Electrical safety tips when you buy property

Moving home is both exciting and stressful, from organising surveys, packing and sorting out essentials like insurance and utilities, it’s all too easy to overlook things like the electrics. But having buying a home, electrical safetywiring checked during the conveyancing process could save you time and money in the long run.

Data from charity, Electrical Safety First shows that homeowners spend an average of £1,704 sorting out electrical problems when they move into a new property – money that could be easily saved by a simple assessment called an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Despite this, the charity says that just 37% of homebuyers had the electrics in their homes assessed prior to purchase.

What is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?

Ultimately, the report is there to ensure electrics in any given building are safe, by identifying any damage or wiring that doesn’t meet current standards. There are two main types of report to choose from:

  • A periodic inspection report – tests the electrics to identify any issues that can’t be seen at a superficial level. This is the recommended option if you’re not sure if the property has had any inspections before.
  • A visual condition report – only checks the appearance of a property’s electrics. This is only really suitable if the property has already been previously tested.

An EICR might not be at the top of your priority list when you move home, but it’s important not to underestimate the impact it can have on your overall budget. In a case study highlighted by Electrical Safety First, a first-time buyer ended up spending nearly £10,000 rectifying an old fuse box and re-wiring his home.

Needless to say, an EICR can only be carried out by a qualified electrician. It’s also worth knowing that a property’s electrical installation is not something tested by most homebuyer reports.

How to spot potential electrical issues when you buy a property

If you’re thinking about, or on the cusp of moving, it’s a good idea to have a proper look at the electrics in any property you’re seriously interested in – warning signs to look for, include:

  • Fixed cables that are wrapped in black rubber, lead or fabric – these haven’t been used since before or during the 60s. Cables today, are coated in uPVC.
  • A fuse box with a wooden back and cast-iron switches – these haven’t been in use since the 60s.
  • Older style round pin sockets, often set into skirting boards (or no skirting board at all) – any or all of these would suggest the house hasn’t been rewired since they were installed (typically before the 60s).
  • Light switches rather than light pulls in bathrooms.
  • Check any visible cables for signs of severe wear and tear.

Arranging an EICR can help you save time and money by identifying issues while you still have an opportunity to ask the seller to do something about it. In some cases, it could also be reflected in the end sale price.

How we can help

At the end of the day, because of natural wear and tear, all properties will eventually need their electrics upgrading or replacing so it’s crucial to have them checked at some point.

Most importantly though, safe electrics mean a safe house – sadly around 350,000 people are seriously hurt in electrical accidents every year – don’t be one of them.

To find out more or to arrange an Electrical Installation Condition Report, call us on 01473 741320 or email us at info@bartonelectrical.net.