If you’re a small residential builder, you’ve probably heard about the Building Safety Act 2022. And like many, you may have thought, “That’s for the big firms working on high-rise flats with cladding issues, right?” Well… not quite.
Yes, much of the early publicity focused on tall buildings and cladding safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. But the Building Safety Act was created as a wide-ranging framework for improving the design, construction, and management of safer, higher-quality homes – regardless of height or project size. It’s legislation that now applies to every builder working on residential properties in England, including smaller sites, extensions, and refurbishments.
Why Should You Care?
The Act came into force in 2022, but new regulations and duties have been added since – and more are expected. The trouble is, the details can get pretty complex. The language isn’t always builder-friendly, and it’s easy to get caught out by new responsibilities you didn’t even know you had.
That’s why the HBXL Building Software team – part of the HBXL Group supporting small builders – have put together a practical Building Safety Act Guide for Residential Builders. It’s short, to the point, and written with builders in mind.
We’re not saying it’s a thrilling read… but if you want to avoid fines, project delays, or worse, it’s an important one.
What’s in the Building Safety Act Guide?
This free download explains the key parts of the Act that matter most to small building firms. Inside, we’ve summarised:
- Who the guide is for – (Spoiler: builders like you)
- What the Building Safety Act actually is – and why it was introduced
- Who enforces the Act – and who has the power to take action against non-compliance
- Your responsibilities as a small builder – including your legal duties around safety, competence, and record-keeping
- Best practice tips for record-keeping – because the paperwork matters more than ever
- The new Dutyholder roles – and how they differ from CDM 2015 regulations
- Working on projects over 18 metres? – The extra rules you’ll need to follow if that’s the case (and what counts as 18 metres)
What’s the Difference Between the Building Safety Act and CDM 2015?
You might be wondering whether the Building Safety Act replaces CDM 2015 (the Construction Design and Management Regulations). The short answer is no – both sets of regulations apply. The Act builds on CDM, introducing additional Dutyholder responsibilities and clearer accountability on safety standards, competence, and information management.
The guide explains how the two pieces of legislation sit alongside each other and what that means for your business on site.
Don’t Leave It Until It’s Too Late
Compliance isn’t optional. Ignorance won’t be an excuse if you’re investigated. Even if you’re running a small firm building extensions, conversions, or new homes, the Act applies. That’s why we recommend downloading the guide, reading through the key points, and taking action where needed.
You’ll find the download in our the HBXL Building Software resources here >>
HBXL has been supporting UK builders for 25 years with software, estimating services, and since 2023, training through the HBXL Skills Academy. We’re a family business and we get the challenges you face. This guide is just one more way we’re here to help you run your building projects professionally and safely. If you have any questions call us on 0117 916 7894. And of course if you need a price for producing an estimate for your next building project send the full set of plans to the uploader.