How Much Does an EICR Cost for your home in Leeds?

The cost of an EICR varies depending on several factors, including the number of circuits in the property, the time taken to carry out the testing correctly, and the qualifications of the electrician conducting the inspection. However, many homeowners and landlords are often tempted by low-cost EICRs, unaware of the risks associated with these cheap inspections.

This blog will break down the true cost of an EICR, explain why pricing should be based on circuits rather than property size, and highlight the importance of hiring a professional electrician who charges fair and transparent prices for electrical testing.

The Hidden Risks of Low-Cost EICRs in Leeds

Many companies advertise low-cost EICRs, offering prices as little as £50-£100 for a full electrical inspection. At first glance, this may seem like a great deal for homeowners and landlords trying to meet legal requirements without overspending. However, a properly conducted EICR takes time, and such low-cost services often indicate that corners will be cut. Here’s why:

1. A Proper EICR Takes Time

A comprehensive electrical inspection requires an in-depth examination of each circuit. On average, an electrician should spend 20-30 minutes per circuit to:

• Visually inspect the circuit for wear, damage, or outdated components.
• Carry out a series of tests to assess electrical safety.
• Fill in the certification accurately and in compliance with industry regulations.

For a typical home with 6-10 circuits, this means a legitimate EICR should take between 2 to 5 hours to complete. If a company is offering an EICR for an extremely low price, it is impossible for them to dedicate the proper time required to perform a thorough inspection.

2. How Do Low-Cost EICRs Make Their Money Back?

When an EICR is offered at an unrealistically low price, the company needs to recover its costs elsewhere. The most common ways they do this include:

• Generating unnecessary work – Some companies will falsely fail circuits that are in good working order, pressuring the homeowner or landlord to pay for unnecessary repairs.
• Overcharging for remedial work – Once an issue is flagged, they may charge inflated prices for repairs that could be done at a fraction of the cost by a reputable electrician.
• Rushing the inspection – If an EICR is completed in under an hour, the likelihood of an incomplete or inaccurate report is high. This can leave homeowners with a certificate that is effectively void.

The Problem with Pricing EICRs Based on Property Size for homes in Leeds

Many companies advertise EICRs based on property size, such as:

• 1-2 Bedroom Home: £120
• 3-Bedroom Home: £160
• 4-Bedroom Home: £200

While this seems like a logical pricing structure, it fails to account for the number of circuits in the property. A 3-bedroom house with 6 circuits requires far less work than a similar-sized home with 12 circuits, yet many electricians will charge a flat fee regardless.

This pricing model can lead to two significant issues:

1. Rushed Inspections: If a property has more circuits than expected, an electrician may cut corners to complete the job within a set timeframe.
2. Missed Issues: A poorly conducted EICR means that safety concerns might not be identified, putting the property and its occupants at risk.

Why EICRs Should Be Priced Per Circuit in Leeds

A more accurate way to price an EICR is based on the number of circuits rather than the size of the property. Companies that charge per circuit typically offer pricing in the range of £20-£40 per circuit. This ensures that each circuit gets the appropriate time for testing and that the report is completed correctly.

For example:

• A property with 6 circuits at £30 per circuit would cost £180.
• A property with 10 circuits at £25 per circuit would cost £250.

This pricing model ensures:

• A fair and transparent cost for the inspection.
• The electrician dedicates the required time per circuit.
• Homeowners receive a thorough and accurate EICR.

How Long Should an EICR Take for my home in Leeds?

A correctly conducted EICR should take at least 20-30 minutes per circuit, which includes:

1. Visual Inspection: Checking for visible defects, damage, or outdated electrical components.
2. Testing: Conducting insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity tests.
3. Certification: Accurately filling out the EICR to reflect the findings.

For an average home with 8 circuits, an EICR should take 3 to 5 hours. If an electrician claims they can complete a full inspection in less than 1-2 hours, this should be a red flag.

The Importance of a Correctly Completed EICR for your home in Leeds

An EICR that is not carried out properly is not only misleading but also dangerous. Some of the risks associated with incomplete or incorrect certificates include:

• A false sense of security – The property may have hidden electrical faults that could cause fires or electric shocks.
• Invalid insurance claims – If an electrical fault leads to damage, insurance providers may reject claims if the EICR was not completed to the required standard.
• Legal implications for landlords – Landlords must provide a valid EICR to tenants every 5 years. A certificate issued after a rushed inspection may not hold up in the event of a dispute or legal case.

How to Find a Reliable Electrician for an EICR in Leeds

When booking an EICR, follow these steps to ensure you get a thorough and legitimate inspection:

1. Look for accredited electricians – Ensure they are registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA.
2. Ask for per-circuit pricing – A reputable electrician will charge based on the number of circuits rather than a flat rate for the property size.
3. Check reviews and recommendations – Look for electricians with a proven track record of quality work.
4. Avoid “too good to be true” deals – If an EICR is being offered at an unrealistically low price, question how they can afford to carry out the inspection properly.

Conclusion: What Should You Expect to Pay for a Quality EICR in Leeds?

A properly conducted EICR for a typical home in Leeds should cost between £20-£40 per circuit, meaning that total costs generally range between £180-£600 depending on the property’s electrical setup. Avoiding cheap inspections ensures the safety of your home and its occupants, prevents unnecessary expenses, and guarantees a valid electrical safety certificate.

By choosing an experienced and accredited electrician who prices per circuit, you can be confident that your EICR is thorough, accurate, and legally compliant.

Contact Duravault today to book your EICR.