How Much Does an Electrical Safety Check Cost?

Full Guide to Electrical Safety Certificate Costs

From a house renovation to a simple check-up, knowing the EICR certificate cost is essential. Prices have increased in recent years, so you must get to know everything about budgeting for electrician costs in 2025.

We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:

1. Average Electrical Safety Check Costs
2. What is an EICR Certificate? Costs
3. Hidden Electrical Safety Check Costs
4. How to Save Money on Electrical Safety Checks
5. How Long Does an Electrical Safety Check Take
6. Find Electrical Safety Professionals Near You Today
7. FAQ Common Questions

Average Electrical Safety Check Costs

EICR inspections not only make sure the electrical systems are safe, but also reduce the risk of fires and electrical hazards. But is an electrical safety check worth the cost? Well, if you are selling your home, or renting it out to tenants, an electrical safety check is actually essential.

On average, costs for an EICR in the UK range between £100 and £300 for domestic properties. For commercial properties, costs often depend on the number of circuits that need to be inspected.

Factors that influence EICR report costs:

Size and complexity of the property: Larger homes and those with more circuits usually incur higher costs as they take longer to check.

Age and condition of the wiring: Older properties, especially those with wiring pre-dating the 1990s, might require a more specialist look, potentially adding 25 - 35% to the overall cost.

Location: Properties located in London and the South East typically face higher costs, often by 15 - 20%, compared to other regions.

Accessibility: Homes with difficult-to-access wiring or multiple fuse boards often see higher costs due to increased inspection time.

Required remedial work: It's important to note that repairs and upgrades needed after the inspection are generally not included in the original EICR price.

MyBuilder-Tip: Ensure your home is safe and up to code by investing in a verified electrical safety certificate—don’t compromise on quality. Post your job today on MyBuilder to find verified electricians near you who provide peace of mind!

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What is an EICR Certificate? Costs

What is an EICR certificate? An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also known as an electrical safety certificate, evaluates the safety and overall condition of electrical installations within a home or commercial property.

Its primary purpose is to ensure compliance with the BS 7671 safety standards, which are essential.

EICR prices depending on the size of your home:

Property Type	Typical Cost
1-bed flat	£100 – £150
2-bed flat	£120 – £180
3-bed house	£150 – £250
4-bed house	£200 – £300
5-bed house	£220 – £400
Commercial (per circuit)	£30 – £50

You can find even more details about EICRs and their costs here.

Hidden Electrical Safety Check Costs

When you are getting an electrical safety certificate, it’s important you know where there could be hidden extra costs.

For example, if there are complications in the checks, such as you don’t meet the safety standards, you may need to spend more on repairs.

Here’s a quick summary of hidden electrical safety check costs: Re-inspection Fees: If initial inspections highlight issues needing correction, a follow-up check is required, typically costing between £50 and £100. Out-of-Hours Surcharge: Should inspections take place outside standard working hours, expect a surcharge ranging from +£20 to +£80. Remedial Work Costs: Necessary repairs such as minor socket fixes or light repairs can add £50 to £200 to your overall expenses. Fuse Board Replacement: Upgrading or replacing a fuse board can significantly increase costs, potentially ranging from £300 to £800. Partial or Full Rewiring: Large-scale rewiring costs, often required for older properties, comes with a substantial price, varying from £1,500 to £6,000.

MyBuilder-Tip: Talk to multiple electricians so you know how to get good value for money and quality from your electrical service checks.

How to Save Money on Electrical Safety Checks

Dealing with the costs of obtaining electrical safety certificates can feel out of the blue, but there are some useful tips to keep your expenses under control. Here are some tips to save on electrical safety check costs:

• Plan ahead: Scheduling inspections during off-peak periods can sometimes lead to cost savings.
• Select local electricians: Finding professionals within your local area on MyBuilder may result in lower travel expenses and competitive rates.
• Combine services: Bundling multiple services, such as electrical testing and repairs, often leads to discounts.
• Get multiple quotes: Comparing offers from different electricians helps identify the best price for your specific needs. It’s easy to get in touch with multiple electricians on MyBuilder, simply post your job today.

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How Long Does an Electrical Safety Check Take?

The time of an electrical safety check depends on the property’s size, age, and condition.

Small flats can take only 3 hours to check. Other properties take around half a day, but older properties with outdated wiring may take longer for additional checks.

The inspection follows a structured process: Step 1: Visual inspection: Checking sockets, switches, light fittings, fuse boards, and wiring for damage, wear, or non-compliance with regulations.

Step 2: Testing circuits: Each circuit is tested individually for overloads, faults, and earth connections. Includes continuity tests, insulation resistance, polarity checks, and RCD (Residual Current Device) tests.

Step 3: Recording results: The electrician documents whether circuits pass or fail against current safety standards.

Step 4: Grading: If you fail, the electrician will then give you a grade. If serious faults are found, remedial work must be carried out before the certificate is considered valid.

This table explains the electrical safety grading system:

Grade	Meaning
C1 Danger Present	Immediate action required
C2 Potential danger	Urgent remedial work needed
C3 Recommendation	Not unsafe but should be upgraded
FI Further investigation	More detailed checks required

Find Electrical Safety Professionals Near You on MyBuilder

Need an electrical safety certificate at a cost that won’t break the bank? Discover electricians through MyBuilder, who are local to you. Post your job today and someone can get back to you with all the advice, and services you may need.

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions about electrical safety check costs

Can I issue my own electrical safety certificate?

No, you can’t issue your own EICR, which is usually what people are talking about when they use the term ‘electrical safety certificate’. By law, only an electrician with a 2391 inspection and testing qualification can produce this report for you.

How much will a rental electrical safety check cost me?

A landlord EICR could cost as little as £100 for an apartment with suitable wiring but might be upwards of £300 for a larger, older home with electrical complexities. If you’re a tenant, you will not have to pay anything towards your property’s electrical safety check, as this is solely the landlord’s responsibility. Landlords who fail to procure EICRs at least every five years can be fined up to £30,000.

Do I need an EICR if my property has an EIC?

If you’ve purchased a new build or had your property fully rewired, your Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) will suffice as proof of electrical safety for five years. You won’t need an EICR during those years, but after that timeframe, you will (in the same circumstances outlined in this guide).

Are there any government guidelines regarding the frequency and cost of obtaining an electrical safety certificate?

In the UK, government guidelines stipulate that landlords must ensure the electrical installations in their properties are inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a qualified person. The specific cost is not governed by legislation and can vary based on several factors. Compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 is mandatory.