If you’ve booked an electrical inspection, whether it’s part of selling your home, planning renovations, or simply ensuring everything’s safe, well done. It’s a smart move that can uncover hidden issues, give you peace of mind, and ensure you’re meeting the latest safety standards.
At LBA Electrical Services, we carry out electrical inspections across Merseyside and beyond, and we know that for many homeowners, it can feel a bit daunting if you’ve never had one before. So here’s everything you need to know to get ready.
Why Are Electrical Inspections Important?
Electrical inspections are not just a formality. They help identify:
- Faulty or outdated wiring that could be a fire risk
- Missing or damaged RCD protection
- Overloaded circuits or poorly installed DIY work
- Wear and tear that may not be visible to the untrained eye
If you’re selling or letting your home, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is often required by law or requested by solicitors and insurers.
When Should You Get One?
- If your home is 10+ years old and hasn’t had an inspection in a while
- Before major works or renovations
- When buying or selling a property
- As part of landlord compliance (required every 5 years for rented properties)
How to Prepare for Your Inspection
1. Clear Access to Key Areas
Ensure the electrician can easily reach:
- The consumer unit (fuse board)
- Sockets and switches
- The attic or underfloor areas (if accessible)
- Any outdoor sockets or outbuildings
Move furniture or large appliances if they block access to sockets or panels.
2. Make a Note of Known Issues
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, tripping circuits, or buzzing sockets, jot them down. These can help the electrician spot patterns and identify faults more quickly.
3. Secure Pets and Inform Household Members
Let everyone in your household know when the inspection is taking place. Pets should be kept safely out of the way, and access to all rooms may be needed.
4. Have Documentation Ready
If you’ve had electrical work done in the past—like a rewire or new consumer unit—try to have any certificates, reports, or manuals to hand. They’re not always required, but they can speed things up.
What Happens During the Inspection?
- A qualified electrician will visually check the wiring, sockets, and electrical fittings.
- They’ll carry out tests on circuits to check for faults or insulation breakdown.
- You may experience short power outages as circuits are tested (we’ll always let you know in advance).
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive an EICR. This report will categorise any issues found:
- C1 – Danger present (requires immediate attention)
- C2 – Potentially dangerous (needs fixing soon)
- C3 – Improvement recommended (not urgent but worth resolving)
What If My Home Doesn’t “Pass”?
Don’t panic! It’s common for older homes to have a few things flagged, especially if standards have changed. LBA Electrical Services can quote for any remedial works needed to bring your home up to spec, and we’ll never upsell or pressure you into anything unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
An electrical inspection isn’t something to worry about—it’s a proactive way to keep your home and family safe. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure the process is smooth and stress-free.
If you need an EICR, a safety check, or honest advice about your home’s electrics, we’re here to help.
✅ Book your inspection today with LBA Electrical Services — friendly, professional, and fully qualified electricians serving Merseyside and beyond.
