You’ve found the perfect commercial space. The lease looks good, the location is right, and the previous tenant says “everything works fine.”
But before you sign the dotted line or move your equipment in, there’s one question you should ask: is the electrical installation actually safe and compliant?
The truth is, many businesses skip this step — and later end up with costly repairs, downtime, or safety issues that could have been spotted early.
If you’re about to take over a shop, office, or industrial unit in Basingstoke or the surrounding area, here’s why an electrical inspection (EICR) is not just a good idea, but essential.
Why you should never assume the electrics are fine
Just because the lights switch on doesn’t mean the wiring is safe. Electrical systems deteriorate over time — especially in commercial environments where usage is heavy, and layouts change frequently.
Previous tenants may have added equipment, moved circuits, or carried out DIY work without proper certification. And unless you have an up-to-date inspection report, you won’t know what condition it’s really in.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) gives you that clarity. It’s a full test and inspection of the building’s electrical system, carried out by a qualified contractor, to confirm whether it’s safe to use and compliant with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
What’s covered in an EICR
A commercial EICR checks the entire electrical system, including:
- Consumer units and distribution boards
- Circuit wiring and connections
- Sockets, switches, and lighting points
- Protective devices (RCDs, breakers, fuses)
- Earthing and bonding arrangements
- Fixed equipment and supply points
Each circuit is tested, results are recorded, and any defects are coded according to their level of risk.
The risk of skipping an inspection
Without an EICR, you could inherit hidden faults that cause:
- Power loss or equipment failure
- Electrical fires or shock hazards
- Delays in opening or running your business
- Expensive remedial work that could have been negotiated before signing the lease
And it’s not just what happens before you move in that matters — it’s what happens after you move out.
Avoiding a nasty surprise at the end of your lease
Most commercial leases include a “full repairing and insuring” clause, which means you’re responsible for putting the property back in good order before handing it back.
If you move into a building with old, unsafe, or non-compliant electrics and don’t document the condition at the start, you could be held responsible for upgrading or repairing it later — even if those issues existed long before you arrived.
We’ve seen businesses in Basingstoke and surrounding towns hit with unexpected bills running into thousands of pounds at the end of their lease because the landlord’s surveyor flagged non-compliant electrics.
A pre-lease EICR protects you from that. It gives you written proof of the electrical condition when you took over the property, so you’re not paying to fix someone else’s neglect years later.
What if the property already has an EICR?
If the landlord provides a recent EICR — ideally within the past five years — ask to see the full report, not just the certificate.
Check the date, the contractor’s details, and whether the outcome was “satisfactory.” If it was “unsatisfactory” or if remedial works were recommended, ask for proof that the issues were fixed.
If there’s no recent report, or if it’s unclear whether changes have been made since, it’s best to commission a new one yourself. It’s a small cost compared to the risk of major electrical problems or end-of-tenancy repair disputes later.
The benefits of arranging your own inspection
By having your own inspection carried out before taking over the premises, you’ll:
- Know exactly what condition the electrics are in
- Avoid unexpected repair bills after you move in
- Gain peace of mind that your staff and equipment are safe
- Have a baseline record for insurance and compliance
- Protect yourself from end-of-lease liability under repairing clauses
In short, you’ll save yourself a potential legal and financial headache down the line.
How GU Solutions can help
At GU Solutions, we’ve been carrying out commercial electrical inspections for businesses in Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and across Hampshire for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, fully insured, and experienced in inspecting all types of commercial premises — from offices and retail units to workshops and warehouses.
We’ll test your installation thoroughly, explain the results clearly, and provide practical advice on any improvements needed. If remedial work is required, we can handle that too — ensuring your new premises is safe, compliant, and ready for use.
Book your commercial electrical inspection
Before you sign a lease or take over a new unit, make sure you know what you’re inheriting — and protect yourself from paying for someone else’s mistakes later.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your commercial EICR or pre-lease electrical inspection.
We’ll carry out a detailed assessment, identify any risks, and give you the confidence that your new business premises is safe, efficient, and compliant from day one.
Because when it comes to commercial leases, what you don’t know at the start can cost you a lot at the end.
