What Should You Have in Place Before Starting a Self Build?

Health and safety responsibilities on a self build depend on how the project is managed. Under CDM 2015, a homeowner having construction work carried out will usually be treated as a domestic client, with many duties passing to the contractor or principal contractor. Site Insurance supports good risk management, but it does not replace it.

Does CDM 2015 Apply to a Self Build?

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 apply to construction work, including domestic projects where work is being carried out for a homeowner. If you are having work completed on your own home and it is not connected with a business, you will normally be classed as a domestic client.

Where there is only one contractor, the contractor normally takes on the domestic client duties. Where more than one contractor is involved, these duties normally pass to the principal contractor. This helps make sure there is a clearly identified party managing health and safety during construction.

Can a Self Builder Leave Site Safety Entirely to the Contractor?

Even where formal duties pass to a contractor, self builders can still make decisions that support a safer project. Choosing competent contractors, allowing realistic time and budget, and making sure responsibilities are understood can all reduce risk.

Site security also matters. Construction sites can contain excavations, scaffolding, tools, materials and partially completed structures. Controlling access, particularly where children, neighbours or members of the public could enter the site, should form part of the project plan.

How Can Site Insurance Help if Something Goes Wrong?

Site Insurance is designed to protect against specified financial risks during construction. Depending on the cover selected and the policy terms, this can include the works, materials, an existing structure where applicable, and certain liability exposures.

Liability cover can be especially important where an accident results in injury to a member of the public or damage to third-party property. Employer liability considerations may also arise where people are employed directly on the project. The exact protection provided should always be checked against the policy wording.

Does Having Insurance Mean the Site Is Safe?

No. Insurance responds to insured events after something has happened. Good health and safety management is about reducing the likelihood of those events occurring in the first place.

A well-managed site should consider working at height, fire risk, secure storage, access routes, machinery, temporary works, welfare facilities and communication between trades. Good organisation can help protect people while also reducing delays, damage and disruption to the build.

Who is responsible when several trades are working on site?

On a domestic project with more than one contractor, the principal contractor will normally take on the relevant domestic client duties during the construction phase.

Does Public Liability Insurance replace safety procedures?

No. Liability insurance provides financial protection against certain claims. It does not replace suitable precautions, competent contractors or safe working practices.

Should an unfinished self build be secured?

Yes. Preventing unauthorised access is an important part of managing construction site risk, particularly where the public could enter the site.

Protecting a self build means protecting both the project and the people involved in delivering it. Clear responsibilities, sensible site management and appropriate insurance can all contribute to a safer and more secure build. Self-Build Zone provides specialist Site Insurance designed around the realities of self build projects.

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