Modern RCBO consumer unit after a satisfactory EICR

Developer compliance for electrical work splits into two streams. New installations — circuits added during build, refurb, or conversion — produce an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) at commissioning. Existing installations being inspected periodically produce an EICR. We work with Strood developers on both: EIC for new work signed off as it goes in, EICR on existing installations inherited through purchase or returned to service after refurb.

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 Strood

The triggers for a developer EICR aren’t the same as for a landlord EICR. Most often: an acquisition where the existing electrics need due-diligence inspection before completion; a refurbishment where the existing wiring is being kept in part and the developer needs evidence of its condition; or a phased development where some plots are already lived in and periodic inspection is due on the older phases. None of these scenarios fit the standard “rented property, every five years” template — they’re project-specific.

Main service fuse, cutout and smart meter on the incoming supply
Main service fuse, cutout and smart meter on the incoming supply

What the report contains

Reports come back as the standard EICR PDF — form, schedule of inspection, schedule of test results, all in one document. For developer projects we can supply alongside a covering memo summarising the inspection scope, what was in EICR scope vs EIC scope, and any limitations encountered. Failed findings come with remedial quotes for the developer to incorporate into the project cost. Re-test on completion to issue a clean certificate.

Why book CJA Electrical for your Strood EICR

What developers usually want from an EICR partner is precision and timing. Precision because the EIC vs EICR distinction matters and gets it wrong on BC sign-off. Timing because the inspection slot has to fit a wider project programme, often with multiple trades on site. City & Guilds 2391 qualified for the inspection and testing, ten years on Medway domestic projects, comfortable working alongside other trades on a live site. Same-week turnaround typical for Strood projects.

Smaller domestic consumer unit with each circuit clearly labelled
Smaller domestic consumer unit with each circuit clearly labelled

How the inspection runs

What it looks like on a typical Strood 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

No standard rate card for developer work — the variability between projects is too high. We’ll quote on receipt of the scope (number of dwellings, refurb vs new vs mixed, programme dates, access constraints) and the price is fixed at that point.

FAQs

Can you work alongside other trades on a live site in Strood?

Yes. Most of our developer work happens on live sites with other trades present. We coordinate with the site manager or principal contractor to fit the inspection slot into the wider programme, and we work to the site’s H&S and access protocols. Strood sites are reached from our Rochester base in around 8 minutes.

Do you supply documentation in a format Building Control accepts?

Yes. EICs and EICRs follow the standard BS 7671 formats that Building Control bodies accept across England. Standard three-part EICR PDF — form, schedule of inspection, schedule of test results — and standard EIC for new circuits with the matching schedule of test results.

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

Same-week appointments are typical for Strood 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 Strood 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.

Developer EICR in nearby towns

EICR for other audiences in Strood

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