Overview
Meet your responsibilities with confidence
Construction and refurbishment projects carry legal responsibilities that many property owners, landlords and developers are unaware of until a project is already underway.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations) apply to most construction projects in the UK and place duties on clients, designers and contractors to ensure health and safety is properly managed throughout the project lifecycle.
At Ashstep Surveys, we provide practical CDM advice and consultancy services to help commercial property owners, landlords, developers and businesses understand their obligations, reduce risk and ensure projects remain compliant.
Whether you are planning a refurbishment, extension, redevelopment project or major maintenance works, we can help you navigate your responsibilities with confidence.
Planning Construction or Refurbishment Works?
Speak to Ashstep Surveys before your project begins to ensure your legal obligations are understood and properly managed.
Why it matters
CDM duties are not optional
Historically, companies found in breach of CDM Regulations have faced fines averaging over £71,000 — escalating to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, for major safety failures.
Clients cannot simply delegate these responsibilities to contractors. Getting the right advice early is the most effective way to manage the risk.
What it is
What Are CDM Regulations?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are the primary health and safety regulations governing construction projects in the UK.
Their purpose is to improve health, safety and welfare throughout construction projects by ensuring risks are properly identified, managed and communicated. The regulations apply to a wide range of projects, including:
Many clients are surprised to learn that CDM duties apply to projects of all sizes, not just large developments.
Does it apply?
Do CDM Regulations Apply to My Project?
In most cases, the answer is yes. CDM Regulations apply to virtually all construction work, including:
Refurbishment Projects
Internal and external alterations to existing buildings.
Building Extensions
Commercial and mixed-use extensions.
Roof Replacement Works
Repairs, maintenance and replacement projects.
Structural Alterations
Works affecting walls, floors, roofs and structural elements.
Planned Maintenance Projects
Major maintenance and improvement works.
Property Conversions
Change of use and redevelopment projects.
If you are unsure whether CDM Regulations apply, we can provide advice at an early stage.
The client role
What Is a Client Under CDM?
Under CDM Regulations, the "Client" is the individual or organisation commissioning the construction work. This could include:
Importantly, clients have legal responsibilities under CDM and cannot simply delegate all responsibility to contractors. Understanding these duties is critical to ensuring compliance.
Your duties
Client Duties Under CDM Regulations
Clients must make suitable arrangements for managing health and safety throughout the project. This includes:
Appointing Competent Duty Holders
Ensuring designers and contractors have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience.
Providing Pre-Construction Information
Making relevant building and site information available to the project team.
Allowing Adequate Time and Resources
Ensuring projects are properly planned and managed.
Ensuring Effective Coordination
Facilitating communication between designers and contractors.
Monitoring Arrangements
Taking reasonable steps to ensure health and safety responsibilities are being fulfilled.
Failure to comply can expose clients to legal, financial and reputational risks.
How we help
How Ashstep Surveys Can Help
We provide practical support to help clients understand and discharge their responsibilities under CDM Regulations. Our services include:
CDM Advice and Guidance
Helping clients understand their legal duties and project-specific requirements.
Pre-Construction Information
Assisting with the preparation and review of relevant project information.
Risk Identification
Identifying potential health and safety risks associated with buildings and construction works.
Project Coordination Support
Helping ensure appropriate communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
Building Surveys and Condition Assessments
Providing information that supports project planning and risk management.
Property Due Diligence
Supporting acquisitions, refurbishments and development projects where CDM obligations may arise.
The value
Why CDM Compliance Matters
Good CDM management is not simply about legal compliance. It can also help:
- Improve project safety
- Reduce the risk of accidents, incidents and claims against you
- Avoid project delays
- Improve communication between project teams
- Support better project planning
- Reduce unforeseen costs
- Protect property owners and businesses
Early consideration of CDM responsibilities often leads to smoother project delivery and better outcomes.
In practice
CDM and Commercial Property Projects
Many of the projects we support involve existing commercial buildings where clients may not realise that CDM obligations apply. Even relatively straightforward projects can trigger client duties under CDM Regulations.
Set your project up correctly from the outset
Obtaining advice at an early stage can help ensure the project is set up correctly, avoiding costly changes once works are underway.
Principal Designer
Principal Designer Support
Where a project involves more than one contractor, the appointment of a Principal Designer may be required under CDM Regulations.
The Principal Designer has responsibility for planning, managing and monitoring health and safety during the pre-construction phase. Ashstep Surveys can assist clients by:
- Explaining Principal Designer requirements
- Helping identify appropriate appointments
- Reviewing project responsibilities
- Supporting compliance throughout the project lifecycle
Our experience managing construction projects ranging from individual refurbishments through to multi-million-pound schemes allows us to provide practical advice tailored to each project.
Why Ashstep
Why Choose Ashstep Surveys?
Extensive Project Experience
Ashleigh Stephens has over 19 years of experience within building surveying, project management and property consultancy — managing refurbishment projects, capital works programmes, commercial property improvements and multi-million-pound construction schemes across both public and private sector portfolios.
Commercial Property Expertise
We understand the challenges faced by landlords, developers, investors and businesses undertaking construction works within occupied commercial buildings.
Practical Advice
CDM compliance can appear complex, but our aim is to provide straightforward guidance that helps clients understand exactly what is required.
Director-Led Service
You will deal directly with an experienced Building Surveyor throughout the project.
Fast, Responsive Support
Construction projects often work to demanding programmes. We pride ourselves on delivering advice efficiently and helping clients avoid unnecessary delays.
Local Knowledge
Based in Cheltenham, we advise clients throughout Gloucestershire, including Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury and the wider Cotswolds region.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CDM Regulations?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are UK health and safety regulations governing construction projects and the responsibilities of clients, designers and contractors.
Do CDM Regulations apply to small projects?
Yes. CDM Regulations apply to most construction work regardless of project size, although duties will vary depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
What are the client's responsibilities under CDM?
Clients must make suitable arrangements for managing health and safety, appoint competent duty holders and ensure adequate time and resources are available for the project.
What happens if CDM Regulations are not followed?
Failure to comply can lead to project delays, enforcement action, financial penalties and increased health and safety risks.
Do I need a Principal Designer?
Where more than one contractor is involved in a project, a Principal Designer is typically required under CDM Regulations.
Can Ashstep Surveys help with CDM compliance?
Yes. We provide practical advice and support to help clients understand and fulfil their duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Next steps
Protect Your Project from Day One
Construction projects involve more than budgets and programmes — they also bring legal responsibilities that must be properly managed. Whether you are planning a refurbishment, extension, roof replacement, fit-out or development project, Ashstep Surveys can help ensure your CDM obligations are understood and addressed from the outset.
Get in touch
Request CDM Advice
Planning construction, refurbishment or major maintenance works? Contact Ashstep Surveys today to discuss your project and ensure your CDM obligations are understood and addressed from the outset.
Call 0330 133 2685
Email info@ashstepsurveys.co.uk
Address The Limes, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AW
Ashstep Surveys — Providing CDM Regulations advice, construction project support, building surveying and property consultancy services across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, the Cotswolds and the wider Gloucestershire region.
We'll come back to you to discuss your project and CDM obligations.
Related services
Related Services
Clients seeking CDM advice often also require:
Our integrated approach allows clients to access multiple professional services through a single trusted point of contact.