About this service
A homebuyer electrical survey gives a prospective purchaser more information about the fixed electrical installation before exchange or planned renovation. It can range from a focused visual review to a full EICR, depending on the access available and level of assurance required.
A general building survey may note the age of a consumer unit or visible accessories but normally does not include electrical instrument testing. A dedicated electrical inspection can identify likely safety work, capacity constraints and areas that deserve budget allowance.
Common problems we help with
No recent electrical records
The seller cannot provide an EICR, installation certificate or reliable history of alterations.
Older consumer unit or wiring
Age alone does not prove unsafe condition, but it can justify closer inspection before purchase.
Planned extension or electric heating
Existing supply and distribution capacity may affect renovation costs.
Visible DIY alterations
Extra sockets, outdoor wiring and loft conversions may not have clear certification.
How we carry out the work
Agree the inspection level
We confirm whether access allows a full EICR or a more limited pre-purchase assessment.
Inspect priority areas
Distribution, protective measures, representative accessories and relevant circuits are examined and tested within the agreed scope.
Summarise likely priorities
The report separates safety observations from desirable upgrades and renovation planning.
What is normally included?
- Initial discussion about the property, symptoms, priorities and timescale
- Assessment of the relevant circuit, equipment, access and existing protection
- A written scope for the proposed homebuyer electrical surveys work
- The agreed installation or repair work, with disruption kept to a reasonable minimum
- Inspection, electrical testing and appropriate handover documentation
Before the work starts
- The exact result expected from the homebuyer electrical surveys work
- Condition and capacity of the existing circuit
- Cable routes, access and protection of finishes
- Testing, certification and any future requirements
What affects the price?
The price depends on the existing installation and the amount of work required. For homebuyer electrical surveys, the main factors normally include:
- Extent of the work and material specification
- Accessibility and working conditions
- Alterations needed to the existing installation
- Inspection, testing and documentation
Testing, certificates and handover
Once the installation work is complete, we inspect and test it and provide the records that apply to the job.
- Completed electrical test results
- Applicable certificate or minor-works record
- Operating and isolation explanation
- A written record of the completed work
Homebuyer Electrical Surveys questions
Is this included in a standard home survey?
Usually not at the same technical depth. Check exactly what your surveyor will inspect and test.
Can you give a rewire quotation from the report?
A detailed quotation may require a separate site survey and specification, but the report can indicate whether further assessment is sensible.
What if the seller will not allow testing?
We can only report within the access and permissions provided. Significant limitations reduce the assurance available.
Booking the work
What happens after you contact us
1. Discuss the job
Tell us about the property, the symptoms or the result you want. Photographs and model numbers are often helpful.
2. Inspect and quote
We check the relevant installation and give you a written quotation showing what is included.
3. Complete and test
We carry out the agreed work, verify it electrically and explain any controls, labels or certificates at handover.