Electrical Safety Certificate Costs & Free Quotes
Last Updated on December 17, 2019 By Dave
If you are a property owner and would like to like to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing all of your appliances and electrical outlets have been installed properly, and that they meet current safety standards, then you need to get an electrical safety certificate.
You might be able to reduce the cost of obtaining an electrical certificate, and general electrical work - by as much as 50% - if you shop around; but your main concern should not be to find the cheapest price.
However, if you are the owner of multiple properties, you may be able to find an electrician who will do the job at a discounted price, if you assure him you will let him service all of the properties.
One of the best ways to make sure you get a fair price for your electrical safety certificate, or electrical repair and maintenance work, is to get at least three quotes before you make a commitment.
When you fill out our contact form, we will put you in contact with several reputable, certified electricians. We do not charge for obtaining finding the best quotes for you.
What is an electrical certificate?
An electrical safety certificate provides homeowners and tenants with proof that all of their electrical components - switches, cables, sockets, and related equipment - have been installed correctly, and are working properly. This is to ensure that they do not pose a fire hazard.
If the electrician uncovers any repairs or maintenance needs to be done to any part of the electrical hardware, those will be listed as well. Once all the repairs have been completed and meet the specifications that have been set forth, the safety certificate can be issued.
Property owners are encouraged to have their electrical wiring and hardware at least once in a ten year period. The following items and/or elements shall be inspected whenever an electrical update is required:
- Sockets, switches, and light fixtures
- Fuse boxes
- Installation polarity test
- Testing of protective devices to ensure they still operate safely
Calculating the cost of an electrical safety certificate
The cost of getting an electrical safety certificate varies according to the size of the property. However, the following prices can be used as a guide to estimate what the service might cost you:
- I bedroom flat: £100 - £200
- 2 bedroom flat: £120 - £250
- 3 bedroom flat: £200 - £280
- 1 and 2 bedroom house: £170 - £220
- 5 bedroom house or larger: £220 - £280
In most instances, the electrical safety certificate will be issued within a few days upon completion of the safety inspection.
Would a DIY safety inspector’s conclusions be accepted?
The short answer to that question is, no. this procedure must be performed by a licensed, accredited electrician no matter what category the property falls under. Property owners and landlords should keep the certificate in a safe place, and be ready to provide their local authority with a copy should they request it. After a request is made, however, you must supply a copy within seven days.
Some related issues serviced by certified electricians
Rewiring
It is estimated that outdated and faulty wiring is to blame for some 13,000 house fires each year. One of the best and easiest ways to prevent a tragedy like this is to have your home rewired. This is particularly true for older properties. To make sure your home’s electrical wiring is safe, it is recommended that you have your home rewired every 20-25 years.
The cost of rewiring a 3-bedroom home ranges from £2,350 - £4800, with a completion time of 1-2 weeks. this, of course, depends on how much rewiring needs to be done.
Property owners in the southern part of England will be charged higher prices for this service than people in other parts of the UK.
The job calls for the complete removal and replacement of all of your home’s wiring, including those leading to the consumer unit and electrical meter. It may be necessary to replace the consumer also, along with all outlets, and switches. Once the job is complete, the electrician will test all the systems. If everything works properly, he will issue a final installation certificate.
Replacing the fuse boxes
Also referred to as “consumer units,” these boxes can cost anywhere between £300 - £700 to be replaced. The final cost will depend on what part of the country you live in. in most cases, the fuse box, or consumer unit, will be replaced at the time of the rewiring.
Installing ventilation fans
If moisture is not removed from bathrooms, it could cause mould to develop and spread to other areas, especially if the room doesn’t have proper ventilation. Preventing mould is critical because it is almost impossible for a landlord to rent a property that is infested with mould - mould presents a serious health problem.
Refurbishing an existing ventilation fan could cost from £120 - £250, but buying a new one could cost twice as much - or more.
Replacing and/or moving sockets and switches
This is one of the easiest procedures for an electrician to complete. In most cases, it only takes a few minutes to replace or move a socket or switch.
Replacing and/or moving light switches can cost homeowners from £70 - £150. The final costs depend on how long it takes to complete the job, and where the switches will be moved to in the home.
If a socket or switch has to be relocated to an entirely different area, the cost could range anywhere from £150 - £320, and the cost of installing additional sockets and switches could be between £140 - £300 per unit.
What to look for before hiring an electrician
When looking for an electrician, it is critically important that the one you choose is experienced, reputable, and accredited. Qualified electricians must go through years of specialised training, and garner extensive on the job experience before he can be considered a qualified electrician.
It is not out of the ordinary for an electrician must serve as an apprentice for 2-4 years. After that, he will be required to pass the industry accredited level 3 qualification before he receives full accreditation.
Most electricians and electrical companies may also be members of the following organisations:
- National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)
- Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
How to get the best quotes for electrical safety certificates and electrical work
We strongly recommend that you get 3-4 quotes from reputable electricians, or electrical contracting companies, before hiring them to complete a project. And, make sure that any electrician sent to the assessed the project to be experienced and accredited. This way you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in capable hands.
If you would like more information local and national electrical contractors, simply fill out the contact form and provide the relevant information. After an agreement is contracted, our contractors will complete the job according to current safety standards.
And the best thing about dealing with accredited electricians is that you always expect a fair price that is in agreement with industry guidelines.