There are comprehensive health and safety requirements in construction specified by the Construction (Design and Management) regulations (CDM), but on the whole you don’t have to worry about these as they do not apply to a dwelling constructed for a private client (in other words, one that is not for sale). The exception is any demolition works; you will also need a designer’s risk assessment. For more information, see the Health & Safety Executive’s website on health and safety in construction (www.hse.gov.uk/construction). As far as your sub-contractors are concerned, you should ensure that they carry at least £2m all-risks insurance for which you should obtain copies before they start work. Sadly, lots of self-build projects fail to make satisfactory provision for the welfare of the site workers, thinking that as the CDM regulations do not
apply they can save the cost. Good toilet facilities, preferably temporarily connected to the foul drains as opposed to chemical are essential as is a small mess room for tea and lunch breaks. Both should ideally be connected to a builder’s electrical supply and the water service to enable hot running water to be provided. If there is no mains water, filled jerry cans and a portable generator should be supplied. The hire cost of chemical and mains toilets is generally the same at around £18 to £25 a week (plus plumbing in and wiring costs for the mains version) and you can hire a secure mess room for around £15 to £30 a week depending on size. Additional transport costs will apply. Finally for the safety of members of the public (and the security of your materials) please, please make sure you enclose the site with 2m-high mesh panels from a reliable brand such as Heras (01302 760861, www.herasreadyfence.co.uk) and padlock the site access at night. It may seem obvious, but too many self-builds are left open to the road day and night. The hire cost is generally around £1 per 3.5m panel per week.