A Brighton landlord contacted BKA Electrical to carry out an EICR at a rental flat in Wick Hall on Furze Hill before the property was let to tenants. The inspection gave the landlord a clear picture of the condition of the electrical installation and highlighted a small number of items that needed attention.
The EICR itself took around two hours. While we were at the property, the landlord also asked us to replace a faulty extractor fan, fit a new kitchen light and change the existing electric hob for a new model. We were able to complete the remedial and additional electrical work during the same visit.
Why the Landlord Booked the EICR
The flat was being prepared for rental, so the landlord wanted the electrical installation checked before the new tenancy. An EICR is a detailed inspection and test of the fixed electrical installation, including circuits, protective devices, accessories and other parts of the installation that can be safely inspected.
For this Wick Hall flat, the inspection was completed in around two hours. As with any EICR, the aim was not just to complete paperwork but to identify any electrical safety issues that needed to be dealt with before the property was ready for use.
Bathroom Light Not Suitable for Its Location
One of the issues identified during the inspection was a bathroom light fitting that was not suitable for its location. Bathrooms need fittings that are appropriate for the environment and for where they are installed.
We removed the existing fitting and replaced it with a suitable compliant bathroom light. This was completed as part of the remedial work following the inspection.
Missing Main Protective Bonding to the Water Supply
The inspection also found that the incoming water service did not have the required main protective bonding in place.
To rectify this, we installed a new bonding conductor to the incoming water main. The cable was routed neatly beneath the kitchen kickboards so the work could be completed with minimal disruption while still providing a practical route to the incoming service.
Bonding and earthing arrangements are among the items checked during an EICR because they form an important part of the electrical safety measures within a property.
Faulty Extractor Fan Replaced
The bathroom extractor fan was also not working. The landlord asked us to replace it while we were carrying out the other work, so the faulty unit was removed and a new fan installed.
Dealing with the fan at the same time meant the landlord did not need to arrange another visit before the flat was ready for tenants.
Kitchen Light and Electric Hob Replacement
In addition to the EICR remedials, the landlord had a couple of other electrical jobs they wanted completed at the property. We replaced the kitchen light fitting and removed the existing electric hob before fitting the new model supplied for the flat.
Although these were separate from the EICR itself, completing them during the same appointment made the visit more efficient and helped the landlord get several jobs finished at once.
Around Five Hours From Inspection to Completed Work
The EICR took approximately two hours to complete. The remedial and additional electrical work took around another three hours, including the bathroom light replacement, water bonding, extractor fan, kitchen light and electric hob.
This is a good example of how an EICR can be used as a practical starting point for getting a rental property ready. Once the inspection had identified the electrical items that needed attention, we were able to deal with those issues and complete the landlord’s additional requested work in the same visit.
What Happens If an EICR Finds Problems?
Not every EICR results in a list of major faults. Sometimes the inspection identifies a smaller number of specific issues that can be corrected without extensive work. Where observations are recorded, it is important to understand what they mean and what action is required.
Our guide to C1, C2, C3 and FI codes on an EICR explains the different classifications, while our guide on what happens after an unsatisfactory EICR in Brighton covers the next steps when remedial work is required.
Landlord EICRs in Brighton
BKA Electrical carries out landlord EICRs in Brighton and can also carry out remedial electrical work where issues are identified during the inspection.
If you are preparing a rental property in Brighton or Hove and need an EICR, we can inspect the installation, explain any observations clearly and help with the electrical work needed afterwards.