EICR for Developers in Sevenoaks, Kent

For developers active in Sevenoaks, the distinction between an EIC and an EICR matters. New circuits — whether on a greenfield site or in a refurbishment — get an Electrical Installation Certificate at the point they’re commissioned. An EICR comes in later, on existing installations, as periodic inspection evidence. Knowing which document applies at which stage of a development is half the compliance work; CJA Electrical handles both sides.

What an EICR involves for Developer

A developer EICR follows the same regulatory standard as any domestic EICR (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022) but is most often commissioned in one of three contexts: ahead of a refurbishment to document the starting condition; after refurbishment of a pre-existing installation, where the existing wiring has been adapted but not replaced; or as periodic inspection on a phased development whose earlier phases are already occupied. New circuits don’t get an EICR — they get an EIC at commissioning. We do both, with the right document for the right job.

When you need this in Sevenoaks

Developers come to us for EICR work in a handful of recurring patterns: pre-purchase due diligence on properties being acquired for refurb; snagging-stage inspection where an existing installation has been kept and needs final sign-off; periodic inspection on the early phases of a multi-phase development that have entered service; and change-of-use work where an existing installation needs assessment before being adapted to new use. The trigger varies; the inspection itself is consistent.

What the report contains

The deliverable is a standard three-part EICR PDF — form, schedule of inspection, schedule of test results — plus, where relevant, a project cover note explaining how the EICR relates to the wider build documentation. On a refurbishment with both retained and new wiring, the EICR covers the retained sections and an EIC (or set of EICs) covers the new circuits. Findings are coded C1/C2/C3/FI. Unsatisfactory results need remedying within 28 days under BS 7671 best practice; on developer work we typically coordinate the remedials with the wider project programme.

Why book CJA Electrical for your Sevenoaks EICR

The fit for developer work is around three things: getting the document type right (EIC vs EICR), turning the inspection round inside a project programme, and supplying paperwork that holds up at building control sign-off and at the eventual buyer’s conveyancing stage. Ten years on Sevenoaks property means we’ve worked with a fair range of project shapes and don’t need everything explained from scratch.

How the inspection runs

What it looks like on a typical Sevenoaks refurb: Site visit to scope the existing installation. Pre-refurb EICR if the developer wants the starting condition on file. Refurb proceeds. New circuits (where any are added) get an EIC at commissioning. Post-refurb EICR confirms the kept-and-adapted installation is still satisfactory. Final paperwork pack handed over with the project sign-off.

What affects the price

Pricing depends on the project shape. A single-dwelling refurb EICR is priced like any domestic EICR. Multi-plot phased developments are priced per plot, with bulk rates available across plots inspected on the same visit. EIC for new circuits is a separate line, priced by circuit count. Quote responses are usually same-day on receipt of the project scope.

FAQs

How quickly can you turn EICR work round on a developer project?

Same-week appointments are typical for Sevenoaks projects, with the report PDF in the project inbox within 48 hours of the visit. For phased developments where multiple plots need inspecting, we batch the visits to keep the cost down and the turnaround tight. Tighter timelines are possible where the project programme demands it.

Do I need an EICR on a property I’ve just bought to refurbish?

Not strictly required by law, but it’s standard due diligence. A pre-refurb EICR documents the condition of the existing installation before any work starts, which protects you if findings emerge later. Where the refurb plan involves keeping significant parts of the existing wiring, the EICR is also useful evidence that what’s being retained is still satisfactory.

What about Building Regulations notification on new circuits?

New circuits in dwellings are notifiable work under Building Regulations in England. We issue the appropriate Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) at commissioning and the developer’s Building Control body takes the notification through standard channels. We don’t act as a self-certification scheme but the EIC documentation is what the BC body needs to sign off the work.

Can you inspect occupied phases of a phased development?

Yes. Where earlier phases have entered service and tenants or buyers are in residence, we coordinate access through the site management team or directly with residents. The inspection itself is the standard EICR — same scope, same format. Periodic inspection on occupied phases is the most common scenario.

Do new builds in Sevenoaks need an EICR or an EIC?

New builds need an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), not an EICR. The EIC is issued by the installing electrician at the point the new installation is commissioned and forms part of the Building Control sign-off documentation. An EICR is a periodic inspection document that applies to existing installations after they’ve entered service — typically five years or more after the EIC was issued.