A couple recently contacted me after finding me online.
They had just bought their first house in Meopham, a 1970s property that needed plenty of work. The electrics were on their list, but they had not arranged an EICR before buying.
Once they had exchanged, I visited the property with them and advised getting the electrical installation inspected before starting any of the work they had planned. It gave us a much clearer picture of what we were dealing with before we started adding or altering anything.
The EICR picked up problems caused by the age of the installation, previous alterations and general wear and tear. It meant the installation was not going to pass its inspection as it stood. It was disappointing for them, but they already knew the house needed renovating, so we could plan the electrical work properly rather than finding problems halfway through.
That experience is particularly relevant for first time buyers in Meopham, where properties cover a huge range of ages and the vast majority are over 40 years old.
Why an EICR can be useful when buying a new home
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is an inspection of the electrical installation in a property. It can identify defects and potential safety issues and give you a better understanding of the condition of the electrics.
An EICR is often an additional cost when buying a property, so I understand why buyers leave it out. There are already solicitor's fees, surveys, mortgage costs and plenty of other expenses to think about.
I have seen how useful an EICR can be, though. It can give you information about the electrical system before you move in and, if significant problems are found, the report may also give you something practical to discuss with the seller during negotiations.
It is worth remembering that an EICR is an inspection, rather than a guarantee that every electrical issue in a property has been identified.
The Meopham house that needed a full rewire
The couple I mentioned had a clear idea of what they wanted their first home to become. After the EICR highlighted the condition of the existing installation, we went through the house room by room.
I listened to what they wanted from each space and worked through where they needed additions and alterations. That was important because the electrical work needed to fit around their renovation plans rather than simply replacing what was already there.
Once I understood what they wanted, I was able to put together a quotation for a full rewire and fuseboard upgrade by the end of the day.
The rewire was then carried out to my usual high standard. After the wider renovation work, the couple were able to move into the first home they had planned and worked towards.
For me, that is a good example of why checking the electrics early can help. You know what condition the installation is in before committing to sockets, lighting, extensions or other changes.
When might a rewire be worth considering?
There is no single age at which every house needs a rewire. The condition of the existing installation matters much more than the age of the property alone.
An EICR can help establish what needs attention. In some homes, the existing installation may be suitable for continued use with specific remedial work. In others, a Partial Rewire may make sense. Where the installation has widespread issues or major alterations are planned, a full Rewire may be the more appropriate route.
This is particularly worth considering when buying an older Meopham property that has had several alterations over the years. Previous work, deterioration and changes to how you intend to use the house can all affect what is practical.
What should first time buyers do before starting renovations?
If you have already exchanged and are planning significant renovation work, I would recommend understanding the condition of the electrics before you start.
For the couple I worked with, the EICR came first. We could then plan the rewire and fuseboard upgrade around their ideas for the house, rather than carrying out electrical work and discovering later that parts of the installation needed replacing.
If you are buying a property and considering an EICR, you can also ask your electrician what the inspection covers and what the findings could mean for your planned work.
I am happy to talk through the options before you decide what you need. I am always at the end of the phone, I keep the work area tidy and I listen to what the customer actually wants from their home.
I am a NICEIC Approved Contractor, NICEIC Domestic Installer, TrustMark registered and Part P qualified, with 74+ reviews. I also provide EICRs, Rewires, Partial Rewires, additions and alterations, as well as landlord certificates.
FAQs
Do I need an EICR when I buy a property?
No, an EICR is not generally a requirement simply because you are buying a property. I often recommend considering one where the property is older or you are planning substantial renovation work, because it can give you useful information about the condition of the electrical installation.
What is an EICR?
An EICR is an Electrical Installation Condition Report. I inspect and test the electrical installation and record defects or areas requiring attention, giving you a clearer picture of its condition.
What should I do if the report comes back as unsatisfactory?
I would start by going through the findings with you and explaining what they mean for the property. From there, we can discuss any remedial work, a Partial Rewire or a full Rewire depending on the condition of the installation and what you want to do with the house.
Should I get an EICR before renovating my first home?
If you are planning significant electrical alterations, I think it is sensible to understand the existing installation first. In the Meopham house I worked on, the EICR helped us identify the condition of the electrics before we planned the renovation work.
Can an EICR help when negotiating on a house?
Potentially. If an inspection identifies significant electrical work, the findings can give you useful information when discussing the property with the seller. Any negotiation is ultimately between the buyer and seller, but having a documented electrical report gives you something concrete to discuss.
If you have just bought a property in Meopham and you are unsure about the condition of the electrics, I am happy to take a look and talk through your options with you. There is no obligation, and if you want to discuss a Rewire, EICR or other electrical work, call me for a quote on 01474 312 003.
