Things can indeed be hard to keep up with the scope of work that needs to be done for some commercial buildings. But there exist ways to make things easier on yourself. As far as commercial properties in the UK are concerned one easy way is to hire a reliable professional to conduct a Commercial EICR or electrical installation condition report.
This test is known by various names including the following – Fixed wire testing, Periodic inspection, Hard wire testing, Electrical safety certificate, Landlord Safety Test, Homebuyer’s Test. The test or the service comes with a cost. It is better that you have some idea about the cost before arranging a test in your rental or commercial property. In the following sections of the article let us explore various aspects related to the EICR cost on commercial properties.
Understanding the basics of commercial EICR cost
It is obvious for business owners to keep looking for ways to cut costs. But there are few costs that are actually necessary to keep a business running smoothly without any hindrance. The commercial EICR cost is one such example.
This cost is the cost you pay for an EICR (or Electrical Installation Condition Report) carried out on your commercial premise. Just as residential EICRs (or EICR for residential properties that are put on rent) a commercial EICR too assesses the condition of the electrical installations existing in a commercial property. The report also highlights the areas, if any, that need any remedial work like repairing or replacement. Apparently the cost of carrying out an EICR on any property may like a needless expenditure. But in reality, it is not so! Rather, a commercial EICR is a crucial element to maintain a workplace that is safe and compliant.
An EICR or Landlord Safety Test also proves helpful in many other ways. An EICR also plays a vital role in identifying any potential hazard related to electrics in a property before it actually starts causing problem. Thus in the long run it helps you save money by avoiding expensive repairs. As far as the cost of an EICR is concerned, there are means to minimise it. Remember the following points that can help you cutting down the cost of EICRs in your property.
Cost cutting on EICRs tips
- Always hire a reputable and experienced electrician services company to perform the necessary test and inspection in your property.
- Get a number of quotes from different service providers before signing the contract with anyone in particular. This is a tried and tested way to compare prices and get a clearer insight on the matter.
- Get the test carried out at a time when your business experiences a slow period. This is a good tactic to not to disrupt your business operations.
During the initial years the cost of commercial EICRs usually seems like an unnecessary burden. But it is a vital element to keep your business running safe and smoothly while staying compliant with the latest regulations. An EICR on your property invariably ensures one gets the best possible value on one’s money.
What is the cost of a commercial EICR?
As far as commercial EICRs are concerned (that is EICR for a commercial property) there is no fixed or uniform price. The cost varies from property to property depending on a few factors. For example the size of a given property and the level of complexity involved in conducting an EICR in it are the two factors that greatly influence the cost of the service.
When a tiny office space or retail outlet is concerned, the service may cost as reasonable as £200. Whereas when a large commercial property is concerned the price can easily shot up to £1,000 or even higher. The price also depends typically on the number of electrical circuits that need to be tested. If any remedial work is mentioned in the report then that certainly adds up to the final price figures of the service as well. Usually this is how the cost of an EICR certificate for any commercial property is determined.
Average cost of commercial EICR (including installation and consultation)
The average cost of commercial EICR is also subject to vary. The factors that it varies upon include the size and the scope of a given business. The standard cost including installation and consultation usually ranges from £2,500 to £4,000. The majority of businesses get covered within this price range although exceptions always exist.
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A business tinier in dimension may need only a single phase EICR. In that case the cost is likely to be much less than £2,500. Alternatively a business that is large may require a three phase EICR; in that case the cost is obviously expected to escalate the £4,000 earmark. Size is not the only factor that determines the price here; even location matters. A business that is located in a rural area may have to pay more for an EICR including the travel and accommodation costs of the engineer who conducts the test.
Factors determining the cost of a commercial EICR
A number of factors are known to affect the cost of a commercial EICR. Some of the factors include –
- The size of a property
- The layout and the level of complexity involved in the property
- The number of electrical circuits and appliances that need to be tested
- The time required to complete the inspection and testing
Each to these factors as well as all the combined factors are known to affect the cost of a commercial EICR explains an experienced electrical engineer working at the Commercial Electrician London over the years.
Commercial EICR and its types
Commercial EICR or EICR for commercial properties can be broadly divided in two sections – internal and external EICR.
Internal EICR as the name implies is carried out within the premises of a business organisation. On the other hand an external EICR is carried out by an electrical contractor. Which type of EICR should you get done for your business? That depends on several factors, like the following –
- The size of a given premise
- The number of electrical systems and appliances that need to be tested and
- The allocated budget
External EICR is costlier than its interior counterpart. But it also makes a more comprehensive, all-round assessment of the existing electrical system. The cost of internal commercial EICR is also based on per circuit, just like external commercial EICR. If you have a small office space and limited number of electrical systems and appliances then you should better opt for an internal commercial EICR to comply with the regulations. It does not make much of sense in getting an external EICR done at a higher price for a tiny office space.
