Electrical Checks When Buying a Home: What to Ask For

A standard home survey does not normally provide a detailed inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation. If the property has no recent electrical report, an EICR can provide information that a visual viewing or general survey cannot.

Before exchanging contracts: ask for the latest EICR and electrical certificates, check what they actually cover, and consider a new inspection where the records are missing, old or inconsistent with the property.

What to ask the seller or agent for

• The most recent Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
• Electrical Installation Certificates for rewiring, a new consumer unit or major new circuits.
• Minor Works certificates for relevant smaller alterations.
• Building Regulations compliance notifications where applicable.
• Details of any remedial work completed after an unsatisfactory report.

A certificate for one alteration is not the same as a condition report for the whole installation. Check the address, date, extent of work and any limitations rather than accepting a folder of documents at face value.

Why a general survey is not enough

A surveyor may note visible concerns or recommend further electrical advice, but an EICR involves electrical inspection and testing by a competent person. Electrical Safety First specifically advises buyers to ask whether the electrics have been checked and to arrange an EICR where there is no suitable recent report.

What an EICR can tell you

Within its stated extent and limitations, an EICR can record the condition of the fixed electrical installation, including the consumer unit, protective devices, earthing and bonding, circuit results and observations that may affect safety.

It does not inspect every concealed cable, guarantee that no hidden defect exists or price all future renovation work. Access restrictions, connected equipment and areas excluded by the owner should be recorded as limitations.

When a targeted inspection may be better

Sometimes the question is narrower than the condition of the whole installation. Examples include a disputed defect identified in the survey, signs of overheating at one point, unexplained tripping, concern about a recent alteration or uncertainty about a supply to an outbuilding.

In those cases, a focused independent inspection may be appropriate. The inspector should agree the question and access needed in advance, then state clearly what could and could not be established.

Arranging access before purchase

The seller or agent must agree access and permit the necessary isolation and testing. Some testing interrupts the electricity supply, and sensitive equipment may need to be shut down. In flats, access to intake or communal electrical equipment may also require the freeholder or managing agent.

If a full inspection cannot be arranged before exchange, record what information is unavailable and consider the financial risk when planning the purchase and renovation budget.

How to read the result

• Confirm whether the report says the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
• Read every C1 and C2 observation and the reason given.
• Treat C3 items as improvement recommendations, not the same as urgent danger.
• Check any FI recommendation and the version of the report form used.
• Read the extent and limitations before assuming the whole property was assessed.
• Keep any remedial quotation separate from the inspection findings.

Does a house need an EICR to be sold?

There is no general requirement for an owner-occupier to provide an EICR simply to sell a home. However, a suitable report can give both parties clearer information, and the absence of records may justify a buyer arranging an inspection.

Sources and further guidance

• Electrical Safety First: Advice for home buyers
• Electrical Safety First: Periodic inspection and testing

This article provides general information, not a diagnosis of a particular installation. Electrical work and testing should be carried out by a suitably competent person.