EICR
Best platform to book an EICR in the UK 2026: Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Bark
Updated 2026-05-22 · 6 min read
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) must be carried out by a competent person registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Picking the right platform isn't about cost: it's about reducing the chance you book an unverified trade whose certificate won't satisfy your insurer or the council. Here is how Checkatrade, MyBuilder and Bark compare for EICR specifically.
What an EICR engineer actually needs
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, the inspector must be a "qualified and competent person". In practice that means registration with NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA, plus C&G 2391 or equivalent qualification.
Most landlord insurance policies require an EICR signed by an NICEIC-registered electrician specifically. Always confirm the accreditation before you book.
Checkatrade for EICR
**Strongest fit** of the three. Checkatrade verifies NICEIC, NAPIT and ELECSA registration at trade signup; you can filter the search by accreditation. The platform's strongest category by a wide margin.
Typical bands: £150 to £375 in London, £120 to £300 elsewhere. Inner London engineers may quote at the top of the range due to parking, ULEZ and travel time.
MyBuilder for EICR
Strong second choice. Trades describe their accreditations on their profile but Checkatrade verifies these centrally while MyBuilder doesn't. Cross-check the NICEIC number on niceic.com before booking.
Bid-based pricing often beats Checkatrade by 10-20 percent on a non-complex 1-3 bed property. Worth using if you have time for the 24-72 hour bid cycle.
Bark for EICR
Use only if speed matters more than verified accreditation. Bark distributes leads to five professionals; you then due-diligence each one's NICEIC number yourself. Lead time can be under an hour but you bear all the verification.
Recommendation
Default to Checkatrade for the EICR itself. Use MyBuilder for remedial electrical work after the EICR (clear scope, competitive bids). Use Bark only when you're against a deadline and the property already has a satisfactory EICR you just need a copy of.
Common questions
- Does my EICR engineer need to be NICEIC specifically?
- Not strictly: NAPIT and ELECSA are also accepted accreditation bodies under the 2020 Regulations. But many landlord insurance policies and mortgage lenders specify NICEIC. If unsure, ask your insurer.
- How do I verify an electrician's NICEIC number?
- Use the public search at niceic.com. Enter the engineer's business name; the platform shows current registration status and any disciplinary actions.
- What is the typical EICR cost band?
- £120 to £300 for a standard property; £150 to £435 for inner London where parking and travel time push prices up. See our [EICR cost by London borough guide](/guides/eicr-cost-by-london-borough-2026) for the full breakdown.