall. This highlights the importance of hiring qualified professionals rather than attempting unsafe DIY fixes.
Upgrading provides increased capacity to handle higher electrical loads from modern devices and appliances. It also improves safety, reliability, and energy efficiency. Though upgrades require an initial investment, they improve the value of a property.
Rectifying Faulty Installations
Fixing faulty installations thoroughly involves:
- Meticulous visual inspection of all system components to spot any apparent flaws in the wiring, connections, or layout.
- Testing connections under realistic loads, not just with a voltmeter alone. Issues like loose connections often only become noticeable when operating near capacity.
- Any identified faults must be completely corrected. For wiring issues, this may require new wire runs. For connection issues, all terminals and joins should be redone properly.
- Confirming the finished installation meets all relevant local regulations and electrical codes. This ensures safety for occupants and future compliance.
DIY attempts often compound issues and can have tragic consequences. According to Electrical Safety First, tampering with metres caused over 2800 house fires, 20000 gas leaks, and 350 electrocutions in 2018. Always hire a qualified electrician to ensure completely safe and proper electrical work.
Cost Implications of EICR Report Fixes
The costs to remedy issues identified in an EICR report can vary substantially depending on the specifics of each job. Here are typical price ranges for common fixes in the London area:
- Upgrading a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel – £800 to £1200
- Installing RCD protection for additional circuits – £150 to £250 per circuit
- Rewiring a standard room – £1000 to £2000
- Complete rewire of an average house – £5000 to £10000
- Adding a new circuit – £150 to £800
- Upgrading sockets and switches – £200 to £800
While the costs may seem high, proactive maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs or fire damage remediation. Regular electrical inspections and system upgrades during renovations or when moving into older homes allows defects to be addressed in a planned, cost-effective manner. It provides long-term financial benefits alongside safety.
Tips for Ensuring a Positive EICR Outcome
There are several best practices homeowners and property managers can follow to get the most out of the EICR process:
- Schedule regular electrical inspections every 5 years or so to catch issues early before they become major hazards. Staying on top of maintenance is safer and more cost effective.
- When renovating or upgrading, use high quality components that meet the latest standards. This prevents having to replace subpar electrical parts later on.
- Never attempt DIY electrical work unless fully qualified. Tampering by untrained individuals often creates serious safety issues. According to Electrical Safety First, over 51% of recalled electrical products purchased online in 2016 were counterfeit and dangerous.
- Hire a reputable NICEIC or NAPIT approved electrician to perform high quality, compliant work. Verify their certification and experience.
- Follow all recommendations from the electrician to properly correct identified issues. Don’t cut corners, your safety is paramount
Regular inspections paired with properly addressing problems ensures an electrical system remains safe and compliant over its service life. Understand the significance of ongoing maintenance between EICR inspections in our dedicated guide.
Conclusion- The Most Common EICR Faults And How We Fix Them
EICR reports reveal critical information about potential electrical hazards in a property. While some issues may seem quick and easy to remedy, employing certified professionals for all remediation work is vital. DIY attempts often exacerbate rather than solve problems.
Electrical safety should never be compromised. The risks of shocks, electrocution, fires, and even death are too severe. By understanding the most common EICR issues and their comprehensive solutions, homeowners and managers can ensure their electrical systems are completely safe for all occupants.
Staying current with inspections and proactively addressing any identified problems is essential. People’s lives regularly depend on the safety of underlying electrical installations. Your diligence with electrical maintenance and hiring qualified electricians provides your tenants, family, and yourself with the level of protection and peace of mind you deserve.
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]]>The post Do You Need An EICR To Sell Your Home appeared first on Hexo Electrical Testing Limited.
]]>If you’re considering selling your home, you may wonder if you need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to proceed with the sale. The short answer is no; it is not legally required to have an EICR when selling a property. However, having an EICR can be a valuable asset in selling, providing potential buyers with peace of mind and potentially accelerating the sale. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about EICRs and their significance in the home selling process.
Understanding the EICR
An EICR, also known as a Periodic Inspection Check, is a thorough assessment of a property’s electrical safety and condition. It involves inspecting and testing the property’s wiring, circuit accessories, and switchgear to identify potential faults or hazards. A qualified and registered electrician typically performs the inspection, who will provide a detailed report outlining the findings.
The key objectives of an EICR are:
- To ensure the integrity and no degradation of the fixed wiring installation.
- To identify any past DIY modifications that were not completed safely.
- To detect any damage to electrical accessories such as sockets and switches.
Legality of EICRs in the Selling Process
While an EICR is not a legal requirement for selling a property, it can play a crucial role in the conveyancing process. When selling a property, your solicitor may request various forms, including a residential or commercial property information form. This form often includes sections related to the property’s electrical system, which may prompt the need for an EICR.
Moreover, potential buyers may also request an EICR to gain assurance about the safety of the property’s electrical installations. Although not mandatory, providing an EICR can help instil confidence in potential buyers, potentially expediting the sale.
It is worth noting that if you have had any ‘notifiable’ electrical works carried out on your home since 2005, you are legally required to have an EICR. Notifiable works refer to installing new permanent electrical fixtures such as meters, fuse boxes, sockets, lights, exposed wiring, boilers, showers, or hard-wired smoke detectors.
Benefits of Having an EICR
While not legally compulsory, obtaining an EICR when selling your home offers several benefits. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:
1. Peace of Mind for Buyers
Providing potential buyers with an EICR demonstrates your commitment to their safety and peace of mind. The detailed report assures buyers that the property’s electrical installations have been thoroughly examined and meet the necessary safety standards. This can alleviate concerns and build trust, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.
2. Streamlined Conveyancing Process
Having an EICR readily available can expedite the conveyancing process. When requested by solicitors or potential buyers, being able to provide the report promptly avoids unnecessary delays in the sale. Being proactive and prepared can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to a smooth transaction.
3. Identification of Remedial Work
An EICR not only highlights the safety of the electrical installations but also provides valuable insights into any remedial work that may be required. The report will outline any defects or potential hazards, allowing you to address them before putting the property on the market. Addressing these issues in advance can prevent negotiations or complications arising from electrical issues during the selling process.
Recommended Frequency of EICRs
While there is no legal requirement for homeowners to have periodic EICRs, it is advisable to have one conducted at least every 10 years for properties in good condition. However, more frequent inspections may be necessary for older properties or those with a history of electrical issues to ensure ongoing safety.
The law requires landlords to provide an EICR every five years or at the start of each new tenancy for private rental properties. This legal obligation protects tenants from potential electrical hazards and ensures their safety.
Importance of EICRs for Buyers
If you are purchasing a property, it is essential to consider the electrical safety aspect before finalising the deal. While sellers are not legally obligated to provide an EICR, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of an up-to-date report. This will give you an overview of the property’s current electrical condition and help you make an informed decision.
By obtaining an EICR before purchasing a property, you can protect yourself from potential hidden electrical faults. It provides peace of mind, ensuring that the property’s electrical installations are safe and compliant with the necessary standards.
How to Obtain an EICR
To obtain an EICR, it is crucial to engage the services of a qualified and registered electrician. Choosing a reputable company like Hexo Electrical Testing Limited, specialising in providing comprehensive electrical testing services is recommended.
Hexo Electrical Testing offers domestic EICR services, ensuring that your property’s electrical installations are thoroughly inspected and tested. Their experienced and qualified engineers follow a systematic electrical testing sequence to assess the safety and condition of the electrical systems.
To book an EICR with Hexo Electrical Testing, visit their Domestic EICR page and fill out the inquiry form. Their team will promptly assist you and schedule an appointment that suits your convenience.
The Cost of an EICR
The cost of an EICR can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the property and its location. However, considering the importance of electrical safety, it is a worthwhile investment. Hexo Electrical Testing provides competitive pricing for EICRs, ensuring that their services are accessible to homeowners and landlords alike. To obtain a detailed quotation for an EICR, visit their How Much Does an EICR Certificate Cost? page.
Trust Hexo Electrical Testing for Your Electrical Safety Needs
Regarding the electrical safety of your home or investment property, relying on professionals like Hexo Electrical Testing is crucial. With their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, they offer reliable and comprehensive EICR services.
Don’t compromise on safety when selling or purchasing a property. Contact Hexo Electrical Testing today to arrange a thorough EICR and ensure your home’s electrical safety. Visit their website here or speak to one of their friendly advisors using the chatbot on their website.
Remember, prioritising electrical safety is essential for a smooth and successful home selling process. With an up-to-date EICR, you can instil confidence in potential buyers and protect their well-being. Trust Hexo Electrical Testing to provide professional and reliable electrical testing services for your peace of mind.
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]]>The post Things to Consider Before Buying A New Home appeared first on Hexo Electrical Testing Limited.
]]>Have you ever thought about all the things you need to consider before buying a new home? Well, at Hexo Electrical Testing we’re determined to ensure all homeowners understand the importance of household safety. Especially when it comes to electricity! Did you know that in 2019, there were 14,186 household fires caused by electrical faults or appliances?
Buying A New Home
Despite this, many homeowners admit to not getting the electrics checked before buying a new home. This is because one in five people believe that electrics are included in home survey reports, when they’re not. Along with some electrical safety tips, this article should help you understand what you should consider before buying a new home.
Choose a realistic location
It goes without saying that some parts of the UK are extremely expensive for buying a new home. While we’d all love to be able to buy in a sought-after location where we’ll see property appreciation, this isn’t always possible. Stick to areas you can afford and be sure to check out the neighbourhood in advance. Take a look at the area’s crime levels and local school results to ensure you’re moving somewhere suitable.
Always attend an in-person viewing
While you might want to head to auction and buy a home you’ve never seen, this could be a mistake. Buying blind can lead to extra costs and expensive issues. Before buying a new home, attend an in-person viewing. And, if possible, view the house more than once, at different times of the day. If you visit at night, you’ll be able to spot noisy neighbours. Likewise, visiting during the day will allow you to inspect the home thoroughly.
Look out for signs of neglect
When viewing a property, make sure you keep an eye out for any obvious signs of damage. This can be everything from damp to cracks in the walls. Yet there are plenty of issues that might not be so easy to spot. Old or faulty wiring can be extremely dangerous and should be fixed as soon as possible.
If you’re selling a home, consider getting the electrics checked. After all, the state of the property will have a large bearing on its value. If you’re buying a home, book a separate survey for the electrics. A regular property survey won’t cover the electrics, so make sure you have an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out.
Create a realistic budget
Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. So, before you’ve picked out paint colours and created a Pinterest board for interior design ideas, be sure to create a realistic budget. Purchasing a property involves a lot of fees and hidden costs, so it’s important to budget accordingly to avoid any shocks or nasty surprises. From legal fees to stamp duty and surveys, many people buying a new home become tripped up by unexpected costs. Remember to include essential surveys, such as an Electrical Installation Condition Report, in your budget. Be prepared and don’t scrimp on safety.
How we can help
At Hexo, we offer electrical surveys to home buyers and sellers in London and the surrounding areas. We offer two different options of report, either a standard Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), or an enhanced Homebuyers Electrical Report.
The Domestic EICR involves dead and live electrical testing as well as a visual inspection. Any defects with the fixed electrical installation will be highlighted by severity and we will provide you with a quotation for any necessary remedial works.
The Homebuyers Electrical Report encompasses a Domestic EICR but also includes a written statement by the inspector and goes into more detail about the age and condition of the fixed electrical installation. We also send you a quotation for remedial works if they are required or recommended.
Whichever side of the buying process you’re on, we can help. To find out more, get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], or calling 0207 315 4151. Prices for our Home Buyers Electrical Report service can be found here and it’s easy to make a booking.
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]]>The post The Importance of Electrical Reports for Home Buyers appeared first on Hexo Electrical Testing Limited.
]]>Are you looking to buy a new home or sell your current property? Well, from a safety and financial point of view the condition of the electrical installation is paramount. Therefore, electrical reports for home buyers are an essential part of the buying and selling process.
As well as arranging a standard building survey that examines the property’s structural condition you should also obtain a homebuyer’s electrical report because the building survey does not fully check the electrical installation.
A building survey may include some minor commentary about the electrical installation but this is very different to a full inspection and test.
How common are homebuyers electrical reports?
In 2016, Electrical Safety First released a compelling study into electrical reports for home buyers.
It found that of the nearly 2.5 million residential property sales in the UK between 2014 and 2015, only 37% of buyers had the electrical installation checked before purchase.
Given that in London it can easily cost over £10,000 to have a property rewired, it’s worthwhile to see if this is needed or not before you buy the property. Having a home buyers report in London will at least give you the knowledge to decide how to proceed.
Why get a homebuyers electrical report?
Electrical reports give home buyers peace of mind during negotiations, as discovering whether there are any defects with the electrical installation before purchase will help to avoid costly repairs later.
If there are defects this could reduce the price of your new home, or the vendor might consider having the defects repaired so you don’t have to.
How do electrics affect the value of a house?
The value of a property is dependent on several factors, one being its condition.
The condition of the electrical installation may already be reflected in the sale price of the property, say for example the property requires a full and extensive refurbishment then rewiring the electrical installation is probably priced in already by the vendor and their agent.
However, if the property does not require refurbishment and the condition of the electrics has not been mentioned in the sale pack, then it’s likely that the electrics are considered to be ok and the property has been priced on this basis.
How to identify the condition of electrical installations
The only way to establish the condition of the electrical installation is by using an electrical company to carry out an electrical report on the property.
This will highlight whether the electrical installation is ok or whether there are defects that need to be attended too and to what level.
How much can remedial works cost?
If only minor remedial work is needed this may cost under £500, but if a new consumer unit is required and the earthing needs upgrading as well as some damage rectification this could easily be over £2,000.
If rewiring is needed, then this could be over £10,000 in London depending upon the property type and your requirements.
Home buyer electrical services
Domestic EICRs
At Hexo we offer two different services for home buyers and sellers. The first is a Domestic EICR, which is a standard Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report that highlights any defects with the fixed electrical installation and their severity.
We will also provide a quotation for any electrical remedial works required.
Enhanced Home Buyers Electrical Report
Alternatively, we offer an Enhanced Home Buyers Electrical Report. This includes a standard Domestic EICR plus a more extensive written statement from our electrical inspector about the condition of the electrical installation in the property and capacity for future extension.
A quotation for remedial works is also included as with the Domestic EICR.
Both reports can be sent to your mortgage lender, solicitor, and estate agent and used in the negotiations for the purchase.
What will a homebuyer’s electrical report reveal?
Both the Domestic EICR and Enhanced Homebuyers Electrical Report comprise a full inspection and test of the property’s fixed electrical installation in accordance with BS7671.
Our inspector will conduct a visual inspection as well as dead and live testing of the electrical circuits, and any defects will be highlighted on the report and coded according to severity.
Some examples of typical defects revealed:
- Damaged sockets and light switches
- Non fire rated down lights
- Incorrect or lack of main earthing and bonding
- Non-compliant/outdated fuse box/consumer unit
- Wiring faults such as non-continuous socket ring circuits
- Potential fire risk from cables/accessories
- Incorrectly sized cables and circuit breakers
What does a home buyers electrical report cost?
Our Domestic EICR service starts at £110+VAT for a studio apartment with up to 10 electrical circuits, additional circuits over 10 are charged at £10+VAT each.
Our Homebuyers Electrical Report service starts at £149+VAT for a studio apartment with up to 10 electrical circuits, additional circuits over 10 are charged at £10+VAT each.
We offer online booking for both services and you can view our full price list here.
It’s easy to get in touch with us by emailing [email protected], or calling 0207 315 4151.
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