A viewing shows you where the sockets and lights are, but it cannot establish the condition of hidden wiring. If you are buying a house or flat in Inverness or the Highlands, ask the seller or agent which electrical records are available before planning repairs or improvements.
Is the Scottish Home Report an electrical safety check?
The Scottish Home Report contains a Single Survey, an energy report and a property questionnaire. It is different from an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The Single Survey does not test the electrical installation. Read its electrical comments, then ask about a separate EICR if the condition is unclear.
Electrical Safety First's advice for home buyers recommends asking for an existing EICR and arranging one if no report is available. Our electrical inspection and testing page explains the service we provide.
Ask for the existing electrical records
- The complete latest EICR, including observations and test schedules.
- Certificates for recent work, such as a rewire, new consumer unit or added circuits.
- Records of repairs carried out after an inspection.
Check the property details, date, scope and recorded limitations. Ask about alterations made since the inspection and which observations have been addressed. Our guide to understanding an EICR explains how to read the findings and discuss follow-up work.
What can you note during a viewing?
Note visibly damaged or scorched sockets and light fittings, and ask about recurring tripping or outlets that do not work. Also consider whether the number and positions of sockets suit the way you intend to use the rooms.
With the seller or agent's permission, a photograph of the closed front of the consumer unit can help with an initial enquiry. Leave covers in place. Do not open electrical equipment, test circuits or touch damaged fittings. A photograph or a visual check does not replace an electrical inspection.
Agree access before booking an EICR
Arrange permission and access with the seller or agent before booking. Tell us the property postcode, approximate size, whether it is occupied and whether garages or outbuildings need to be included. The extent of the inspection and any limitations should be agreed with the inspector.
Testing involves planned power interruptions. Mention essential equipment, access restrictions and your proposed purchase timetable when enquiring. We confirm availability and the arrangements before an appointment is agreed.
Does an older fuse box mean a full rewire?
The condition of the installation and the inspection findings matter more than the age of the house alone. A needed repair or board upgrade is a different scope from a whole-house rewire. Ask which circuits are affected and what the proposed work includes.
Our consumer unit replacement page explains board upgrades. Our house rewiring page covers full and partial rewires, access, disruption and finishing work. These options should follow an assessment of the property.
Separate repairs from the changes you would like
Keep any work identified by the inspection separate from your plans for a new kitchen, extra sockets or different lighting. This makes it easier to understand the priorities and compare quotations for the same work.
For the improvements, mark your furniture and appliance positions on a plan. Our renovation electrical planning guide helps you prepare a room-by-room brief.
Discuss a homebuyer electrical inspection
Caledonia Electrical Highlands Ltd is based in Inverness and arranges electrical inspections across the Scottish Highlands. Send the property postcode, available reports, access arrangements and your preferred timing to discuss an EICR. If the property is further afield, check our Highland service coverage.