CDM 2015 Requirements for Small Projects: What Builders Need to Know

CDM 2015 and Small Building Projects

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 apply to all construction work in the UK, regardless of size. There is no exemption for small projects. Whether you are building a single-storey extension or fitting a new kitchen, CDM 2015 places legal duties on you. This guide explains what those duties are and how to comply without drowning in paperwork.

Who Are the CDM Duty Holders?

CDM 2015 defines specific roles. On small domestic projects, the same person often fills multiple roles:

Client: The person paying for the work. On domestic projects, the client's duties automatically pass to the contractor (or principal contractor if there is more than one contractor).
Principal Designer: Required when there is more than one contractor. Responsible for planning, managing, and coordinating health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
Principal Contractor: Required when there is more than one contractor. Manages health and safety during the construction phase.
Contractor: Anyone carrying out construction work. This includes sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.
Designer: Anyone who prepares or modifies designs for construction work. This includes architects, engineers, and even builders who design as they build.

When Is a Project Notifiable to the HSE?

You must notify the HSE (using an F10 form) if the project:

Will last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers on site at any one time, OR
Exceeds 500 person-days of construction work

Most small projects will not trigger notification. However, CDM duties still apply even if you do not need to notify.

What Do Small Builders Actually Have to Do?

As a contractor on a small project, your duties under CDM 2015 include:

1. Plan, Manage, and Monitor Your Work

You must plan the work so it can be carried out safely. This does not require a 50-page document — a sensible method statement and risk assessment covering the key hazards is sufficient.

2. Ensure Workers Are Competent

Everyone on site must have the right skills, knowledge, and training. CSCS cards are the industry standard. If you use subcontractors, check their competence before they start.

3. Provide Welfare Facilities

Even on small domestic jobs, you must provide access to:

Toilets and washing facilities
Drinking water
A place to rest and eat
Somewhere to store clothing

On domestic projects, the client's existing facilities can be used if they agree.

4. Cooperate with Other Contractors

If there are other trades on site, you must coordinate your work with them and share relevant health and safety information.

5. Report Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences

RIDDOR reporting applies to all construction work. Serious injuries, dangerous occurrences, and fatalities must be reported to the HSE.

The Construction Phase Plan

On notifiable projects, the principal contractor must produce a construction phase plan before work starts. On smaller non-notifiable projects, you should still have a basic plan covering:

Description of the work
Key risks and how they will be managed
Arrangements for controlling high-risk work (working at height, excavations, etc.)
Emergency procedures
Welfare arrangements

What Happens if You Ignore CDM 2015?

The HSE can and does inspect small building sites. Enforcement actions include:

Improvement notices — requiring you to fix issues within a set time
Prohibition notices — stopping work immediately until hazards are resolved
Prosecution — fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment
Fee for Intervention (FFI) — the HSE charges £163/hour for their time if they find a material breach

Practical Compliance for Small Builders

CDM 2015 compliance does not have to be complicated. For most small projects, you need:

A site-specific risk assessment
A method statement for higher-risk activities
COSHH assessments for any hazardous substances
Evidence of competence (CSCS cards, qualifications)
A basic construction phase plan if you are the principal contractor

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does CDM 2015 apply to domestic projects?

Yes. CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, including domestic projects. However, on domestic projects, the client's duties are automatically transferred to the contractor (or principal contractor), so the homeowner does not need to appoint a principal designer or produce a pre-construction information pack.

Do I need a principal designer on a small extension?

Only if there is more than one contractor involved. If you are the sole contractor carrying out all the work, you do not need to appoint a principal designer. If you are using subcontractors (electrician, plumber, etc.), then technically a principal designer and principal contractor should be appointed.

What documents do I need for a small building project?

At minimum: risk assessments, method statements for higher-risk work, COSHH assessments if using hazardous substances, and a basic construction phase plan if you are the principal contractor. Keep records of worker competence (CSCS cards) and any site inductions.

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