Electrics and gas
What should you ask about a new loft light wired with connector blocks?
Ask for it to be included in an EICR, and do not let the survey “pass” it. Connector blocks, taped joints and a cable across insulation are things a surveyor can see. They are not a test of polarity, earth or overload. The lighting circuit may be the one with no earth. Only testing sorts that out.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
Loft conversions and casual loft lights are where paperwork and workmanship part company. Building regulations and a competent-person certificate, if they exist, belong with the solicitor. A certificate for a kitchen does not automatically include a later loft spur. Read what the paper lists.
An electrician may repair one joint or may find the circuit needs more. There is no fixed price on this page. Do not rewire the house because one choc-block was visible, and do not ignore it because the lamp switched on.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Where is the joint, and is the cable in insulation?
- Is this part of a conversion that should have papers?
- Are you recommending a test?
What are the typical next steps?
- Show the electrician the loft in person.
- Ask the solicitor for any electrical certificate and read which floors it covers.
- Do not bury the joint under new insulation before it is seen.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Is a battery lamp a finding?
No. A lamp with no mains cable is not a circuit. Do not write it up as DIY wiring.
Does Part P mean every new light was notifiable?
Not every job is notifiable. GOV.UK explains building regulations and competent-person schemes. Your solicitor asks what this job needed. The survey does not notify it.