01
Choose the purpose of your electrical inspection
A property owner may need a condition report, a buyer may need information before a purchase decision, and a business may need an equipment maintenance programme. Describe the purpose first. Similar phrases such as electrical safety check can otherwise conceal quite different expectations.
02
EICR, homebuyer checks or PAT testing?
An EICR assesses the fixed installation within a stated scope. A homebuyer enquiry brings the purchase context, available records and access arrangements into that assessment. Portable appliance testing concerns equipment rather than the building wiring. These services should be chosen by need, not treated as interchangeable certificates.
03
Inspection access, scope and limitations
The assessor needs suitable access and information about the property or equipment. Inaccessible spaces, unavailable equipment and agreed restrictions can limit the findings. Ask what the proposed inspection covers, what interruption may occur and how limitations will be recorded rather than assuming every hidden part can be examined.
04
Electrical inspection findings and next steps
A report should help you understand findings and appropriate follow-up. Clarify whether any proposed remedial work is included or needs a separate quote. Keep the record, ask questions about unfamiliar terms and distinguish a recommendation for improvement from work identified as requiring more urgent attention.
05
Request electrical inspection quotes
Include the property use, approximate extent, reason for inspection and previous reports. For equipment checks, include an inventory instead of a room count alone. For a purchase, explain the stage of the transaction and how access can be arranged without assuming an appointment or deadline.
Electrical service questions
Questions about inspections
Does appliance testing cover fixed wiring?
No. Portable equipment checks and fixed-installation assessment have different scopes. If both are needed, state that explicitly in the enquiry.
Is a purchase-related check always a separate type of certificate?
No. It describes the customer’s situation rather than a universal certificate type. Agree the appropriate assessment, report and scope with the electrician.
Can inspection and repair be quoted separately?
Yes. Keeping them distinct can make findings and costs clearer. Ask how any immediate concerns discovered during an inspection will be communicated.
