The local guide for homeowners, landlords, and business owners.

If you own or manage property in Durham, you’ve probably heard about EICRs — Electrical Installation Condition Reports. They’re not glamorous. Nobody’s ever thrown an “EICR party.” But if you skip one, you could be facing bigger problems than an awkward dinner conversation with your electrician.

I’ve done my fair share of these inspections, and here’s the truth: knowing the real cost of an EICR in Durham can save you from overpaying and from cutting corners that could cost you later.

What Exactly Is an EICR?

Before we start talking numbers, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. An EICR is a detailed inspection of a property’s electrical systems — wiring, sockets, lighting circuits, and safety devices.

Think of it as your property’s health check-up, but for the electrics. The report flags issues, rates their urgency, and confirms whether your installation is safe and compliant.

Why Durham Property Owners Need One

Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or you run a café on Elvet Bridge, an EICR isn’t optional in many situations.

Here’s why you might need one:

Landlords: It’s a legal requirement every 5 years (or change of tenancy) under UK regulations.

Homeowners: Recommended every 10 years or before buying/selling.

Businesses: Needed for insurance, health & safety compliance, and peace of mind.

Skip it, and you risk fines, invalid insurance, or — worst-case scenario — an electrical fire.

So, What’s the Cost in Durham?

Here’s the short answer:

Domestic EICR (1–3 bed house): £120–£250

Larger homes: £250–£400+

Commercial properties: £150–£900+ (depending on size, circuits, and complexity)

These aren’t plucked from thin air — they’re based on typical Durham market rates in 2025.

What Affects the Price?

Not every EICR is priced the same. Here’s what changes the quote:

Property Size & Number of Circuits – More rooms, more wiring, more time.

Type of Property – Commercial setups often have more complex systems.

Accessibility – If everything’s neatly labelled, great. If it’s a wiring jungle… not so much.

Condition – Older installations can take longer to test and may need extra investigation.

Travel & Location – A central Durham job is usually quicker than a rural farm in the Dales.

Avoiding Overpriced Quotes

Here’s my top advice:

Get at least 2–3 local quotes.

Check if retesting is included after remedial work.

Ask for a per-circuit breakdown — this keeps the pricing transparent.

Hire a qualified, registered electrician (NICEIC or NAPIT are good signs).

The False Economy of Going Cheap

I’ve seen people pick the cheapest EICR they can find — only to end up paying more for re-inspections and remedial work because the first electrician cut corners.

An EICR done properly can take 3–4 hours for an average house. If your quote is suspiciously low, ask yourself: what’s being skipped?

Booking Your EICR in Durham

If you’re ready to book, do it with someone who knows the area and the regulations inside out. A proper EICR is more than a tick-box exercise — it’s your electrical safety net.