CDM 2015 doesn’t have to be confusing. Here’s what most small builders want to know.
Do I need a Construction Phase Plan (CPP) for a domestic extension?
A Construction Phase Plan is required for every construction project under CDM 2015, including domestic extensions, loft conversions, and kitchen or bathroom refits. Domestic projects do not need to be notified to the HSE unless they exceed 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at once, or 500 person-days total. The Site Book's Lightweight CPP wizard is designed specifically for this: answer 4 simple questions and get a professional 1–2 page CPP in minutes.
What is CDM 2015 and does it apply to me?
CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015) is the main UK law covering health and safety on construction sites, and it applies to virtually all construction work — including domestic projects. As a sole trader or small builder, CDM 2015 almost certainly applies to you. Your duties depend on your role: if you are the only contractor on a domestic job, you are the 'Only Contractor' and your main duty is to produce a Construction Phase Plan and manage site safety throughout the project.
Do I need RAMS for a small job?
RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) are required for any construction work involving significant risk, including most trade work for domestic clients. In practice this covers anything involving working at height, hazardous materials, electrical or structural work. Even on small jobs, having a RAMS protects you legally and demonstrates due diligence if something goes wrong. The Site Book creates a professional RAMS in minutes using a guided wizard.
What documents do I need for a construction project?
For most domestic construction projects in the UK you need: a Construction Phase Plan (CPP), a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS), a Site Induction record, and an Emergency Plan. For notifiable projects you also need an F10 HSE notification. If hazardous substances are on site (adhesives, solvents, cement, paints), you need COSHH records. The Site Book creates all of these from a single project description — no blank forms, no guessing.
Can I do my own RAMS as a sole trader?
Sole traders can and should write their own Risk Assessment and Method Statement — you do not need to hire a consultant. The RAMS must be suitable and sufficient for the actual risks on your site, not just a generic template. The Site Book guides you through a step-by-step wizard and pre-fills your RAMS with site-specific hazards, control measures, and your team details — ready to download and hand over.
What is a Lightweight CPP?
A Lightweight CPP is a simplified Construction Phase Plan for domestic projects where the contractor is acting alone — no principal designer, no other firms on site. It covers the essential CDM 2015 requirements in 1–2 pages instead of the full commercial CPP format. The Site Book's Lightweight CPP wizard asks you 4 plain-English questions about your job and creates a professional, compliant document in minutes.
Do I need a site induction for domestic work?
Site-specific inductions are required under CDM 2015 for every person working on a construction site, including domestic jobs. The induction should cover site rules, emergency procedures, welfare facilities, and key hazards. The Site Book creates a site induction from your project data, and workers sign digitally on their phones — no paper forms, no chasing signatures.
What is a RAMS generator?
A RAMS generator is software that helps you create Risk Assessment and Method Statements quickly and accurately — without staring at a blank page. It guides you through the required sections (hazard identification, control measures, method of work, PPE requirements, emergency procedures) and outputs a professionally formatted document. The Site Book's RAMS generator pre-fills answers from your job description, saving you hours of work per document.
