An independent inspection on a new house

The EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate) you get from a developer is the installer self-certifying their own work. An independent EICR is a third-party check by someone who has nothing to gain from the result, and ideally someone with enough experience to recognise the cut corners that get glossed over on busy build sites - cut-off downlight earths, loose connections, missing bonding in bathrooms and kitchens, RCD setups that don't fully comply.

That's the case for hiring Ashley. He's been an electrician for around twenty years, NAPIT registered (66870), and has personally inspected enough properties to recognise the new-build fault patterns at a glance. You'd think new builds would be perfect - they're not. Research suggests around one in five new builds has electrical faults of some kind, and that's the reason this service exists.

£150 plus VAT, same day

The fixed price is £150 plus VAT for any domestic property, whether it's a one-bed apartment in a city-centre conversion or a five-bed detached on a development. You get the inspection and all certificates on the same day.

Book your new-build EICR

What gets checked

A proper EICR isn't a quick visual. The visual inspection covers all your wiring, switches, sockets and consumer unit condition - looking for signs of damage, overheating, or general wear, plus checking whether everything still looks fit for purpose. The electrical testing side is where the technical work happens:

• Continuity testing, to confirm circuits are properly connected
• Insulation resistance testing, so wires aren't going to give you a shock
• Earth fault loop impedance testing, to confirm safety systems work properly
• RCD testing, so the trip switches that protect you actually work when they're needed

You get a detailed report on the same day, explained in plain English.

What we typically find on new builds

The faults Ashley sees on new-build properties are usually a result of corners cut during a competitive build phase rather than fundamental problems with the design - loose connections that weren't properly tightened during installation, missing earth bonding in bathrooms and kitchens, downlights with cut-off earth wires (the earth conductor is supposed to be connected, not snipped), RCD arrangements that don't fully comply with current regulations, and assorted shortcuts from a rushed build. These aren't theoretical fault patterns; they're things he's actually found on past inspections.

Understanding your results

For reference, the codes on the report are:

• C1 - immediate danger that needs fixing before he leaves
• C2 - potentially dangerous, needs sorting urgently
• C3 - could be better, not dangerous but worth improving
• FI - he needs to investigate further before giving a definitive answer

If anything is C1 or C2 he'll explain exactly what's wrong and how to fix it, without scaremongering or trying to push you into work you don't need.

Why pay for an independent EICR if the builder already gave me a cert?

The EIC is the developer's own electrician certifying their own work. The reasons buyers and homeowners want a separate EICR are mostly practical: peace of mind on what's usually the biggest financial commitment of your life, documented evidence of any faults if it later becomes an NHBC or warranty issue, more weight in snagging conversations because there's a NAPIT-registered electrician's report behind them, and a record buyers and solicitors can ask for when you sell on.

When we find problems

There's no panic and no pressure - Ashley will explain everything clearly and give you a fair quote for any work, with no hidden costs. He can fix what he finds, so you don't need to involve another contractor, and remedial work is usually scheduled within a month. If the issues are with the builder's work and within warranty, he'll give you a clear written report you can take back to the developer.

Credentials

• NAPIT Registered (66870) - qualifications you can verify online
• 20+ years' experience as an electrician
• Same-day certificates as digital copies, with physical available on request
• 9.85/10 on Checkatrade from 105+ verified reviews

Coverage

Across Greater Manchester, including new-build developments around Altrincham, Trafford, Stockport, Bury, Whitefield and surrounding areas. There are no travel charges - the price is the same wherever you are.

Book your new-build EICR

£150 plus VAT for any domestic property, certificates on the day, and Ashley can usually fit you in as soon as you call. Get in touch.