What is an EICR and How Do I Price One?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal assessment of the condition of electrical installations in a property – and pricing one correctly is an essential skill for any electrical business. EICRs are legally required for rental properties every 5 years, and are increasingly requested on property sales and re-mortgages, creating consistent demand for electricians with the right qualifications.
What is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a detailed assessment of the safety and condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation – the wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and earthing and bonding arrangements.
An EICR is required to be carried out by a qualified electrician holding the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification (or the updated 2394/2395 split qualification). The report follows the format set out in BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations).
An EICR records: – Any observed damage, deterioration or defects – Any non-compliance with current standards that poses a safety risk – Recommendations for improvement
The outcome is either Satisfactory (no C1 or C2 observations) or Unsatisfactory (one or more C1 or C2 observations requiring remedial work).
When is an EICR Required?
Mandatory EICR requirements:
Rental properties: Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all private rented properties in England must have a valid EICR – carried out every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy. Failure to comply can result in local authority fines of up to £30,000.
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): EICR required every 5 years under HMO licensing conditions in most local authorities.
Commercial properties: EICRs are not legally mandated by a single national requirement but are required by most commercial leases, insurance policies, and health and safety obligations.
How to Price an EICR
Pricing an EICR correctly requires understanding what’s involved:
Time: An EICR for a standard 3-bedroom house takes 3-6 hours, depending on the number of circuits, accessibility, and age of the installation. Older properties with fuse wire boards, unsleeved earth conductors, and missing bonding take significantly longer.
Current UK EICR prices:
| Property type | Typical EICR price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £120-£200 |
| 2-bedroom house | £150-£250 |
| 3-bedroom house | £180-£300 |
| 4-bedroom house | £220-£350 |
| 5-bedroom house | £270-£400 |
| HMO (per room premium) | +£20-£40 per additional room |
Source: Checkatrade EICR cost guide, 2026.
Key pricing variables: – Number of circuits (count them, not just bedrooms) – Age and condition of the installation – older properties take longer – Accessibility of distribution boards and junction boxes – HMO complexity – additional circuits, rooms, and common areas
Pricing Remedial Work After an EICR
A significant proportion of EICRs identify remedial work required (C1 or C2 observations). Pricing remedials:
- C1 (Danger present, immediate action required): Price as emergency work – premium rates apply
- C2 (Potentially dangerous): Price as urgent planned work
- C3 (Improvement recommended): Price as optional planned work
When quoting EICR and remedials together, consider offering a combined price – landlords who need both done efficiently respond well to a single fixed price for “EICR + all identified C1/C2 remedials.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can carry out an EICR? An EICR must be carried out by a qualified electrician who holds a current City & Guilds 2391 Inspection and Testing qualification or the split 2394/2395 qualifications. They should also be registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT etc.).
How long does an EICR take? A standard 3-bedroom house EICR takes 3-5 hours for a competent electrician. HMOs and older properties take longer. Allow plenty of time – rushing an EICR creates liability.
How long is an EICR valid for? An EICR is typically valid for 5 years in rental properties, or as specified in the report. If the report recommends a shorter interval (e.g. due to age), that shorter interval applies.
CoreQuote helps electricians quote EICR surveys and remedial work professionally. Try free for 6 months at kwowta.com.
Related reading:
- Is 2026 a Good Year to Start a Trades Business in the UK?
- How Much Should a Tradesman Charge Per Hour in the UK? (2026 Guide)
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