Site Safety 101 - Hoarding, CDM Duties & Protecting Your Family
Niket Kapur • 10 August 2025
Renovating or building at home can be exciting, but it also brings hazards. Power tools, dust, heavy machinery, and open excavations can quickly turn a dream project into a dangerous environment if not properly managed.
Site safety is not just about protecting workers - it is about safeguarding you, your family, your neighbours, and the public. Many homeowners underestimate their role in safety, assuming it is purely the builder’s responsibility. In reality, under UK law, you have legal duties too.
Why Site Safety Matters
A safe site:
- Prevents accidents and injuries.
- Keeps your project on track by avoiding shutdowns or investigations.
- Reduces the risk of costly claims or disputes.
- Demonstrates professionalism to neighbours and the wider community.
Beyond these practical benefits, safety is also a legal obligation. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) set out duties for clients, contractors, and designers - and yes, you, as the homeowner commissioning the work, are a “client” under these rules.
Practical Steps for a Safe Site
- Secure the Perimeter
- Hoarding: Use solid hoarding or strong fencing to enclose the site. This prevents unauthorised access, especially by children or curious passers-by.
- Clear Signage: Install warning signs (e.g., “Construction Site - Keep Out”) and safety notices for deliveries.
2. Control Access
- Designate a single entry point for workers and deliveries.
- Keep keys or codes secure - never leave gates open for convenience.
3. Manage Hazards Inside
- Ensure trip hazards, trailing cables, and exposed nails are dealt with promptly.
- Store tools, materials, and chemicals safely at the end of each day.
- Keep fire extinguishers and first-aid kits on-site and visible.
4. Protect Your Family
- Create a physical barrier between living areas and the works.
- Use dust sheets and sealed doors to reduce airborne particles.
- If you must enter the site, wear sturdy footwear and appropriate PPE.
5. Meet Your CDM Duties
- Appoint a Principal Contractor (if more than one contractor is working on-site).
- Make sure the contractor has a Construction Phase Plan covering safety procedures.
- Provide the contractor with any relevant information about the site (e.g., asbestos surveys, existing hazards).
Case Studies: When Safety Was Overlooked
- Unsecured Front Garden: A London homeowner started a front extension without hoarding. Local children wandered in and damaged materials, leading to a council inspection and two weeks’ delay.
- Open Cellar Drop: In Harrow, a basement staircase opening was left uncovered. A delivery driver fell in, breaking his leg. The homeowner’s insurance only partially covered the claim.
- Dust Issue: A Middlesex extension lacked dust barriers. Cutting concrete indoors triggered an asthma attack in a child, halting the project until dust control measures were installed.
- Driveway Hazard: In Watford, a loose scaffold plank fell onto a neighbour’s car during high winds. The builder’s insurance paid for repairs, but the homeowner faced weeks of disruption.
Each of these could have been avoided with basic safety measures in place from the start.
Take Control of Safety from Day One
Your home improvement project should bring you joy - not stress or legal problems. Putting safety first protects your investment, your family, and your peace of mind.
Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today to ensure your project meets all safety requirements from the start.
Sunil K Radia
The Building Guidance Partnership
Telephone (020) 8076 3110
WhatsApp +44 7507 705376
www.theBGP.co.uk
The Assumption Many homeowners feel confident they already have a “good builder.” Often this is someone recommended by friends, family, or colleagues. But what worked for someone else’s project may not suit your project. Builder selection is the single most critical step in any renovation or rebuild. Done carefully, it leads to a smooth build. Done poorly, it can cause budget overruns, stress, and disputes. Why Proper Vetting Matters Most builders are hardworking professionals, but homeowners often don’t carry out the right checks. Some unscrupulous operators may show finished projects or photos that were not their own work. Looking only at glossy, finished results is misleading - poor workmanship can be hidden behind plaster or paint. Without proper vetting, even well-meaning builders can be mismatched to the size, style, or complexity of your project. This is why vetting is not about being suspicious - it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring the builder you choose is the right fit. How to Vet a Builder Properly Look backwards: Review a project the builder completed at least five years ago. Speak to those property owners to see how the work has lasted over time. Look forwards: Visit a current live site. See how it’s managed day to day, how organised it is, and how safety is handled. Speak with current clients: Ask how easy and flexible the builder is to work with. Do they communicate clearly? Are they responsive to changes? Check references: Speak directly with at least two or three previous clients - don’t rely only on written testimonials. Verify insurances: Public liability, employer’s liability, and contract works cover are essential. Verify financial stability: Review the builder’s company structure and trading history. A builder under financial strain poses a risk to your project. Review documents: Are quotes and specifications detailed, or are they vague one-liners? Are they willing to work under a proper written contract? Confirm who does the work: Will the builder’s own team deliver it, or will it be subcontracted to unknown trades? Common Red Flags While most builders are professional, there are signs to be cautious of: Requests for a large deposit before work starts. Vague or one-page quotes with no detail. Reluctance to provide insurance certificates or references. “Too good to be true” pricing. Unwillingness to agree to a clear written contract. These are not criticisms of builders as a whole - they are practical safeguards to avoid risks. Case Study: From Risk to Confidence A homeowner in North London chose a builder based solely on a personal recommendation. The quote was vague, no insurance documents were requested, and the photos shown turned out not to be from the builder’s own projects. Within weeks, disputes arose over extras and workmanship. The BGP stepped in, carried out due diligence, and sourced an alternative builder who was properly insured, experienced, and well-matched to the project. “The BGP's process gave us clarity and confidence. The new builder was organised, insured, and easy to work with - the project turned around completely.” Why Professional Guidance Saves More Than It Costs At The Building Guidance Partnership, we don’t criticise builders - we partner with the right ones. Our due diligence ensures the builder is properly matched to your project. With this approach, homeowners typically save multiples of our fee through: Avoiding inflated extras. Preventing costly delays. Ensuring lasting build quality. Recovering VAT correctly. Reducing disputes with clear specifications and contracts. Take Control of Your Build Selecting the right builder is the single most important decision you’ll make. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. We’ll help you carry out due diligence, protect your investment, and ensure your project runs smoothly. The Building Guidance Partnership Telephone (020) 8076 3110 WhatsApp +44 7507 705376 www.theBGP.co.uk
The Temptation Many homeowners are tempted to manage their own building project. The logic seems simple: cut out the cost of a project manager and save money. You already have a builder lined up, maybe one recommended by friends or family, and you feel confident that everything will go smoothly. But while it can work, managing your own build is a serious undertaking. Without preparation, it often leads to stress, delays, and costs spiralling out of control. What Project Management Really Involves Managing a build is not just about choosing finishes or chasing invoices. It requires: Coordinating multiple trades and suppliers. Handling schedules, deliveries, and staged payments. Ensuring compliance with building regulations. Managing risks, safety, and insurances. Keeping accurate specifications, contracts, and records. Even with a good builder, these tasks can overwhelm a homeowner. The Pitfalls to Watch For (Even with a “Good Builder”) Many people believe that because their builder is: “Tried and tested,” or Recommended by friends and family, … everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, things can still go wrong. Hard to judge quality: Finished projects can look impressive, but hidden corners may have been cut. It is difficult for a homeowner to spot these issues. Knowledge untested: We rigorously test builders’ knowledge. Many homeowners do not - and miss key warning signs. Due diligence matters: We check business history, insurances, and financial standing. This step is often skipped, leaving clients exposed. Technical gaps: Homeowners often lack expertise in dealing with party wall agreements, public liability, and specialist insurances - all of which are critical to staying compliant and protected. The Benefits of Doing It Yourself To be fair, there are reasons why some homeowners still choose to self-manage: Potential savings on professional fees. Personal satisfaction from being hands-on. Full control over decision-making. Direct relationships with trades. For some, this works well - but only when they have time, knowledge, and systems in place. Case Study: From Chaos to Control A homeowner in Harrow decided to manage their own large extension. They trusted a builder recommended by family and assumed things would run smoothly. Within months, delays mounted, trades clashed, and costs increased as “extras” piled up. We were brought in to coach them through the rest of the project. With clear payment schedules, proper contracts, and regular reviews, they regained control. Why Professional Support Pays Off At The Building Guidance Partnership, we provide coaching for homeowners who want to take charge - and full project management when required. Either way, our involvement saves clients far more than our fees. 💡 With professional project management, clients often save multiples of the project management costs through: Better build quality – avoiding mistakes and rework. Preventing inflated builder extras. Reducing timing delays that push up costs. Correctly recovering VAT and council tax where applicable. Avoiding disputes by using clear, pre-agreed specifications and contracts. Take Control - With the Right Support Self-managing a build can be rewarding - but it is not for the faint-hearted. With the right coaching, you can avoid pitfalls, protect your budget, and finish your project with confidence. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership today. Let us help you decide if project managing your own build is the right choice - and give you the tools to succeed.
The Risk of Big Deposits You have found a builder, the price is agreed, and you are eager to get started. The builder then asks for a large deposit upfront. Many homeowners feel they have no choice but to pay, only to later discover delays, unfinished work, or requests for more money. Large upfront payments remove your leverage and place all the risk in your hands. If the builder walks away or progress slows, your money may already be gone. Disputes, stress, and spiralling costs often follow. Why Staged Payments Make Sense The professional approach is to use staged payments tied to progress on site. This is not about mistrusting your builder - it is about protecting both parties and ensuring the project runs smoothly. With staged payments: You keep control of cashflow. The builder has incentive to deliver each stage on time. Payments are transparent and predictable. Disputes about “extras” are reduced because each stage is defined. By contrast, a large deposit creates imbalance. You lose the ability to hold the builder accountable, and problems become harder to resolve. How to Structure Payments Properly 1. Agree milestones in advance · Foundations completed · Roof installed · First fix services complete · Plastering finished · Practical completion 2. Keep it in writing · Payment terms should be part of your written contract and specification. 3. Always hold a retention · Retain 5-10% until all snagging is completed. 4. Avoid cash · Pay by bank transfer so there is a record. 5. Challenge unreasonable demands · If a builder insists on many thousands of pounds upfront, this is a red flag. Case Study: Regaining Control A homeowner we supported in Wembley had agreed to pay almost 40% of the contract value upfront. The builder became slow to mobilise, then requested further money before completing the first stage. The client felt trapped and anxious. We stepped in, reviewed the contract, and helped renegotiate a staged payment plan tied to milestones. Work progressed more smoothly, and the homeowner avoided what could easily have become a financial disaster. “Once the staged payments were in place, we finally felt back in control. Sunil and his team gave us confidence that our money was safe and that the builder was accountable.” Why This Matters for You Payment schedules may sound like a small detail, but they are often the difference between a successful build and a costly dispute. A fair, balanced structure protects your investment, gives your builder clarity, and keeps the project moving forward. Take Action Today Do not let unclear payment terms put your project at risk. Book a free 20-minute consultation with The Building Guidance Partnership. We will review your proposed payment structure and give you confidence that your builder is working to protect your money - not put it at risk.