Why EICR Remedial Work Is Not Done Immediately After Inspection (And Why That’s the Correct Process)

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2 February 2026

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Home EICR Certificates Why EICR Remedial Work Is Not Done Immediately After Inspection (And Why That’s the Correct Process)

Why EICR Remedial Work Isn’t Done on the Same Visit as the Inspection

(And Why Two Visits Are Usually Required)

One of the most common questions customers ask after an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) inspection is:

“Why do I need two visits?”
or
“Why wasn’t everything fixed while you were already there?”

This is a completely fair question. From a customer’s point of view, it can feel more convenient to have everything done in one go. However, EICR inspections are designed to follow a structured, professional, and legally recognised process, and that process usually requires two separate visits.

In this guide, we explain why two visits are needed, what happens during each visit, and why this approach is actually safer, fairer, and better for you as the customer.

First, What an EICR Inspection Actually Is

An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal inspection and testing process. Its purpose is to assess the safety and condition of a property’s fixed electrical installation at a specific moment in time.

An EICR is not a repair appointment.

During the first visit, the engineer’s role is to:

Inspect the electrical installation
Test circuits, earthing, and bonding
Identify safety issues or deterioration
Record everything accurately in a written report

This visit is about observation, testing, and documentation only.

You can see what is included in an inspection here:
👉 https://londoneicrcertificates.co.uk/eicr-services/

At this stage, the engineer must remain neutral and impartial. They are assessing the installation, not fixing it.

Why the EICR Report Must Come First

Once testing is complete, the engineer prepares the EICR report.

This report:

Records test results
Lists observations
Assigns official codes (C1, C2, C3, FI)
Forms the legal basis for any remedial work

The report must reflect the original condition of the installation.

If repairs were carried out during the inspection:

Test results could change mid-process
The report would no longer be accurate
Compliance and legal clarity could be compromised

That’s why repairs are not started before the report is issued.

If you’d like to understand report codes in more detail, see:
👉 https://londoneicrcertificates.co.uk/how-to-read-an-eicr-report-and-ensure-electrical-safety-in-london/

Why Two Visits Are Normally Required

Now let’s address the key question directly.

Visit 1: Inspection and Reporting

Visit 2: Approved Remedial Work

This separation exists for very important reasons.

Reason 1: The Inspection Visit Is for Assessment, Not Decisions

During the inspection visit, the engineer is focused on:

Testing safely and accurately
Recording findings
Making sure nothing is missed

They are not deciding:

What materials to use
How long repairs will take
Whether alternative solutions exist

Those decisions come after the report is reviewed.

Trying to inspect, decide, and repair at the same time often leads to rushed judgments and incomplete solutions.

Reason 2: Remedial Work Must Be Quoted and Approved First

Once the EICR report is issued, remedial work is quoted separately.

This is important because it gives customers:

A clear breakdown of required work
Transparent pricing
Time to review and ask questions
Control over whether and when to proceed

No remedial work should begin until the customer has explicitly approved the quote.

You can see how remedial work is handled here:
👉 https://londoneicrcertificates.co.uk/remedial-work-for-failed-eicr-certificates/

This protects customers from:

Surprise costs
Pressure selling
Work being done without consent

Reason 3: Correct Materials Are Rarely Available on the First Visit

Most remedial work requires specific materials, such as:

RCDs or RCBOs
Consumer unit components
Bonding conductors
New cabling or accessories

These cannot always be predicted before the inspection.

The second visit allows the engineer to:

Order the correct materials
Bring the right equipment
Allocate sufficient time

This results in proper, permanent repairs, not temporary fixes.

Reason 4: Planning, Access, and Safety

Remedial work often requires:

Power shutdowns
Tenant or business access
Out-of-hours scheduling
Risk assessments

Trying to do this immediately during an inspection is often unsafe or impractical.

The second visit allows everything to be planned properly and carried out safely.

Reason 5: Different Engineers, Different Roles

In many professional companies, different engineers handle different stages.

EICR Inspection Engineer

Inspects and tests
Produces an impartial report
Does not carry out repairs during inspection

Remedial Works Engineer

Completes approved repair work
Installs new equipment
Carries out upgrades or modifications
Certifies completed remedial work

This separation:

Avoids conflicts of interest
Protects report integrity
Maintains professional standards

It’s a sign of a proper compliance process, not inefficiency.

Real Examples That Explain the Two-Visit Process

Case Study 1: Landlord – Rented Flat in London

Issue found: No RCD protection (C2)

Why two visits were needed:
The inspection engineer completed testing and issued the report. A second visit was required to install the correct protective device with proper planning and materials.

Result:
Clear report, approved quote, compliant installation.

Case Study 2: Commercial Office – Central London

Issue found: Bonding and labelling faults

Why two visits were needed:
The inspection identified issues, but remedial work required business approval and scheduled access to avoid disruption.

Result:
No downtime, planned repairs, full compliance.

Case Study 3: Property Buyer – Solicitor Requested EICR

Issue found: Earthing upgrade required

Why two visits were needed:
The solicitor needed a clear report first. Repairs were completed after negotiations and ownership transfer.

Result:
Smooth transaction and documented compliance.

When Immediate Action Is Taken

If a C1 – Danger Present issue is found, the engineer will take immediate action to make the installation safe.

This may include isolating circuits or removing immediate danger.

This is about safety, not full remedial upgrades.

A Simple Way to Explain It

Think of an EICR like an MOT test:

The MOT identifies problems
Repairs come later, once you know what failed

Electrical safety works the same way.

❓ EICR Inspections & Remedial Work – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why wasn’t the remedial work done on the same visit as the EICR inspection?

An EICR is an inspection and report, not a repair visit. The engineer must first inspect, test, and document the condition of the electrical installation. Any remedial work is then quoted separately and carried out on a second visit after customer approval to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance.

2. Why do EICR inspections usually require two visits?

The first visit is for inspection and reporting. The second visit is for approved remedial work. This allows time to review the report, agree on the scope of work, order the correct materials, and plan the work safely and properly.

3. Can an electrician fix EICR issues on the same day if I ask?

In most cases, no. Repairs should not be carried out before the EICR report is completed, as this could affect test results and compromise the accuracy of the report. The only exception is when immediate action is required to make a dangerous situation safe.

4. What happens if a dangerous fault is found during the inspection?

If a C1 (Danger Present) issue is identified, the engineer will take immediate action to make the installation safe where possible, such as isolating a circuit. Full remedial work is then planned and completed separately.

5. Why is remedial work quoted separately from the EICR inspection?

Remedial work is quoted after the inspection so that the scope of work is clearly defined and supported by the report. This ensures fair pricing, avoids unnecessary repairs, and gives customers full control over whether and when the work is carried out.

6. Do I have to accept the remedial work quote from the same company?

No. Once you receive your EICR report, you are free to seek alternative quotes if you wish. Separating inspection and remedial work helps ensure transparency and avoids conflicts of interest.

7. Why are different engineers sometimes used for inspection and remedial work?

Many professional companies separate inspection and remedial roles. Inspection engineers focus on impartial testing and reporting, while remedial engineers carry out approved repairs. This helps maintain professional standards and report integrity.

8. How long do I have to complete remedial work after a failed EICR?

In most cases, landlords have up to 28 days to complete remedial work or sooner if specified. The exact timeframe depends on the severity of the issues identified and the type of property.

9. Will needing remedial work delay a property sale or rental?

Not necessarily. An EICR provides a clear picture of the installation’s condition, which can be used for negotiations or compliance planning. Remedial work is often completed quickly once approved and does not usually cause significant delays.

10. How can I prepare for the remedial work visit?

Once you approve the quote, ensure access is available, tenants or occupants are informed, and any required shutdowns are agreed in advance. This allows the remedial work to be completed efficiently and safely on the second visit.

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