Quick answer
Developers are almost always the CDM 2015 'client' and carry the duty to ensure suitable Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys exist before any works begin. Programming these surveys into the project at planning stage — not week-of — is the single biggest cost saving available.
The developer's programme
At feasibility: baseline Management Survey. At detailed design: Refurbishment or Demolition Survey scoped to the works. Pre-start: contractor briefing pack from the surveyor. During works: reassurance and leak monitoring. Post-removal: four-stage clearance. Handover: updated register and revised management plan for the finished asset.
Common developer errors
Booking the survey week-of, discovering unexpected AIB and paying £8k in delay costs. Assuming a management survey covers refurb works. Failing to include asbestos removal in the tender scope. All avoidable with earlier programming.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Who is the CDM client?+
The person for whom the project is carried out. On developments, this is almost always the developer.
Can we programme removal alongside strip-out?+
Yes — licensed removal is normally sequenced immediately before the main strip-out.