Domestic Property

Planning an extension, renovation, conversion or other building project at your home?

Many homeowners are unaware that construction projects carried out on domestic properties are covered by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). While the regulations are designed primarily to protect those carrying out the work, they also place certain responsibilities on homeowners commissioning construction projects.

At Thomas Safety Services Ltd, we help homeowners understand their obligations, select competent contractors and ensure projects are delivered safely, legally and efficiently.

What is a Domestic Client?

Under CDM 2015, a Domestic Client is an individual who commissions construction work that is not connected to a business.

Examples include:

• Home extensions
• Loft conversions
• Property refurbishments
• Structural alterations
• Garage conversions
• Roofing projects
• Demolition work
• Landscaping and external works

If the work is being carried out on your home or the home of a family member, you are likely to be considered a Domestic Client under the regulations.

What Are My Responsibilities?

The good news is that homeowners are not expected to become construction safety experts.

For most domestic projects, your legal responsibilities are automatically transferred to the contractor or, where multiple contractors are involved, the Principal Contractor.

In some circumstances, a Principal Designer may formally agree in writing to undertake certain client duties on your behalf.

Although these responsibilities are usually transferred, homeowners should still take reasonable steps to appoint competent professionals and ensure their project is properly managed.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Selecting the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a building project.

Before appointing a contractor, consider:

• Their experience with similar projects
• Professional qualifications and memberships
• References from previous clients
• Insurance arrangements
• Health & Safety standards
• Contract terms and payment arrangements
• Project timescales and delivery commitments

Obtaining quotations from at least three reputable contractors is generally recommended. Where possible, request detailed written quotations and clearly defined scopes of work.

Health & Safety Matters

Construction work carries inherent risks, and ensuring those risks are properly managed protects everyone involved in the project.

When selecting contractors, it is sensible to ask whether they hold recognised Health & Safety accreditations, such as CHAS or other SSIP-recognised certifications.

These accreditations provide evidence that a contractor has appropriate Health & Safety management systems and procedures in place.

You may also wish to verify:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Employers’ Liability Insurance
• Relevant trade qualifications
• Professional memberships
• Previous project references

Planning, Building Regulations & Compliance

Depending on the nature of your project, you may also need to consider:

• Planning Permission
• Building Regulations Approval
• Party Wall Agreements
• Listed Building Consent
• Conservation Area Restrictions
• Structural Engineering Requirements

Understanding these requirements early in the planning process can help avoid costly delays and unexpected complications.

Avoiding Common Problems

Unfortunately, building projects can sometimes encounter difficulties due to poor planning, inadequate contracts or unsuitable contractors.

To help protect your investment:

• Always obtain a written quotation
• Ensure contracts clearly define the scope of work
• Agree payment schedules in advance
• Avoid large upfront payments
• Request references from recent customers
• Confirm insurance arrangements
• Keep written records of project communications

A well-managed project begins with thorough preparation and the selection of competent professionals.

Independent Advice for Homeowners

Many homeowners feel overwhelmed by technical requirements, contractor selection and regulatory obligations.

We can provide independent advice and guidance to help you:

• Understand your responsibilities under CDM 2015
• Review contractor competence
• Assess Health & Safety arrangements
• Understand project documentation
• Navigate construction-related compliance requirements
• Reduce risks throughout the project lifecycle

Our aim is to help homeowners make informed decisions and enjoy greater confidence when undertaking building works.

Building with Confidence

Whether you are planning a small renovation or a major home improvement project, obtaining professional advice at an early stage can save time, reduce risks and help ensure your project runs smoothly.

If you would like independent guidance regarding your responsibilities as a Domestic Client, contractor selection, Health & Safety matters or construction project compliance, our experienced consultants are here to help.

Speak to Our Consultants

Contact Thomas Safety Services Ltd today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you build safely, confidently and with peace of mind.