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Do we need an electrical survey before work?

Posted by Gina , on Tue 02 Sep 2014 12:13pm

We are currently in the process of buying a property and we suspect there may be some re-wiring needed and certainly a new consumer unit. My question is whether we need to have an electrical survey done beforehand or will an electrician be able to see how much work is needed during the visit for free? We have already accounted for a full rewire if necessary so we do not need an electrical survey to check the house before we buy it, however we would like to get some people round at this point so that we can have someone ready to do it as soon as we complete. Many thanks for your help.

Russell Baron

Thu 04 Sep 2014 07:50pm

Hi Gina, As Matt says get an inspection carried out to see exactly what needs doing if anything. Personally I would say it doesn't matter about using the same electrician for both. If I am asked to carry out inspection I tell it exactly how it is.I am always totally honest with the customer,I'm a honest tradesman trying to build up a good reputation and don't see the need to try and talk jobs up just to make an extra few quid. Perhaps you will always get one or two bad apples who will spoil it for the true honest tradesman. You should always look at the tradesman feedback before employing him anyway. Hope this helps a little more Thanks Russ

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Matthew Colak

Tue 02 Sep 2014 08:44pm

Hi Gina, the simple answer is you only need to get a EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) should you not want to, or question the requirement to get a rewire. An EICR will identify if there are elements of the house which are perfectly sound which you could get away with not replacing. Most electricians will gladly do a limited on site survey for free, however this would be very limiting as a proper EICR can take normally several hours. You could request that it is a condition of sale that the sellers pay half towards the EICR so that you are not dramatically out of pocket. It is always wise to have an EICR before purchasing a property so that all potential faults and problems are identified prior to the sale, however it is always better to use different electricians to carry out the EICR and carry out the rewire so that the Electricians don't end up talking up the job. Kind regards, Matt ELCERT

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