I’ve been a NICEIC-registered electrician in Romford for over a decade, and performing EICR Romford inspections has taught me that no two properties are the same. From older Victorian terraces to newer build flats, each property tells a story through its wiring, and understanding that story is what separates a thorough inspection from a simple tick-box exercise.
One property I inspected last year was a semi-detached home that had been extended multiple times over the decades. The homeowner assumed everything had been updated during a previous renovation, but once I tested the circuits, I discovered that the upstairs lighting and some downstairs sockets were still fed from old, unprotected wiring. The consumer unit had been upgraded, but partial work like this can create hidden hazards. I explained the risks and recommended remedial work, which the homeowner was grateful for—they hadn’t realised a “modernised” look didn’t always mean safe.
Rental properties in Romford often bring their own challenges. I remember a landlord whose flat had been let to students for several years. They assumed the EICR would be a formality. Instead, I found loose connections in sockets and a kitchen circuit that wasn’t properly RCD protected. The landlord had to act quickly, but addressing these issues early prevented potential electrical faults that could have caused serious problems for tenants. Experiences like this reinforce why I recommend scheduling inspections before deadlines or tenancy changes rather than waiting for a certificate to expire.
Another scenario I encounter regularly involves home offices or garden workshops. A customer last spring had a converted garage powered off a spur from a kitchen socket. It was working day-to-day, but it wasn’t suitable for the heavier load they were using. Highlighting that during the EICR allowed them to install a dedicated circuit safely, which was far more reliable than just “making it work” with an extension cable.
Through my experience, I’ve learned that credentials are just the start. What matters more is familiarity with local housing trends, common wiring shortcuts, and how people adapt their homes over time. In Romford, I’ve noticed recurring issues in older terraces, like partial rewires and spurs added over time, and in newer estates, overloaded circuits in areas that weren’t originally intended for high demand. Recognising these patterns allows me to provide practical advice, not just a list of codes and readings.
An EICR done properly isn’t about catching anyone out—it’s about understanding how a property is actually used and making sure the electrics can handle that safely. For homeowners and landlords in Romford, that approach makes all the difference in avoiding hazards, saving money, and keeping occupants safe.