EICR & Electrical Testing in Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset

Our EICR prices start from £120 for a 1-bed flat, £150 for a 3-bed house, and £180 for a 4–5 bed house. Commercial premises from £250. All prices are fixed — we quote before we arrive and the price includes the full inspection, testing, and certificate.

For landlords renting out residential property in England, yes — it’s been mandatory since June 2020 under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations. Penalties for non-compliance are up to £30,000 per breach. For homeowners, it’s not legally required but strongly recommended every 10 years, when buying a property, or before major electrical work. Some home insurers now require one.

Typically 2–4 hours depending on the size of the property and number of circuits. A 1-bed flat takes around 1.5–2 hours, a 3-bed house 2–3 hours, and a large 4–5 bed house 3–4 hours. We’ll confirm the expected duration when booking.

If we find C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) observations, the report is classified as unsatisfactory and remedial work is required. We’ll provide a clear quote for the repairs and can often carry them out during the same visit. For landlords, remedial work must be completed within 28 days. C3 (improvement recommended) observations don’t cause a fail.

C1 means danger is present and requires immediate action. C2 means potentially dangerous and needs urgent repair within 28 days. C3 is an improvement recommendation — not dangerous but worth addressing. FI means further investigation is needed. A report with any C1 or C2 is classified as unsatisfactory.

There’s no legal requirement, but buyers’ solicitors increasingly request one. A satisfactory EICR removes a potential objection and can speed up the sale. It also prevents price reductions if electrical issues are discovered during a building survey. At £120–£180 for a typical home, it’s a small cost relative to a smooth sale.

Every 5 years, or at every change of tenancy — whichever comes first. This has been a legal requirement since June 2020. 2026 is the first major renewal year — if your property was first certified in 2020–2021, your certificate expires this year. Penalties for non-compliance are up to £30,000 per breach.

It’s not legally required for homeowners, but we strongly recommend one every 10 years, when buying a new property, or if you notice any electrical issues (tripping, burning smells, old wiring). Some home insurers now ask whether an EICR has been carried out. It’s the only way to know for certain that your home’s electrics are safe.

An EICR tests the fixed wiring installation — everything from the meter to the sockets and light fittings. PAT testing checks portable appliances (kettles, computers, lamps). They test different things: an EICR covers your building’s permanent electrics, while PAT testing covers plugged-in equipment. Landlords and businesses often need both.

Yes — we need access to all rooms, the consumer unit, and any outbuildings included in the installation. We’ll also need to turn circuits off briefly during testing. For rental properties, we can coordinate directly with tenants or letting agents to arrange access.

Typically the buyer pays for any electrical inspections they commission. An EICR is not part of a standard building survey — it’s a separate specialist inspection. Some sellers provide one proactively to strengthen their position and speed up the sale.