You need to make sure that:

• you allow enough time for design, planning and construction work

Include design & planning in your timings at the very beginning of the project, as well as the actual construction phase. Get estimates of the likely time required to do the work when you ask for quotations and accept what seems most realistic; if it does not seem reasonable or accurate, question it. Take advice from your designer, contractor or from other experienced people.

• you and your team communicate and work together

Your project will only run efficiently if all those involved in the work communicate, co-operate and co-ordinate with each other. During the design stage, it is particularly important that you and your designers and contractors talk early on about issues affecting how the structure will be built, used and maintained. You don't want people injured or unexpected costs because issues weren't properly considered when design changes could still easily be made.

• the project is managed throughout

Most people who develop property ('clients'), particularly those who only occasionally commission construction work, will not be experts in the construction process. For this reason, they are not required to take an active role in managing the work but they are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that suitable management arrangements are in place throughout the life of the project. This is so the work can be carried out safely and without risk to health. The arrangements should focus on the needs of the particular job and should be proportionate to the risks. For example, you need to ensure that everyone in the project team is clear about their roles, functions and responsibilities and there is good communication, co-ordination and co-operation between members of the team. A good way of checking is to ask the relevant members of the team to explain their arrangements or to ask for examples of how they will manage issues during the project.

• welfare provisions have been organised on site

You must make sure that your contractors have planned adequate welfare facilities for construction workers as soon as possible, before work starts. Welfare facilities include flushing toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, clothing storage and somewhere undercover for workers to rest and eat.

• workplaces are designed correctly

If your project is for a new workplace or alterations to an existing workplace (e.g. a factory or office), it must meet the standards set out in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

You should ask anyone who is doing design work for you to confirm that these requirements have been complied with.