Was i too expensive????

[rmaynard]

got asked to quote for an EICR on a 4 bed property, its neede as they are selling it and when it was re-wired a few years ago they used a non-registered spark, as said its a 4 bed house with garage, it has 7 circuits plus a sub mains for the garage with another 4 circuits so 11 in total, i quoted £180 and that was for a full day which i felt it needed, got a phone call later in the evening to say thanks but no thanks as another company could do it in 3-4 hours and quoted £100, i was quite shocked, are people realy doing a proper job in that time and at that cost????

Rob

 

[Octopus]

I wouldn't do a decent EICR on a house of that size for £100.00

It would be interesting to see the EICR once its done.

 

[Engineer54]

Obviously, they will be doing a 10% or whatever testing procedure!! It probably won't be a company either, but rather an inexperienced DI sole trader, who see's this as easy money for his sky-rocket. (Pocket...lol!!)

These home owners only get what they pay for, and all this owner wants, is a bit of paper saying it's all tickerty boo for the buyers mortgage/insurance company!!

 

[rmaynard]

was my quote reasonable for the property then?

 

[Octopus]

was my quote reasonable for the property then?

IMHO yes.

Maybe you should work on your explaination to potential customers of what you would do/cover, how long it will take on site and how long at home. I always give a verbal indication when I visit to gauge their reaction before I leave.

 

[Richard Burns]

I would say that was a reasonable price, I had a four bed house with garage that took me two days!! (it was a right mess).
£180 for one day is quite reasonable.
I would take one day to do that inspection correctly.

 

[spark 68]

IMO you were reasonable with your pricing, and £180 is not bad for a day rate, depending on your location in the country.

There are two types of customer who need (not want) an EICR,

Type 1, Landlords and sellers, these are not particularly bothered if you do a thorough job or not, in fact the less thorough the better as far as they are concerned, and this type of client just want, as E54 said, a piece of paper saying all is 'tickety boo', and price is probably the most important factor for something they don't want, but need, and see as a neccessary evil.

Type 2, the buyer, most sensible clients of this type will want a very thorough job doing, as after all it is their investment, and the price being of secondary importance, in fact the more thorough the better, as anything you 'flag up' can be used as a bargaining chip to get a price reduction etc.

As Electricians, we are faced with the same paperwork, and what should be (but often isn't) an impartial and professional assessment on the condition of the electrical installation, against two diametrically opposed reasons for the report.

Sadly in any industry there will always be an element of fast buck merchants, who will cut corners and (not always) prices, and who will bow to the clients agenda.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There are inspectors (I use the term loosely) who will test, note unsatisfactory readings, but will fail to identify the faults.
I've even seen reports where circuits have not been identified, with a recommendation that a further inspection be conducted to identify the unknown circuits?

 

[telectrix]

so, half the job for half the price then.

 

[highspark]

Anywhere outside London I'd say your price is too high. I'd do a 4 bedroom + Garage EICR for about £120. I do 3 beds at £100. Takes me between 4 - 6 hours and thats all tests on an average 8 way board

 

[oldtimer]

I think you were reasonable but remember you have to sell the point that you will do a proper job plus remember if you get a "well I am not sure if this guy did a good job so could you have a look at it for me" speech just do not get involved its bad enough they took the cheap option but getting you to try and either police it or sort it out is a no no. I am always polite and show respect and very apologetic but I always decline.

 

[needasparks]

I bet you would have got it if they were buying rather than selling, shame that people still treat us like they are getting something of ebay and go with the cheapest quote with no idea what standard they are buying into.
Perhaps Tesco's will start doing EICR soon.......

 

[Octopus]

Anywhere outside London I'd say your price is too high. I'd do a 4 bedroom + Garage EICR for about £120. I do 3 beds at £100. Takes me between 4 - 6 hours and thats all tests on an average 8 way board

I think you should charge a bit more. £100 for 6 hours - thats £16.66 per hour which isn't enough to live on - assuming you have PLI, registration, and declare your income

 

[highspark]

I think you should charge a bit more. £100 for 6 hours - thats £16.66 per hour which isn't enough to live on - assuming you have PLI, registration, and declare your income

I always aim to get £25 per hour on EICR's. The average 3 bed semi, takes 4 hours. Thats starting at 8 am and out the door for 12 noon. For me it all goes on the amount of circuits. I have all of the above you mention and live a decent life. I'm up north should I add. Anyone in my area doing EICR's at £180 would not get work.

 

[High Tower]

£100 is about the maximum that you can get for a 3 bed EICR around this way too