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“How much will this cost?” It’s the first question most Solihull homeowners ask when they realise they need an EICR. And for good reason – prices vary wildly across the West Midlands, with some electricians quoting £150 while others charge £500+ for the same size property.

The honest answer is that EICR costs depend on several factors: your property size, age, complexity, and the thoroughness of the inspection. This guide breaks down exactly what you should expect to pay in Solihull in 2026 – and what you’re actually getting for your money.

📚 New to EICRs? Read our complete guide to EICRs in Solihull covering everything from legal requirements to what happens during the inspection. Or find out why having an EICR is essential through real-life examples from local properties.

Standard EICR Prices in Solihull

Based on current 2026 rates for NICEIC registered electricians in Solihull, here’s what you should expect to pay:

🏠 1-2 bedroom flat or house: £180

A typical inspection takes 2-3 hours. Your electrician tests all circuits, checks the consumer unit, inspects accessible wiring, and provides a comprehensive certificate.

🏡 3 bedroom house: £240

The most common property size in Solihull. Inspection typically takes 3-4 hours covering all main circuits, lighting, sockets, and any additional systems like electric showers or cooker circuits.

🏘️ 4-5 bedroom house: £300

Larger properties with more circuits require longer inspection times (4-5 hours). Often includes multiple lighting circuits, ring mains, and dedicated circuits for appliances.

🏰 Larger properties (6+ bedrooms): £400+

Executive homes in areas like Knowle or Dorridge with extensive electrical installations require significantly more time. Properties with outbuildings, swimming pools, or complex smart home systems increase costs further.

⚠️ Important: These prices assume one consumer unit per property. If your property has multiple consumer units (common in extended properties or those with annexes), contact your electrician for an accurate quote.

These prices cover the inspection and certificate. If our EICR identifies issues requiring repair, we’ll provide a transparent, itemised quote for any remedial work needed. Find out what happens if your EICR fails and what remedial work involves.

What Affects EICR Costs?

Several factors influence the final price:

Property age – Pre-1980s properties with rubber or lead-sheathed cables require more investigation time. Post-2000 properties are typically quickest to inspect but may have more circuits.

Number of circuits – A basic 2-bed flat might have 4-6 circuits, while a larger family home could have 15-20+. Each circuit requires individual testing for continuity, insulation resistance, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD functionality.

Previous electrical work – Properties with visible DIY work require additional investigation to determine if the work is safe and compliant.

Additional features – EV chargers, solar panels, outbuildings, hot tubs, and smart home systems all require extra testing time.

What You’re Paying For

An EICR isn’t just about an electrician spending a few hours at your property. You’re paying for:

Professional qualifications – Your electrician holds specialist qualifications (typically City & Guilds 2391 Inspection & Testing) and carries professional indemnity insurance and public liability cover.

Specialist equipment – Proper EICR testing requires calibrated equipment worth thousands of pounds, including multifunction testers, earth fault loop impedance testers, and RCD testing equipment. This equipment requires annual calibration to ensure accuracy.

Comprehensive testing – Your electrician conducts numerous tests on every circuit, from continuity of protective conductors to RCD trip testing at multiple current levels.

Professional judgment – The most valuable part of an EICR is the electrician’s experience spotting problems that automated testing can’t detect – loose terminations, deteriorating insulation, unsuitable cable types, or dangerous DIY modifications.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Not all EICR quotes are created equal:

Call-out charges – Some firms advertise low EICR prices but add £40-60 call-out fees. Always confirm if the quote is all-inclusive.

Multiple consumer units – Properties with separate supplies to garages, annexes, or outbuildings may incur additional charges.

Report costs – Some electricians charge extra for the actual certificate. Your EICR price should always include the full report.

Why Cheap EICRs Can Cost More

We’ve seen Solihull homeowners burned by “bargain” £99 EICRs that turned into expensive problems:

The Missed Fault

A landlord in Shirley used a cut-price EICR firm. Six months later, a tenant called our emergency line because sockets were sparking. The “EICR” had completely missed loose connections that we found within minutes. The landlord faced a £400 emergency callout plus remedial work – and potential legal liability if someone had been injured.

The Invalid Certificate

A Knowle homeowner discovered their £120 EICR certificate wasn’t accepted by their mortgage company because the electrician wasn’t properly qualified. They paid again for a legitimate inspection.

The Upselling Trap

A Dorridge property owner paid £100 for an EICR that “found” £3,000 worth of “essential” remedial work. A second opinion from a reputable electrician found only £240 of genuine C2 defects. The cheap EICR was a loss leader for aggressive upselling.

How to Get an Accurate EICR Quote

For the most accurate quote before booking:

1. Know your property details: Number of bedrooms, property age, any extensions or outbuildings
2. Count your circuits: Open your consumer unit and count the individual breakers (but don’t touch anything)
3. Note any special features: EV charger, solar panels, hot tub, smart home systems
4. Mention access issues: If your consumer unit is in an awkward location

Many electricians (including Farthing Electrical) offer video consultations where you show them your consumer unit and property via WhatsApp or FaceTime. This provides accurate quotes without wasting anyone’s time on unnecessary site visits.

Related Reading

This article is part of Farthing Electrical’s EICR guide series. For comprehensive information on all aspects of electrical inspections in Solihull:

• EICR Solihull: Complete Guide to Electrical Installation Condition Reports
• Why It’s Important to Have an EICR Carried Out
• Understanding Your EICR Certificate: What Does It Actually Mean?
• EICR for Landlords in Solihull: Complete Compliance Guide
• EICR Failed: What Happens Next for Solihull Homeowners

Book Your EICR in Solihull

Don’t choose your electrician on price alone. An EICR is about safety, not savings. Choose a properly qualified, NICEIC registered electrician who’ll do the job thoroughly and provide a certificate you can rely on.

📞 Call us: 0121 674 4014

📧 Email: info@farthingelectrical.co.uk

🔗 Learn more about our EICR service

NICEIC registered. Fully qualified. Transparent pricing. All work guaranteed.

Prices correct as of January 2026. All prices are subject to site survey and may vary based on property complexity and accessibility.