Bought a house that failed EICR but I didn't know, now it needs a total re-wire.

lifeofbrian2015

Had an electrician in because I noticed exposed wire under some floor boards. He immediately noticed how bad the electrics were, now he tells me the house is dangerous and needs a total re-wire. 

This is my first ever house purchase, I had a full survey done and obviously a solicitor to do all the checks, and no one checked or told me about an EICR.

Now I live in an unsafe house which I cannot afford to fix.

Am I totally screwed?

Phoenix72

Define your 'full survey', what level?

Even a level 3 survey won't pick up aome 'hidden' issues.

How sure are you about the electrician, get a 2nd opinion?

Mark_d

As far as I know EICR is only needed for rental properties.

I am surprised that your full (level 3) survey didn't give you any clues as to the state of the electrics in the property.  Maybe it's worth looking at the survey report in detail

user1977

Is this electrician providing an entirely unbiased opinion on whether you need to pay lots of money to an electrician?

Robin9

user1977 said:

Is this electrician providing an entirely unbiased opinion on whether you need to pay lots of money to an electrician?

I would expect the surveyor to comment about the electrics in a general way and recommend you consult an electrician and get an EICR done.

Likewise the gas boiler

propertyrental

Nearly every survey I've seen, or heard about on this forum, has recommended the buyer get an electrical and gas inspection and report.

Are you sure your survey did not say this?

sheramber

You need to get a second , even thirs, opinion as the electrician may be looking for  the chance to get some work.

user1977

OP, in one of your previous threads (presumably about the same property) you said "This was the case so many times in the survey, advising me to get various things inspected" - didn't that include the electrics?

Hoenir

lifeofbrian2015 said:

This is my first ever house purchase, I had a full survey done and obviously a solicitor to do all the checks, and no one checked or told me about an EICR.

Did you read the survey thoroughly?  Surveyors aren't electricians. They therefore always recommend a specialist survey is conducted. 

lifeofbrian2015

user1977 said:

OP, in one of your previous threads (presumably about the same property) you said "This was the case so many times in the survey, advising me to get various things inspected" - didn't that include the electrics?

Yes, unfortunately the estate agent pointed to the sticker on the fuse box and said it had been checked and was fine. Of course I have no way of proving that.

FreeBear

lifeofbrian2015 said: Had an electrician in because I noticed exposed wire under some floor boards. He immediately noticed how bad the electrics were, now he tells me the house is dangerous and needs a total re-wire.

Post a picture of this wiring for a second opinion.

I've got some very old rubber insulated cables under my floor. The insulation is cracked and missing in places. But as these cables are dead, they do not pose any risk. A less reputable electrician might use them as an excuse to sell a full rewire though - Not necessary as all the live cables are relatively modern, as is the consumer unit.