HSE requires construction risks to people outside the workforce to be controlled; living in the property does not remove that responsibility. [1]
Decide stage by stage
Do not ask only whether you can stay for “the build”. Ask what happens during excavation, roof work, removal of the old rear wall, services changes and finishing. The structural opening needs a planned installation sequence and suitable temporary support; it should not be treated as an ordinary occupied-room activity. [2]
Ask the contractor to explain when the home can remain separated from the site and when that arrangement changes. Record the stages at which another place to stay may be required, and who will confirm when the occupied area can safely be used again.
Agree a practical occupation plan
Work through these questions before signing off the programme:
- Can residents enter and leave without crossing excavations, lifting areas or vehicle movements?
- How will the occupied rooms be separated from dust, tools, stored materials and unfinished work?
- What cooking, washing, toilet, heating and electrical arrangements will remain available?
- How will safe escape be maintained while the layout and access change?
- How will children, visitors and pets be kept out of the work area, including after the workers leave?
These questions should lead to arrangements suited to the actual site. HSE identifies access control, falling objects, excavations, energy sources, dust and vulnerable people as matters requiring attention. A verbal instruction to “be careful” is not a substitute for controlling access and hazards. [1]
Resolve hazardous materials before disturbing them
Tell the contractor about known or suspected asbestos before work starts. HSE explains that asbestos-related work in homes is subject to controls and requires a risk assessment before work on asbestos begins. The contractor should establish the appropriate investigation and working arrangements rather than relying on an assumption that old materials are harmless. [3]
Do not disturb suspected material yourself to keep the programme moving. Agree how any unexpected finding will be assessed and how the occupied rooms will be protected while it is resolved. [3]
Check responsibilities and insurance
For work to your own home that is not connected with a business, CDM guidance normally transfers domestic-client duties to the contractor on a single-contractor project or the principal contractor where there is more than one contractor. Domestic construction is not outside the health and safety framework. A landlord's business project should not simply be treated as the same domestic-client situation. [4]
RICS advises informing the home insurer and mortgage lender about proposed improvements and checking the contractor's insurance. Explain that the property will remain occupied and ask what conditions apply during the works; do not assume ordinary cover is unchanged. [5]
Price the arrangement and review it
Ask the quotation and programme to identify any temporary separation, temporary facilities and staged working you expect. Compare that proposal with moving out for defined stages, including the household's accommodation and storage arrangements. Put the agreed responsibilities in writing. [5]
Keep the decision under review as the site changes. Staying at home is an option to assess, not a commitment that should override a change in the safety of the works.