Home/Bricklayer/Guides/CDM Regulations for Domestic Brick Projects — UK Guide

A guide to CDM regulations.

When CDM 2015 applies to domestic projects, who's the principal contractor, and what paperwork you actually need.

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Unsafe practices

— homeowner should report.

Inadequate insurance

— homeowner liability risk.

Site accident

— HSE investigation may include client duties.

Neighbour complaints

— falling within CDM if affecting H&S.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Contractor public liability insurance checkShould be provided free
£1–£1
Site welfare facilitiesPer week, included in contractor cost
£50–£300
HSE registration (large projects only)Free F10 form
£1–£1
Principal Designer / Contractor appointmentLarger projects, often included
£1–£2k
Health and Safety FileFor larger jobs, contractor produces
£1–£500
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Bricklayer briefing.

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CDM Regulations for Domestic Brick Projects — UK Guide infographic

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) extended health and safety responsibilities to domestic clients — homeowners commissioning construction work. Most homeowners aren't aware their duties exist. This guide covers what CDM applies to, your duties as a homeowner, and how to comply.

For most domestic projects, your duties transfer to the contractor — but you should know what's required.

When CDM Applies

  • ANY construction or alteration work — including brick extensions, repointing, garden walls.
  • Even small jobs technically fall under CDM.
  • Larger projects (over 500 person-days or 20+ workers) have additional requirements.

Duties of the Client (Homeowner)

  • Arrange for the project to be properly managed for health and safety.
  • Provide pre-construction information about the site (existing services, hazards).
  • For domestic projects, duties usually pass automatically to the contractor.

Duties of the Contractor (Bricklayer/Builder)

  • Plan, manage, monitor construction work.
  • Provide adequate welfare facilities (toilet, hand-washing).
  • Notify the HSE for larger projects.
  • Ensure workers have appropriate skills, knowledge, training, experience.
  • Ensure adequate health and safety measures on site.
  • Cooperate with other contractors.

What Homeowners Should Do

  • Choose competent contractors (check insurance, accreditation, references).
  • Inform contractor of any site hazards (asbestos, services, lead).
  • Allow reasonable working hours.
  • Don't direct work yourself (you're not site supervisor).
  • Verify contractor has insurance.

Typical CDM-Related Costs

ItemLow £High £Notes
Contractor public liability insurance check00Should be provided free
Site welfare facilities50300Per week, included in contractor cost
HSE registration (large projects only)00Free F10 form
Principal Designer / Contractor appointment02,000Larger projects, often included
Health and Safety File0500For larger jobs, contractor produces

Common Problems

  • Unsafe practices — homeowner should report.
  • Inadequate insurance — homeowner liability risk.
  • Site accident — HSE investigation may include client duties.
  • Neighbour complaints — falling within CDM if affecting H&S.

UK Regulations

  • CDM Regulations 2015 are the main framework.
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 underlies.
  • Domestic projects have lighter touch but still applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CDM really apply to small jobs?

Yes — but the duties on small domestic jobs are usually fulfilled simply by hiring competent contractors.

Am I responsible for accidents?

Not normally — contractor responsibility. But you should choose competent contractors with insurance.

What do I need to do?

Hire competent contractors; inform them of any hazards; verify insurance. That's usually enough.

Do I need to register with the HSE?

Only for very large projects (500+ person-days). Most domestic work doesn't.

What if my bricklayer is unsafe?

Stop work, demand resolution, replace contractor if needed. Document everything.

Are there fines for non-compliance?

Yes — but for typical domestic work with competent contractors, rare.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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