Restoring a home is an exciting journey—but when you take on the role of self-build project manager, you’re stepping into big shoes. Managing your own renovation can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with legal and practical responsibilities, especially when it comes to health and safety.
At Summit Matters Ltd, we work alongside homeowners every day—offering the guidance, support, and expertise needed to make restoration projects run smoothly. Whether you’re going it alone or just need help with certain stages, here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Your Legal Role as the “Client”
Under Irish law—specifically the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013)—a homeowner who manages their own project is considered the Client. This comes with specific duties, including:
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Appointing competent contractors and designers
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Appointing a Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) and a Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) if more than one contractor is involved
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Notifying the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) if the project:
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Will last more than 30 days, or
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Involves more than 500 person-days of work (e.g., a team of 5 working for 100 days)
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You’ll need to submit an AF1 form to the HSA before construction begins.
✅ Need help identifying competent professionals or managing HSA submissions? Summit Matters can assist in sourcing and appointing the right people for the job.
Documents You Should Request from Contractors
Before work begins, make sure your contractors provide the following:
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Valid Insurance Certificates (Public and Employers’ Liability)
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Tax Clearance confirmation
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Site-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
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Safe Pass and Manual Handling certificates for all on-site workers
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Proof of CIF or CIRI membership (where applicable)
📁 We can help review these documents or gather them on your behalf to ensure your site stays compliant and protected.
Maintaining a Health & Safety File
This file is a legal requirement if PSDP and PSCS are appointed, and it should be handed over at project completion. It should include:
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Architectural and engineering drawings
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Material specs (particularly for insulation or structural work)
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Certificates of compliance
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Equipment manuals
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Any safety considerations for future works
🗂️ Summit Matters can help you assemble and maintain this file throughout your project.
Plan for Budget Overruns and Delays
Older properties are full of surprises. To protect your budget:
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Include a 10–15% contingency
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Schedule realistic timelines, with buffer days
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Always get written quotes (not just estimates)
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Clarify scope of works clearly with all trades
Stay Organised and Communicate Well
You’re the hub of your project—so keep things moving with:
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A clear project timeline or Gantt chart
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A shared folder for documents, plans, and quotes
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Weekly check-ins with contractors
🛠️ We can assist with timeline planning and offer ongoing check-in services to help keep everything on track.
Don’t Forget Building Regulations and Energy Standards
Restoration works often trigger the need to comply with current building regulations. This can include:
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Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy), especially after window upgrades or insulation
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BER certification on completion
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Planning exemptions or approvals for certain external changes
🏡 We’re experienced in ensuring that retrofit and upgrade works meet all current standards.
Keep the Neighbours in the Loop
While not a legal requirement, a heads-up goes a long way. Let your neighbours know:
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Start and finish times
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Major noisy works
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Who to contact in case of an issue
Summit Matters: Here When You Need Us
You don’t have to do it all alone.
At Summit Matters, we specialise in home restoration and retrofitting projects across Ireland. From appointing the right supervisors to managing H&S documentation and ensuring contractor compliance, we can take some of the pressure off while you stay in control.
🧱 Thinking about restoring a home? Let’s chat about how we can support your project—big or small.
