Electrical inspection services: what to clarify before booking

Electrical safety is not just about compliance—it is about protecting people and property. Whether you are a landlord, homeowner, buyer or simply want reassurance, booking an electrical inspection means knowing exactly what to expect, what to ask, and how to make the right choice for your situation.

What an EICR involves and who needs one

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a formal document produced after an electrician inspects and tests the fixed wiring and electrical systems in a property. The purpose is to assess whether the installation is safe and meets current regulations.

• Landlords: In England, private landlords must have a valid EICR for each rental property at least every five years. This is a legal requirement and may be requested by letting agents, insurers or local authorities.
• Home buyers: If you are buying a property, an EICR gives a clear picture of the electrical safety, highlighting any issues before you commit. Some mortgage lenders and insurers may ask for one, especially on older buildings.
• Homeowners: Even if not required, homeowners often book an EICR for peace of mind, especially if the electrics are old or if there have been unexplained power cuts or signs of wear.

The EICR contains a summary of the inspection, a list of observations, and each issue is classified using codes. These codes indicate whether the issue is immediately dangerous, potentially dangerous, or simply requires improvement. The report will state whether the installation is "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory", and may list recommended remedial work.

Clarify the inspection scope and process before booking

Before you agree to an inspection, ask the electrician to explain exactly what will be covered. Not every inspection is identical, and expectations should be clear on both sides.

• Scope of testing: Confirm whether the inspection includes all circuits and fixed wiring, or if certain areas (such as outbuildings or garages) are excluded. Some electricians may only test accessible circuits unless you specify otherwise.
• Duration: Ask how long the inspection will take. For a standard house, it often takes a few hours, but larger or more complex properties may take longer. Knowing this helps you plan.
• Power interruptions: Most testing requires switching off circuits. Check whether the whole property will be without power, and for how long. If you run a business or work from home, this is worth arranging in advance.
• What happens if faults are found: Ask how the electrician will report faults. Immediate dangers will usually be pointed out straight away. Clarify whether the electrician can make urgent items safe on the day if needed, or if a separate visit is required.
• Remedial work quoting: Check whether you will receive a separate quote for any repairs or upgrades recommended in the report, or if you are expected to source another tradesperson. Some electricians carry out remedial work themselves, while others only provide the inspection.

Agreeing the scope and process means you know what you are paying for and can avoid surprises on the day.

How to choose an electrical inspector

Choosing who carries out your inspection makes a difference—not all electricians offer EICRs, and experience matters.

• Registration and qualifications: Ask whether the electrician is registered with a recognised body, such as NICEIC or NAPIT. Membership means they are assessed regularly and understand current regulations. You can check their registration on the relevant scheme’s website.
• Experience with similar properties: Electrical systems in Victorian homes differ from those in new-build flats or commercial buildings. Ask whether the electrician has experience with your type of property—this is especially relevant for older wiring or non-standard installations.
• Sample report: Request to see a sample EICR (with details anonymised). This shows how clearly issues are described and whether you will understand what is reported. If the sample is confusing or full of unexplained codes, it may be harder to act on the results.
• Insurance and company details: As with any contractor, check that the electrician has public liability insurance and that the business is properly registered. You can look up company details at Companies House for limited companies.

On Annuvell Local, you can see whether inspection and testing is listed as a service, and compare this fact side by side when considering different businesses.

What the EICR tells you about your property

When you receive the EICR, you will see a summary stating whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, followed by observations that are each given a code:

• C1: Danger present—immediate action needed.
• C2: Potentially dangerous—urgent improvement required.
• C3: Improvement recommended—does not comply with current standards, but not dangerous.

If the report is marked unsatisfactory, one or more C1 or C2 issues have been found. The report should detail what these issues are, where they are located, and what action is recommended. If everything is satisfactory, the report can be given to insurers, tenants or buyers as evidence that the installation is safe at the time of inspection.

If you are booking an inspection for a house purchase, clarify whether the electrician can explain the main findings to you in plain language after the visit. This is often helpful if you are not familiar with electrical terminology.

For landlords: record-keeping and tenant responsibilities

For landlords, keeping up to date with electrical safety is a legal duty. In England, you must provide tenants with a copy of the latest EICR at the start of a tenancy and within 28 days of receiving a new report. Local authorities may also request the report as evidence of compliance.

• Store EICRs in a safe place, along with records of any remedial work carried out.
• If faults are found, arrange repairs promptly and keep invoices and completion certificates.
• Provide tenants with copies of both the EICR and evidence that any required work has been completed.

If you are using a letting agent, check whether they will keep these records on your behalf or if you must manage them directly. Clear records protect both you and your tenants if questions arise about electrical safety.

Comparing services and what owners can list

If you are comparing local electricians, look for those who specifically list "inspection and testing" as a service. On Annuvell Local, this is a comparison fact shown on each electrician’s listing. This helps you narrow your search to providers who actually offer EICRs, rather than only repairs or installations.

Listings also show checked contact details and whether the business has been verified, which can help you decide who to contact. Using the compare tool, you can see at a glance which businesses state that they provide inspection and testing, and whether this has been verified or simply stated. This avoids the need for repeated phone calls to clarify basic service information.

If you own an electrical business, you can claim your listing for free and add inspection and testing to your services, helping customers who need EICRs to find you more easily.

Next steps

Write down what type of property you have and what you need from the inspection. Use Annuvell Local to find electricians near you who list inspection and testing as a service, and use the comparison facts to shortlist those with experience in your property type. Request quotes from at least two businesses using the Request Quote feature, and ask to see a sample report before making your decision. For further reading, see What to check before hiring an electrician and Rewiring a house: questions to ask electricians to help you prepare for your next steps.