The Subcontractors Blueprint (Jacob Austin)

In episode 18 of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the topic of valuing change. He starts by discussing the different terminology used for changes in various contracts, highlighting the importance of using the correct terminology for each contract. Jacob then outlines some general principles for valuing changes, such as valuing work on the same basis as similar work under the contract and adjusting rates for changes in quality or conditions. He also explains how to handle situations where there is no similar work or benchmarks, and when to resort to a day works or time and cost resource-based price. Throughout the episode, Jacob provides practical advice and insights for subcontractors to ensure fair and accurate valuation of changes in their contracts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Different contracts may use different terminology for changes, such as variations, changes, or compensation events. It is important to use the correct terminology specified in the contract you are working under.

• When valuing changes, it is generally best to follow the same basis for valuing work as any work of the same nature under your contract. This includes using the same rates, scaffolding, attendances, and adjusting for any excluded elements.

• If the work being added is not similar or identical to existing work, you should still start with the contract rates as a basis for valuing the change and then adjust those rates to suit the change. This may involve adjusting for changes in quality, conditions, or difficulty.

• If there is no similar rate or one that can be adjusted, a new rate may need to be priced. This should be done in agreement with the contractor and may involve estimating from first principles, considering time, cost, materials, plant, preliminaries, overheads, and profit.

• Day works or time and cost resource-based pricing is a last resort method for valuing work that cannot be properly measured. It is important to record the work accurately, including details of personnel, equipment, materials, and any site manager involvement, and to get a signed record of the day works from the site manager.

BEST MOMENTS:
"And rather bizarrely, even within the same string of contracts, the JCT manages to have two words for what a change is."

"Just a shame nobody told the rest of the contract." 

"Charging for prelims as part of a change is different and potentially preferable to a loss and expense situation." 

"If you're asked to complete works on a day works basis, you will need to get a signed record."

"It's also worth thinking about if you're pricing a lump sum package, have you given enough rates when you're putting your price together to give an accurate way of valuing any changes?" 

HOST BIO
Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 
Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 
www.linktr.ee/qs.zone 

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

In episode 17 of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores the topic of retrofitting. He explains that retrofitting involves introducing new materials, products, and technologies into existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Jacob discusses the government's targets for net zero emissions and the implications for the construction industry. He also highlights the challenges and considerations involved in retrofitting projects, such as dealing with asbestos, addressing unknowns in existing buildings, and managing stakeholders and occupants. Jacob emphasizes the importance of effective communication, documentation, and planning to ensure successful retrofitting projects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Retrofitting refers to the introduction of new materials, products, and technologies into an existing building to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• The UK government has set national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including achieving net zero emission status for the national building stock.

• Retrofitting projects can involve various activities such as improving insulation, reducing thermal bridging, enhancing air tightness, reducing condensation, and replacing old heating systems with low or zero carbon alternatives.

• When working on retrofitting projects, subcontractors should be aware of the potential challenges, such as dealing with asbestos, addressing the unknowns of existing buildings, ensuring access and storage space, and managing the needs and preferences of existing occupants.

• Effective communication, documentation, and collaboration with stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and building occupants, are crucial for the success of retrofitting projects. Keeping records, asking the right questions, and addressing issues promptly can help mitigate risks and ensure project success.

BEST MOMENTS
"Retrofitting is the introduction of new materials, new products and technologies into an existing building."

"The financial implication of achieving net zero emissions is absolutely huge, and it may well be the public purse that has to stump up some of the bill for that."

"When you're working on an existing building, the information that you're working with is only as good as the surveys of the existing building." 

"You've got to be particularly aware when you're pricing a lump sum. Have you been able to inspect everything? What are the unknowns that you're pricing?" 

"When you're working in these kind of live environments, you've got to remember those are somebody else's environment as well." 

HOST BIO
Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 
Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 
www.linktr.ee/qs.zone 

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

In this episode of the Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses payments under the Construction Act, with a focus on payment notices. He explains that the Construction Act enforces rules on all construction contracts, regardless of whether they are formal or informal agreements. Jacob highlights the importance of regular and prompt payments throughout the supply chain and emphasizes the need for clear mechanisms for determining payment amounts. He also delves into the requirements for payment notices, pay less notices, and the basis on which sums are calculated. Jacob provides insights on how subcontractors can navigate these processes and ensure fair outcomes. Overall, this episode provides valuable information for subcontractors looking to improve their understanding of payment procedures under the Construction Act.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Construction Act, also known as the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act, enforces rules on all construction contracts, even if they are not formal contracts.

• Payment notices must be issued within five days of the due date for payment, even if no amount is due. If the payer intends to pay a different amount, a pay less notice must be issued, stating the basis for calculating the payment.

• Contractors must provide a detailed breakdown of how they are valuing the work being paid for, including individual amounts and any adjustments made.

• Pay-when-paid clauses are generally ineffective under the Construction Act, unless a third party involved in the payment becomes insolvent.

• If a payment notice is not issued, the original application for payment becomes the default notice. Contractors have the option to issue a pay less notice, but if they fail to do so, the payee has the right to suspend work until full payment is made.

BEST MOMENTS:
"The Construction Act effectively enforces these rules by statute on all construction contracts."

"The contractor doesn't have to do anything in the eyes of the law, as long as they pay you the amount that you've applied for." 

"If you don't receive a pay less notice, you would just get paid your application, and then the same right to suspend would apply if you didn't get the money." 

"The contractor has got to have some genuine belief that that is a fair valuation and that is what they'll pay you based on the information that they've got at the time."

"Your contract, even if it is in support of their contract, is a standalone agreement." 

HOST BIO
Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/
www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

In this episode of The Subcontractors Blueprint, Jacob Austin discusses the tender process and submitting quotations. He acknowledges that while two-stage tenders are not commonly used in subcontractor procurement, they can be beneficial for complex projects. Jacob highlights the increasing requirements for pre-qualification in subcontractor procurement, with contractors needing to ensure their subcontractors are competent and capable. He also expresses frustration with the numerous pre-qualifications and accreditations required, and hopes for a more streamlined and universal system. Jacob provides valuable insights on how subcontractors can navigate the tender process, including clarifying scope, addressing program considerations, and pricing strategies. Overall, this episode offers practical advice for subcontractors looking to ensure profitability and grow their business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The traditional single-stage tender approach is commonly used in subcontractor procurement, with limited use of two-stage tenders.

• Main contractors often require subcontractors to undergo pre-qualification processes to ensure competency and capability, including health and safety policies, environmental policies, and quality management.

• The use of standardized assessment systems, such as PAS91 or the Common Assessment Standard, aims to simplify the pre-qualification process, but additional requirements and questionnaires can still be added by main contractors.

• When submitting a tender, subcontractors should clearly define the scope of work, referencing relevant drawings and specifications, and stating any exclusions or alternative proposals.

• It is important to address pricing accurately, including any errors or discrepancies in the bill of quantities, offering alternative options if applicable, and clearly stating the validity period and any discounts or additional costs.

BEST MOMENTS

"And rather disappointingly, various of the main contractors have got their own little questionnaires added into these pre-qualifications." 

"What the fuck has that got to do with building? What happened to just procuring the best contractor to do the work?"

"So we're starting to trickle into the things that you need to provide when you submit your tender."

"By stating what these are you're limiting your liability and you're also giving the contractor some useful information to help vet his other tenders." 

"A statement such as that should allow you to negotiate the conditions if the contractor finds your offer to be of interest." 

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Jacob tackles the topic of relevant events and relevant matters in construction contracts. Building on the previous episode's discussion on submitting an extension of time request, Jacob explains the distinction between relevant events and relevant matters, and why they are separate entities. He emphasises the importance of providing detailed information and records to justify delays and demonstrate fault on the part of the contractor. Jacob also highlights the need to focus on relevant events that have associated costs, rather than chasing extensions of time for events that won't result in financial compensation. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into navigating the extension of time clauses and loss and expense claims in subcontracting.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Relevant events are events that may cause delays but may not necessarily result in additional costs, such as weather conditions or statutory service delays.
• Relevant matters, on the other hand, are events that may cause delays and result in additional costs, such as variations, instructions, or acts and omissions by the employer or contractor.
• It is important for subcontractors to understand the distinction between relevant events and relevant matters in order to accurately assess their entitlement to extensions of time and costs.
• Subcontractors should carefully review their subcontract agreements, as some main contractors may have made amendments to the standard JCT conditions, potentially affecting the entitlements related to relevant events and relevant matters.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you're chasing costs, you have to be chasing a relevant event that's got a relevant matter associated with it." 

"The weather is a good example of one of those neutral events that's nobody's real fault, the contract rarely saying, nobody gets punished for."

"It is about time somebody did something about statutory authorities because they've been the ruin of many a poor job." 

"If it's the employer's or the contractor's fault, then you're likely to be able to recover costs." 

"I've mentioned before, but the simple principle to remember is if it's the employer's or the contractor's fault, then you're likely to be able to recover costs." 

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Jacob discusses the topic of delays in construction projects. He emphasises the importance of issuing notices to alert others of potential delays and suggests having a conversation with the relevant parties before sending the notice. Jacob highlights the need for clear records and documentation to substantiate delays and advises subcontractors to request extensions of time retrospectively, providing all relevant information and evidence. He also touches on different methods of delay analysis and hints at future episodes that will delve deeper into the subject. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Issuing notices and having open communication with the contractor is crucial when dealing with delays on a construction site. It helps to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts.

• Keeping detailed records of delays is essential. This includes taking photographs, maintaining a site manager's diary, and documenting any contemporary records that can substantiate the delay at a later date.

• Requesting an extension of time is a retrospective tool that subcontractors can use to inform the contractor about the amount of time lost due to delays. It is important to provide clear and factual information, including start and finish dates, relevant subcontract events, and any supporting documentation.

• While there are various methods for assessing delays, such as as-planned versus as-built and impacted as-planned, it is not always necessary to use complex program analysis. In many cases, the contractor should have enough information to determine an extension of time without relying on these methods.

• It is crucial to understand the relevant subcontract events and matters when requesting an extension of time. Subcontractors should refer to their subcontract and clearly note the events and matters that caused the delay. Additionally, documenting loss and expense may require further discussion and analysis, which can be addressed in a separate episode or discussion.

BEST MOMENTS

"And part of the thrust of what I was getting at when we're speaking about notices is that they are there to give somebody notice of something." 

"You want to think about how you're delivering your notice and a meeting or certainly a phone call, jumping on Teams, Zoom, whatever, having a conversation about it before it lands in somebody's inbox or in somebody's pigeonhole can avoid some of the heartache." 

"You're doing this to bring things to people's attention before it becomes a big issue, it spirals out of control and it causes a huge delay to a job."

"It's about the records. More than anything else, it's about the records. What day did you start? What day did you get access to each little section?"

"And if you can do this, it makes it really easy. You've demonstrated the start, you've demonstrated the end. There's no even opportunity to argue." 

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Get ready to dive into the fascinating topic of acceleration, as Jacob takes us on a journey through its complexities. This is when subcontractors are asked to speed up their work due to project delays or scope changes. Jacob shares smart strategies like adjusting work schedules and overlapping phases to handle acceleration. He also discusses the costs involved, such as overtime and extra supervision. Jacob stresses the importance of clear communication between subcontractors and contractors about expectations, costs, and dealing with delays. He provides insights on managing costs, payment terms, and the need for a revised project plan to track progress. In a nutshell, this episode offers valuable advice for subcontractors dealing with the challenges of acceleration in their projects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Acceleration in construction refers to being asked to complete a project or a portion of it at a quicker pace than originally planned, often due to delays or scope changes.
• When asked to accelerate, contractors may first try to reschedule and re-sequence work to minimize delays and increase efficiency.
• Paid acceleration involves considering the additional costs associated with working at an accelerated pace, such as overtime, additional supervision, increased labour, and potential disruptions.
• It is important to establish clear agreements and documentation regarding the scope, timeline, and costs of acceleration to avoid disputes later on.
• Considerations for acceleration include revising the program, adjusting payment terms, maintaining cash flow, and addressing potential impacts on other elements of the project.

BEST MOMENTS

"A lot of the time that will happen because there's been some kind of delay on your project."

"You might have a situation where you work some kind of hybrid shifts, so that you get two lots of people who work a full day, an eight hour day, but they both involve working some antisocial hours."

"You don't want to agree a guarantee that I will get this job finished by this date if you pay me this. Because you can all set out with the best intentions and all good endeavours follow."

"It might be worth considering if you're accelerating only a portion of the work that by getting rid of that portion early there might well be impact on other elements."

"Hopefully I've given you some useful pointers there that you can take away when you've got that situation on one of your jobs."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Jacob delves into a pressing issue within the construction industry: insolvency. He's noticed a concerning trend in recent headlines, with more and more contractors and subcontractors facing financial difficulties and going under. 

Jacob takes a closer look at the different kinds of financial troubles these folks are encountering and tries to uncover the root causes. He really stresses how vital it is to do your homework when you're partnering with contractors. That means checking out their payment track record and credit scores to make sure you're dealing with reliable partners.

But it's not all gloom and doom. Jacob also shares some practical advice to help subcontractors safeguard their businesses and reduce the risk of potential losses. So, if you're in the construction business and want to navigate the tricky waters of insolvency, this episode has some valuable insights and actionable tips for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Insolvency is a significant issue in the construction industry, with many contractors and subcontractors facing financial difficulties and going into administration or liquidation.

2. It is important for subcontractors to carefully assess the financial health and stability of the companies they work with. This can be done through credit checks, checking payment statistics, and developing relationships with key individuals within the organization.

3. Subcontractors should diversify their employers to spread the risk of working with a company that may go bust. It is also important to negotiate favorable payment terms and reduce or eliminate retention if possible.

4. Recognizing the signs of a contractor's financial difficulties is crucial. These signs may include late filing of company accounts, persistent rumors within the industry, late payment or non-payment of invoices, and stopping or omitting portions of work without explanation.

5. If a subcontractor suspects that a contractor is in financial trouble, they should act quickly and decisively to minimize their exposure and potential losses. This may involve issuing notices for non-payment, protecting themselves with proper paperwork, and seeking advice from creditor service providers or debt recovery organizations.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "There has to be some kind of a question here of whether some of these companies have continued to trade once they've already known that they've become insolvent."

2. "The overwhelming majority is presumed to be planned debt and sadly is going to mean colossal losses to their equity investors."

3. "A lot of the time the main contractor is asked to take on a hell of a lot of risk and depending on the scenario that they've priced the job under there might not be the time to properly examine and get to know and understand all of the risks involved."

4. "It's not a situation of keep your fingers crossed and hope it all goes well. Because you're talking of protecting your livelihood and potentially the contractors or subbies that work for you."

5. "It's all well and good in these situations trying to do the right thing to help out, but ultimately it's your business doing the helping out and you've got to consider what the right thing to do is for your company, not necessarily the company you're working for."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Let's take a deep dive into the intricate subject of retentions! Jacob conducts a comprehensive discussion on the manifold challenges and exasperations retentions can pose for subcontractors. This episode serves as a repository of invaluable insights and pragmatic guidance for subcontractors grappling with the intricacies of retention in the construction industry. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Retentions are a small percentage (typically between 1.5% to 5%) held back from the payment of completed work on a project. This money is withheld from the contractor and subcontractor to ensure that any defects or issues are addressed before the full payment is made.
• Retentions are typically released in two stages: the first half is released upon achieving practical completion, and the second half is released after the defects liability period. Subcontractors need to ensure that their works are snag-free and that they obtain a practical completion statement to mark the completion of their work.
• It is common for contractors to hold onto retentions for longer than they should, causing delays in payment for subcontractors. Subcontractors should be proactive in monitoring and chasing their retentions to ensure timely payment.
• The Construction Act prohibits the linking of the main contract to the subcontract in terms of retention release. Once the subcontractor's defects liability period is up, they have the right to be paid the retention, regardless of whether the contractor's defects liability period is complete.
• Subcontractors should consider negotiating a retention cap with the contractor if they have a good working relationship. This allows for increased cash flow while still providing the contractor with some security for potential defects. However, a retention cap should be negotiated on an individual basis and should not compromise the quality of the subcontractor's work.

BEST MOMENTS
"So it's a small percentage, typically between 1.5 to 5%, which is held back from the payment of completed work on a project."
"Stopping the retention is just something that needs to be done to keep the contractor in the black."
"You're effectively leaving a cash flow hole that isn't going to get any better until you do something about it."
"The whole of the subcontract supply chain is likely in the same boat as you."
"If you're increasing your price, you're effectively costing yourself and the taxpayers out there."

HOST BIO
Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/
www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Imagine a stormy sea of unpredictability – that's weather delays in construction. Jacob sets the stage, shedding light on the impact of these wild forecasts on your projects. Brace yourself as he deciphers contract forms like JCT and NEC, revealing their unique approaches.

Hold onto your hardhats as Jacob shares the keys to the weather delay kingdom. Different contracts, different rules! JCT treats adverse weather neutrally, while NEC calculates compensation events objectively. It's like having a weather guide for your contracts.

But that's not all. Jacob's got your back with practical tools and strategies. Detailed records and evidence? They're your lifelines. Negotiation tactics? He's your ally. By the end of this episode, you'll be the weather delay guru you never knew you could be.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Weather delays in construction projects can be unpredictable and difficult to accurately forecast, making it challenging to plan and account for them in contracts.

2. Under JCT contracts, weather delays are considered neutral events and do not entitle subcontractors to cost recovery. However, they may be eligible for an extension of time.

3. The definition of "exceptionally adverse weather conditions" under JCT contracts is subjective and open to interpretation, making it important for subcontractors to communicate and negotiate with the contractor to determine what qualifies as exceptional.

4. Keeping detailed records, such as a site diary, is crucial for substantiating weather delay claims. Subcontractors may need to provide evidence of the abnormality of the weather conditions and the impact on their work.

5. NEC contracts provide a more prescriptive and objective approach to calculating and dealing with weather delays. The contract specifies a designated weather monitoring station, and subcontractors can compare the actual weather data to the one in 10-year average to determine entitlement to compensation events.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "The weather forecasters can't get it right, so when we're putting a contract together, what makes us think we're going to get it right?"

2. "The weather could be described as one thing, unpredictable."

3. "The NEC contract has quite a defined procedure for weather, whereas this is typically the case across all of the JCT contracts."

4. "The weather encountered has got to be exceptional for the time of year and location."

5. "The compensation event for weather is a lot more usable and user-friendly than the JCT version."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Picture this: you're the captain of your financial ship. Jacob unveils the magic of regularly monitoring costs, the compass to profitability, smoother cash flow, and business growth. Hold onto your calculators as he spills the beans on his toolkit, from sophisticated systems to trusty Excel hacks for cost tracking.

But here's the real gem: it's not just about numbers – it's about understanding your financial landscape, charting your course, and staying ahead of the game. Jacob's like your financial sherpa, guiding you through the peaks and valleys.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Cost reporting is essential for subcontractors to ensure profitability, improve cash flow, and grow their business.

2. Regular cost reporting allows subcontractors to identify potential issues early on, such as unexpected increases in labor or material costs.

3. By comparing the amount earned to the amount spent for each element of the work, subcontractors can determine if they are making money and adjust their pricing for future tenders.

4. Cost reporting helps subcontractors monitor their cash flow and plan for upcoming expenses, such as purchasing expensive materials.

5. Keeping cost reporting simple and finding the right frequency (e.g., monthly) allows subcontractors to identify deviations from the planned course and make necessary corrections to stay on track.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "It's an enjoyable part of the month when things are going well, when things are going badly, it can be really, really stressful."

2. "What you want to do is be able to monitor whether you're making money on items."

3. "By doing it in this fashion, what we've done is identified an issue after just one month rather than letting it bumble on for a period of six nine months or whatever."

4. "What you're seeing in this analysis is that the labor costs are a little bit higher than we were expecting, only marginally, but quite a lot more material costs have been incurred than what you would have earned and what the contractor is paying you for."

5. "Hopefully I've shown you over the last 20 minutes or so how powerful that cost reporting can be and the benefits that you would get out of doing it on a regular basis."

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Get ready to unlock the secrets of NEC4, the groundbreaking engineering and construction contract!

NEC4 isn't just a contract – it's a game-changer designed for collaboration in building and engineering projects. Jacob breaks down the six key options, unveiling a world of possibilities. But it's not just about contracts; it's about creating a web of trust and cooperation among all players.

Hold onto your hardhats as Jacob delves into the nitty-gritty. From early warning notices to compensation events, he's got you covered. Need to adjust time and the program? Jacob's your go-to guru. Pricing compensation events and acceleration? Yep, he's got tips to keep your business soaring

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. NEC4 is a set of flexible contracts for procuring buildings and engineering projects, commonly used in government procurement.

2. The NEC4 contract emphasizes the need for all parties to act in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.

3. Early warning notices are a risk management tool in NEC4 contracts, allowing parties to notify each other of potential issues before they become problems.

4. Compensation events are matters that increase costs, delay completion, or impair the performance of the work, and must be notified within seven weeks.

5. Pricing compensation events in NEC4 contracts requires careful consideration of direct works costs, prelims, management, and any time impacts, with a one-bite-at-the-cherry approach.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "The concept of an early warning notice is pretty bespoke to the NEC forum. It doesn't appear in the traditional JCT kind of contract and it's really there as a risk management tool."

2. "The brilliant bit around this contract is that both the time and the cost are dealt with by the same event."

3. "So the important thing about time is that you have the completion date, you have the planned completion date and you also have these other parts which are key dates."

4. "The contract requires submission of a notice for any matter which increases the total of the prices, delays completion, delays meeting a key date or impairs the performance of the work."

5. "The completion date remains as it was and it's that date that governs when things like damages might start to apply."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Today Jacob dives into the world of Contra Charges. Discover their real purpose, gain insights into profit protection amidst slim margins, and harness the power of evidence. Jacob's expert guidance unveils the strategy to handle issues pre-escalation and negotiate contract terms for limited liability. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools to navigate Contra Charges, safeguard profitability, and elevate your subcontracting game.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Contra Charges are a contentious issue in the construction industry, but they are often necessary when a subcontractor causes damage or fails to perform.

2. The burden of proof lies with the contractor to demonstrate that a breach of contract or damage has occurred, and that there has been a cost incurred as a result.

3. It is important for subcontractors to challenge contra charges and request evidence of the breach and the cost incurred.

4. In some cases, subcontractors can negotiate agreements with the party affected by the damage to avoid a formal contra charge situation.

5. Subcontractors should consider including limitations of liability in their contracts and be willing to decline work if the risk of high contra charges or liquidated damages is too great.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "For there to be a situation where a Contra Charge is being levied or any kind of set off or abatement, it's got to a situation that nobody really wants to be in."

2. "And a lot of the time it tends to be the way these things are communicated that cause the biggest issues."

3. "So if there hasn't been any kind of breach, then there isn't grounds for a contra charge. And similarly, if there hasn't been any cost or any loss incurred, then there also isn't any grounds for a contra charge."

4. "So they have to prove to you that they have the right to deduct that money."

5. "If you know you've got a situation where a contra charge is going to happen, then it's sort of like why not take matters into your own hands and try and resolve it before it becomes this controversial issue."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Imagine a world where payments flow like a smooth river. Jacob dives into the real deal, shedding light on the struggles subcontractors face with those pesky long payment terms and dreaded late payments. Brace yourself for insights that could save your cash flow and business mojo.

Jacob's wisdom is your secret weapon against payment turmoil. He shines a spotlight on the domino effect of late payments and why paying subcontractors on time is the ultimate power move. Want to level up your payment game? Jacob's got your back with strategic gems: from deciphering payment terms to unraveling the contract sum, managing retentions, and acing final account procedures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Late payment is a prevalent issue in the construction industry, with over 52.9% of invoices being paid late in 2022.

2. Cash flow is crucial for subcontractors, and late or non-payment can cause financial strain and affect their ability to meet financial obligations.

3. It is important for subcontractors to understand the payment terms outlined in their contracts, including payment dates, breakdown of the contract sum, retentions, and final account procedures.

4. Subcontractors can negotiate for better payment terms, such as shorter payment periods, to improve cash flow and incentivize suppliers to work with them.

5. If subcontractors do not receive payment on time, they should follow a systematic approach, including sending reminders, issuing notices, and seeking professional advice if necessary, to ensure timely payment and protect their interests.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Cash flow is critical for running a successful business and some of the construction industry's payment terms are absolutely unfriendly to cash flow."

2. "A few years ago, a government report found that many people in the construction industry thought that late payment and non-payment is pretty much a norm."

3. "More than half of all invoices sent to construction firms were paid late across 2022."

4. "When a payment from a customer is delayed or not received at all, it's financial strain straight away."

5. "Don't add late payment to the mix. Don't make that be something you can be criticized about."

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Think of Jacob as your time-travel mentor, revealing five essential steps to score that sought-after EOT. He spills the beans on crafting notices, tracking events, and presenting a rock-solid case for delays and costs. It's like having an EOT superhero by your side!

With Jacob's practical wisdom, you'll not only shield your business but also foster positive contractor relationships. Tune in to become an extension of time whiz, and let Jacob navigate you through this intricate landscape. Your ticket to mastering time extensions and boosting your subcontracting game awaits!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Issue a notice to raise awareness of potential delays: It is important to notify the contractor as soon as you become aware of an event that may cause a delay. This allows for collaboration and potential mitigation of the issue before it becomes a problem.

2. Understand how and where to issue the notice: Refer to your subcontract to determine the specific requirements for issuing a notice. It may need to be in writing or via email, and there may be specific individuals or email addresses to send it to.

3. Record all events and matters that cause or may cause delay: Keep detailed records of any events or issues that impact your ability to complete the work on time. This includes adverse weather, access delays, discrepancies in contract documents, and more.

4. Present your claim clearly and concisely: When presenting your claim for an extension of time, keep it simple and factual. Use the evidence and information you have collected to support your case, and clearly explain the impact of each event on the project.

5. Keep your notices and letters simple: Avoid overcomplicating your notices and letters. Keep them clear, concise, and focused on the specific issue at hand. This will make it easier for the recipient to understand and address the problem.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "A lot of subcontractors out there that I've worked with don't really get on board and engage with the extension of time provisions."

2. "You want to use [good relationships] as a positive and a means to getting things settled rather than something that you're relying on and using as almost a reason not to follow the proper process or the proper procedure."

3. "The contract really is looking for you to have a little bit of forward planning, a bit of foresight about what might hurt you and give notice so that something can be done about it."

4. "Use it [the contract] to your advantage and fire in your notices and that will put you really on the front foot."

5. "The time and the cost elements in the JCT contracts are separate to each other. Whereas under NEC these are one and the same thing."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Imagine a world where changes are the norm. Jacob takes you on a journey through various change scenarios, from scope shifts to different work conditions. Hold onto your helmets as we demystify the JCT contract, your trusty guide through construction changes.

Timing is everything, and Jacob's got the inside scoop on managing changes like a pro. Hint: detailed records are your new BFFs. Ever wondered about the art of valuing changes? Jacob's got your back with insights into pricing and cost calculation methods that will leave you feeling like a financial guru.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Changes in the construction industry can include changes in scope, quantity, or the way work is carried out on site. These changes can be a source of frustration and administration problems for subcontractors.

2. The JCT contract is the most common contract in the construction industry and has provisions for handling changes. Clause 5.1 of the JCT contract defines changes as alterations or modifications to the design, quality, or materials of the works.

3. Timing is crucial when it comes to changes. The cost and impact of a change can vary depending on when it is instructed. It is important for subcontractors to take records and assess the impact of changes on their work.

4. Instructions from the contractor must be reasonable and within the subcontractor's capabilities. Subcontractors are expected to comply with instructions within seven days. Failure to comply may result in the contractor hiring someone else to complete the work and deducting the additional costs from the subcontractor's payment.

5. Valuing changes can be complex and depends on factors such as the character of the change, whether conditions have changed, the quantity of the change, and the impact on time and cost. Different valuation methods, such as pro rata, fair rates and prices, or time and cost basis, may be used depending on the circumstances. It is important for subcontractors to understand the valuation mechanism and provide sufficient information and calculations to support their pricing.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "Changes can be changes in scope, changes in quantity or the way that work is carried out on site."
2. "Timing is everything when it comes to changes."
3. "If the conditions have changed, get your hand out for it, talk to your site manager about it, explain the issue and then confirm it back to them."
4. "Valuing the change really could be its whole own episode and we will do that at a later time."
5. "Make sure you provide enough information. Preferably you might want to look at marking up some drawings, providing copies of emails and instructions, any photos that you can take, any records that you've got of progress so that you can clearly demonstrate how much of your work has been affected by an instruction or a change."

HOST BIO

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Discover the magic behind everyday agreements and how they shape our lives. From construction sites to your routine, Jacob simplifies the "holy trinity" of contracts. Jacob spills the beans on these essential elements in the construction world, showing you how to spot the stars: scope, design, specification, program, and price. Think of it as your recipe for contract success! 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. A contract is a type of agreement that involves an offer, acceptance, consideration, and legal intent. It can be verbal or in writing and is used to govern exchanges of goods or services.

2. Subcontractors should carefully review the scope, design, and specification sections of their subcontract to ensure that they align with what was agreed upon during the pricing stage. Any discrepancies should be flagged and addressed before signing the contract.

3. The program section of the subcontract should reflect the agreed-upon timeline for completing the work. Subcontractors should ensure that the program matches their pricing and that any sectional arrangements do not unfairly impact their entitlement to prolongation or additional costs.

4. The price section of the subcontract should accurately reflect the pricing method (e.g., lump sum or remeasurement) and the quantities or items included. Subcontractors should check that the quantities are fair and reflective of the work before signing the contract.

5. It is crucial for subcontractors to speak up and address any concerns or discrepancies in the subcontract before signing it. Having open and honest communication with the contractor can help prevent disputes and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "So guess what I'm saying is these are things that we do every day and it shouldn't be something that scares us."

2. "Don't get hudwinked into I can't put your payment on until you've signed it so you sign and return the order without checking."

3. "Now's your chance to make sure it's right. So compare the revisions. Are the revisions the same? If they're not the same flag it up."

4. "Flag it up. Talk about it. Call it out when you send the contract back."

5. "And I can't stress this enough, if something doesn't look right, shout up, say your bit, at the very least have a conversation."

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.linktr.ee/qs.zone

This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

In the first episode of "The Subcontractors Blueprint" podcast, host Jacob Austin looks to empower construction subcontractors with essential commercial skills. With the construction sector housing over a million small to medium enterprises, Jacob's goal is to equip subcontractors with tools and knowledge to mitigate risks, navigate contracts, and ensure profitability. Leveraging his 15 years of industry experience, Jacob highlights prevalent challenges subcontractors encounter, including subcontract management and payment comprehension. He commits to addressing contract adjustments, disputes, late payments, and furnishing practical insights bith through personal experience and future guests knowledge

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The Subcontractors Blueprint aims to upskill subcontractors in the construction industry by providing them with commercial skills, tools, and knowledge to protect themselves from risk and ensure profitability.

2. Jacobhas 15 years of experience in the industry and has worked on various construction projects, ranging from small extensions to large-scale housing developments.

3. One common issue among subcontractors is their inability to administer a subcontract effectively, leading to disputes and payment issues. 

4. Future episodes will cover topics such as variations, contract amendments, payment notices, disputes, and late payments. It will provide practical advice and strategies for subcontractors to navigate these challenges and ensure fair treatment.

5. Jacob will also be chatting with industry experts and successful contractors to share their insights, stories, and tips for success in the construction industry in the future.

BEST MOMENTS

1. "I want to give you the commercial skills, the tools, the knowledge that you need to protect yourselves from risk, to understand the contracts that you're working on, to make yourself a profitable business"

2. "We see guys who have got great site presence, great management, they really know how to build, they're really competent, their safety's on point and they just can't administer a subcontract."

3. "If you're just sending me a bill and I'm getting that and I'm going your progress doesn't match up with your expectations here, we're going to start arguing about how much things are worth quite quickly."

4. "So you get a 300 odd page document, it's all bound together, it's got an official cover on it and you look at it, you don't even want to start reading it, it looks dull as shit to start off with."

5. "Now I can't claim to be whiter than white and 100% clean and I've never paid anybody late ever, but there's one thing for me that you can always try and do is pay your supply chain on time." 

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 19 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses the topic of Value Engineering and Whole Life Costing. He starts by defining these two phrases which are widely used in the industry. He then gives some historical context to value engineering and how it has evolved into what we know today. Jacob highlights some interesting reasons behind particular materials being specified and how these may affect the implementation of value engineering. He also gives some practical advice on how to deal with value engineering requests, what to do to avoid the risks and ensure the full impact is considered prior to proceeding. Throughout the episode, Jacob imparts his industry wisdom to help subcontractors manage the value engineering process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Value engineering is a process of buying the best performing product or output for the least financial outlay.
• When submitting value engineering options it is important to establish what is driving the selection of the specified products. Sometimes these are not obvious, and may come back to bite.
• If multiple performance requirements must be considered, they can be evaluated by the formula: Product Value = Function ÷ Cost
• A full spec or datasheet for any products you propose should be submitted alongside the price and ensure that the contractor and their architect review it in detail prior to committing to changing.

BEST MOMENTS:

"All it is is ripping out any value from a project and substituting it with cheap alternatives"

"In my experience how we implement it in construction is all to do with cost reduction"

"Sometimes the best savings can be quite radical"

"It just goes to show you never can tell what someone else is going to want and if you can, your skills are probably best employed somewhere else"

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 20 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking all things Completion.

This is yet another topic which is simple on the face of it, but the construction industry has its unique way of making it difficult! Jacob explains terminology including Practical Completion, Sectional Completion, Partial Possession, Early Use and Completion, and explains what they mean to you.

Jacob explains the lack of definition of completion and offers his thoughts on why this is the case, and his solution for that problem. He explains that the sub-contract does not use all of the same terms, and talks through how to apply the completion clause of a JCT Design & Build Subcontract.

Throughout this episode Jacob imparts his industry wisdom, giving practical advice on how you can record completion, and his recommendations to protect yourself on a typical project.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• There is no industry recognised definition of Practical Completion
• Practical Completion signifies the end of the work, triggering release of retention, often the final account, liability for LADs stops, requirement to insure ceases, and Defect Rectification period commences.
• Partial Possession and Early Use arrangements may impact access on site, and are a risk to be monitored.
• Practical Completion can occur when a building is ready for beneficial use, however just because a building can be occupied, does not mean PC has been achieved.

BEST MOMENTS:

"There’s only one point in a project that you truly know where you are - before you start! At least then we can all readily agree nothing has happened!”

“If you thought you could look to an Architect for a definition, think again!”

“He must identify the reasons why you haven’t finished, of course in his opinion”

“This isn’t the contractor saying whoah I can’t release your retention on some nonsense technicality”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 21 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking to you all about Risk and Risk Management. This is a topic in Construction that is not talked about enough, and for Subcontractors is a must to thrive in a difficult industry.

Jacob starts by defining risk and defining risk management. He then explains that risks are an inherent part of running any business and that a level of risk must be present for us to operate in business. Jacob explains that there are several different ways that risks are introduced into the sub-contract. He then explains some simple techniques for managing risks, and how these can play out as a sub-contractor.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Risk management is vital to success as a Subcontractor in the Construction Industry.

Risks can be Controlled, Accepted, Reduced or Avoided but should not be ignored.

Both Opportunities and Risks should be monitored and managed.

The key to mitigating the risks you encounter as a Subcontractor is to flag them up early to the Contractor and discuss them.

BEST MOMENTS:

"The best time to start managing risk is at enquiry stage. The second best time is now.”

“Talking about risk is something we don’t do enough of in the construction industry.”

“To truly expose yourself to no risk at all is to sit and do nothing.”

“These conversations aren’t always straightforward but the more you discuss the problems the greater the chance that you can get the issues resolved before it becomes a problem that bites you.”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 22 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses how JCT subcontracts in the construction industry are formed. He emphasises the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of these contracts, including the rights and obligations of all parties involved. Jacob also explains the various elements of a subcontract, such as recitals, articles of agreement, and subcontract particulars. He provides detailed insight into the other items which are introduced by the sub-contract particulars such as attendances provided by the main contractor, retentions, and insurance requirements. He concludes by stressing the need for subcontractors to familiarise themselves with their contracts to avoid potential issues and disputes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Practical discussions during pre-start meetings often overshadow the importance of delving into the contract and understanding the terms and conditions. But understanding the agreement you’ve signed up to is key to you operating the subcontract.
• The recitals, articles of agreement and subcontract particulars form the basis of the agreement and detail what you are required to do.
• The subcontract conditions themselves are often physically left out of the subcontract, as they are a standard and commonly understood document. They are incorporated by reference in Article one of the agreement. Often only amendments to those conditions are included in the contract.
• The articles specifically state that the documents stated within the numbered documents are agreed as forming part of the subcontract. So you must make sure these are correct.

BEST MOMENTS:

“It is vital that you understand and know what those conditions are that you're signing up to because you've got to operate the subcontract, you've got to know where to issue a notice if you have to issue one, and you've got to understand what the change procedure is."

"These are the documents that are telling you what you're doing, so they need to be right."

"Sometimes it's not always straightforward and in spite of what some people might tell you, it's not that the contractor is trying to hide the conditions from you. It is just common custom and practice."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 23 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is discussing target cost and cost plus contracting. He criticises cost plus contracts, citing lack of incentives for contractors to save money, leading to cost overruns in projects like major roadworks and HS2. He suggests competitive tendering to encourage cost-effectiveness. Jacob also discusses the administrative burdens of these contracts and the financial consequences of inaccurate tender prices in target cost contracts. He advises contractors to consider risks, make clear exclusions, and include budgets for risks they are asked to hold.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• There are major drawbacks of cost plus contracts, such as the lack of incentives for contractors to save money, which can result in significant cost overruns in projects like roadworks and HS2.
• Competitive tendering can encourage cost-effectiveness in projects, as it allows for contractors to compete based on their ability to deliver quality work within a specified budget.
• The administrative burdens associated with target cost and cost plus contracts is huge, emphasising the need for contractors to carefully consider the terms and conditions before entering into an agreement.
• In the NEC forms of contract, risk sums may be included in both the target prices and compensation events. This provides a framework for managing risks and ensuring fair compensation for unforeseen events.

BEST MOMENTS:

“These kind of arrangements have become commonplace in a lot of government procurement and what you're seeing is a lot of framework projects and a lot of large scale say civil engineering projects are falling under these kind of contract arrangements. I personally think these contracts are sh*t!”

“They're (cost plus contracts) lacking in any target. There's no incentive for the contractor to perform….The job takes as long as it takes, the costs are whatever they are, the fee gets added to it, and the contractor wins."

"having done a few of these target cost contracts in my lifetime i actually think these are the worst of all worlds"

"how you treat these risk sums when you're pricing the job and when you're pricing the compensation events is really key to maintaining a good target price and maintaining your ability to get a healthy margin out of the job"

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO:

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 24 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is discussing Design Liabilities and Design & Build Subcontracts. Jacob starts by discussing the issue with Fitness for Purpose criteria within the design and build requirements and why you should avoid these at all costs. He then delves into some of the pertinent clauses, outlining requirements, compliance with directions and where CDM obligations are introduced. He then explains the process of submitting the designs, the various statuses of the design review process and the ability for the approver’s comments to be challenged in a timely fashion. Jacob recalls his experience of an Employer abusing the design submission procedure, and how this could have been avoided with hindsight. He then covers the liability statement which assumes that the subcontractor will have as much skill as an qualified architect in designing their particular piece of the contract design.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Fitness for purpose clauses should be avoided at all costs.

The process for design submission is straight forward, and there are rights for the sub-contractor to challenge the contractor’s approval of designs to seek instruction or re-state the contract requirements.

Employers do misuse the design review and approval process, and this abuse can be lessened with proper application of the design submission procedure.

The submission and approval of design does not remove obligations to achieve the requirements of the subcontract if the design is later found to be lacking.

BEST MOMENTS:

“Sometimes the employer will use the building for a particular purpose, but within his requirements, he will state, 'I want a floor that can do X.' You design to those criteria, but then the fitness for purpose element may take it above and beyond that.”

“If you find fitness for purpose statements within your subcontract inquiries and within your subcontracts themselves, challenge them and don't be afraid to walk away from the work if you can't negotiate those statements out."

"You are liable for all of that: moving the tenant out, moving them into temporary accommodation, maybe setting them straight for loss of income that they have incurred whilst they have not been able to use the building."

“They can still come back at a later time when they can’t get their five metre tall piece of plant through the door and say, hold up, Mr. Contractor, you f*d this one up!”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 25 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores construction defects and their effects on subcontractors. He clarifies the difference between patent defects, which are obvious and detectable, and latent defects, which are concealed and may emerge long after completion. Jacob advises on the importance of using quality materials, skilled labor, and taking immediate action to fix defects to prevent further complications or safety issues. He also discusses the consequences of not adhering to construction standards and the role of the clerk of works in defect detection. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the liability of subcontractors for damages caused by defects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is no firm definition of what a ‘defect’ is in construction contracts.

The importance of being proactive in identifying and rectifying issues during the defects liability period is highlighted, along with the role of attention in ensuring work completion.

The difference between latent and patent defects using a crack on a wall as an example and the implications of each type.

Common causes of latent defects, are design and manufacturing faults, and cutting corners whilst undertaking the work

The possibility of liability for damages resulting from defects and the considerations related to corrective actions and improved specifications.

BEST MOMENTS:

"We had the client's clerk of works coming around, taking great delight in telling us that we've got a problem. Oh no, the building is going to fall down!"

"Now that happened while we were on site. You could say that we were actually lucky that we were still there."

"There are some factors that can contribute: you've got poor workmanship, either by using poorly qualified staff or staff that are on too keen a price, so they're cutting corners and leaving things not properly finished."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 26 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking Unquantifiable Risks - a baffling practice within the construction industry practiced by clients and contractors alike, where they seek to avoid carrying any risks whatsoever, often at the detriment of achieving a competitive price. Whilst these risks are passed down the supply chain to those often least equipped to deal with them - the subcontractors! Jacob highlights several examples of the kind of risks which cause these problems, and identifies ways that subcontractors can identify where these are being asked of them in their tenders. He wraps up the episode by giving his advice on how subcontractors can deal with those risks within their tender submissions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Passing a risk on does not get rid of it. It may pass on to the contractor, or the subcontractor, but it is still there. And it may still come back to hurt the client if it proves too costly to handle.

Risks are passed on through omitting key contract mechanisms for time and cost extensions, and through ill-thought-out scope inclusions.

Some of these risks may go on for periods of months. So it is vital that you identify and deal with them.

Examples of unquantifiable risks such as ground risks, statutory services, and antiquities as well as other works items which can’t be measured.

Actionable recommendations for subcontractors to protect themselves against unquantifiable risks, including analysing subcontract amendments and clauses related to compensation events.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Clients are expecting the contractor to be able to price and include for things that are just unfathomable."

"You're either going to see silly prices back from the marketplace, or you're buying a project with a hole in it."

"Making a different party responsible for something that can't be quantified doesn't make the risk go away.”

“And it's not until 20 years later and it's long forgotten that some unwitting builder has their ground worker on a lump sum contract, and they're digging it (asbestos) up by the bucketload. But oh no, Mr. Subcontractor, you took the risk on the ground."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 27 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin educates us on Provisional Sums. He clarifies ways in which undesigned works are included in a subcontract such as Prime Cost Sums, Provisional Quantities and Provisional Sums. He stresses the importance of the difference between Defined and Undefined Provisional Sums, and the implications this has on your programme and price. He discusses strategies for pricing Provisional Sums as well as how they should be implemented during the course of a project. The episode is a resourceful guide for subcontractors seeking to navigate the complexities of Provisional Sums effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Provisional sums are means of including undesigned or undecided scope of works in a project, giving the client or contractor some certainty that there is some budget for it.

Prime Cost Sums, Provisional Quantities, Defined and Undefined Provisional Sums are all means of including incomplete design in a subcontract, and each is treated differently.

Prime Cost Sums specify a ‘budget’ amount to be included in a rate to buy an unspecified material. The rest of the work described in the rate should be priced properly, allowing the ‘budget’ to be omitted and the real cost added back to make a complete rate.

Defined Provisional Sums require the subcontractor to make allowance in their programme, period and preliminaries for the management and completion of the provisional works. Whereas, Undefined Provisional Sums should be excluded from the programme and preliminaries and the likes.

Subcontractors should challenge the validity of Defined Provisional Sums if they do not contain sufficient information to properly describe or allow that work to be priced.

BEST MOMENTS:

"The whole idea behind provisional sums is that it's a means of including a kind of a budget for some unknown bits of work and getting that into the contract to give the client a bit of cost certainty."

“That's opened your eyes to some of the tricks and stunts that you might see around Provisional Sums and what you can do to protect yourself from them.”

“that won't stop some unscrupulous contractor out there from telling you it's a defined Provisional Sum and refusing to give you an extension of time for it.”

“These are the kind of fine margins that can win or lose you a project.”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 28 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin shares his expertise on cash flow management for construction industry subcontractors. He underscores the significance of cash flow for operational expenses like bills and salaries. Jacob addresses the common issue of late payments, referencing a survey that showed 92% of construction companies suffer from cash flow problems due to this. Despite some reported improvements in payment times, he stresses the need for better transparency. Jacob advises on cash flow tracking, stress testing, and contingency planning, and offers tips for improving cash flow, such as renegotiating terms, credit checking, and timely invoicing. He also discusses site-level management and financing options to handle cash shortfalls, providing a toolkit for subcontractors to maintain financial health.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The importance of cash flow in running a business, challenges in the construction industry, and statistics on late payments.

Guidance on cash flow planning, the unpredictability of cash flow, and the importance of tracking and updating financial information.

Strategies for stress testing your cash flow to understand what may happen when payments land late, or bills increase, managing cash flow, and implementing measures to improve cash flow and payment terms.

A number of things can be done to improve cashflow, including reducing stock holdings by just-in-time delivery, timing large deliveries to coincide with valuation dates to speed up recovery, negotiating longer payment terms and only paying invoices when they fall due.

Subcontractors should regularly monitor their cashflow, and put in place contingency plans for times when cashflow tightens.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Taking the eye off the ball is how insolvency can creep up on people.”

"There is some good news in that things are improving, and there may well be some more good news on the horizon."

"If any of those tests leave you in a less than comfortable position, then this is your opportunity to put a contingency plan into place."

"It's only by assessing your cash flow situation and monitoring what you're likely to have in your bank account that you can understand what you can afford when things aren't going your way."

"There's no point in overcomplicating a game of snap; if you set up your cash flow as I've described, it really is as simple as it gets, but it still gives you enough information to make informed decisions."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 29 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin interviews Mike Turlin, a seasoned construction professional and mental health advocate. Mike shares his personal journey, highlighting the evolution of the construction industry and its impact on workers, especially regarding qualifications and older employees. He stresses the importance of mental health, drawing from his own experiences with suicide loss to underscore the challenges in recognising warning signs. Mike discusses his commitment to suicide prevention, including investing personal resources and creating a database of mental health resources. The conversation also touches on the need for better working conditions, addressing workplace bullying, and providing adequate training and mentorship in the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

CSCS Certification and Safety Assessment Discussion on the challenges and issues with the CSCS certification, including the pass rate, misleading questions, and time constraints.

Promoting mental health and wellbeing in construction Mike emphasises the importance of promoting mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry and the need for better education and mentorship programs.

Creating Positive Work Environments Importance of fostering a positive work environment, including examples of successful site management and the impact on worker well-being and productivity.

Improving Site Standards Emphasis on the importance of maintaining high site standards, including cleanliness, organisation, and proper inductions, to create a positive first impression and improve worker satisfaction.

Passion for Industry Improvement and Support Passionate commitment to improving the construction industry, supporting younger and older generations, and the importance of mental health support.

BEST MOMENTS:

"In 2009, I looked at ways to end my life because of the stress I was under at the time."

"Someone told me that it wasn't my time to die, and that was my turning point."

"Every event I go to, I get people literally opening up about their mental health issues after they've heard my story."

"We all think we're invincible, hiding behind this mask, but we're not."

"We need to help the guys a bit more because this is not the way we should be doing the industry."

"Whatever happens on this site today, we want you to go home safe."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

GUEST BIO:

Mike Turlin had an incredible career progression from labourer to site manager, to contracts manager, highlighting and is well placed to share experiences and challenges in the construction industry. He has founded Construction Buddies ( https://constructionbuddies.co.uk ) and ( https://bentleymentalhealth.com ) and is an advocate for mental health support and positive welfare in the construction industry. He is known as the Voice of Construction, using his knowledge and passion for the construction industry to fight the corner of tradespeople and improve education and site standards.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 30 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin shares a five-step model to help subcontractors manage and claim entitlement to changes in construction projects. He emphasises the importance of clear documentation, contract comprehension, and valuation methods for variations. The steps include establishing the variation, defining the change under the contract, valuing the change, applying variation rules, and providing supporting evidence. Jacob's guidance aims to empower subcontractors to navigate change management effectively and secure fair compensation for additional work.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Milestone Achieved: Celebrating 30 episodes and six months of educational information for subcontractors.

The ongoing issue of change management: Subcontractors regularly face conflicts and challenges related to change management and variations in construction projects.

The frustration of unclear changes: The frustration of receiving a valuation from a subcontractor without clear instruction or knowledge of changes creates fallout.

Establishing entitlement to changes: Making it easy for the contractor to understand and approve variations will ensure proper payment.

Five simple steps to establish entitlement: A detailed guide on how subcontractors can follow a five-step model to establish their entitlement to changes.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Change can be one of the most difficult things to overcome."

“One of the most frustrating things that can happen as a contractor is to receive a valuation from a subcontractor, and it's got changes that you don't know about.”

"It's really frustrating because it just ends up in arguments."

"That bit of time is well spent and it will turn into you getting the amounts of money that you're due."

“Come application time, you can then just put it on your variation sheet, safe in the knowledge that you've done everything you can to get your hands on the money.”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 31 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses the importance of quality control for subcontractors in the construction industry. He explains how poor quality control can lead to rework, safety issues, and financial losses. Jacob advises subcontractors to understand project specifications, conduct pre-start meetings, and ensure the right labour and materials are used. He advocates for self-inspection, using tools like inspection sheets, and stresses the importance of communication with the site team. Ultimately, Jacob suggests that maintaining high quality is essential for subcontractors to secure future work and achieve business success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The importance of thoroughly reviewing project specifications, bill of quantities, and labor allocation to ensure accurate pricing and avoid quality issues.

The significance of pre-start meetings in clarifying project expectations, roles, responsibilities, and quality standards to avoid misunderstandings and rework.

Challenges in procuring qualified labor and materials as per design specifications, and the potential impact on project quality and subcontractor payments.

Methods for ensuring consistent quality, including labor vetting, sample installations, and proactive self-inspections to prevent rework and contra charges.

The role of effective communication, planning, and collaboration with the contractor in maintaining quality and preventing disruptions due to changes and time pressures.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Quality control in the last ten years, I think, has really increased across the industry."

"Having the right money in your bid to be able to afford the right, good quality operatives is one key to getting off on the right foot and ensuring you can deliver the quality that you need."

"Performing high against quality benchmarks is as important as performing price-wise when it comes to securing future work."

Maintaining high quality.. “Is one of the most positive things you can do to secure repeat work from your contractor and maintain a high performing, successful business.”

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO:

Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 32 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin explores the intricacies of remeasurement in construction projects. He discusses the importance of accurate measurement and documentation to ensure subcontractors are paid correctly. The episode covers the rules and framework for valuing contracts, the structure of bills of quantities, and the use of the National Rules of Measurement. Jacob shares his personal experiences and emphasises the need for clarity in documentation to prevent disputes. He gives practical advice on maintaining organised records, using technology for measurements, and collaborating with contractors to manage potential discrepancies.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The rules and framework for measuring and valuing a contract, including the different sections of a bill and the importance of consistency across the industry.

Jacob provides best practices for recording measurements, including common customs for writing and organising dimensions to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Jacob highlights the significance of collaborative measurement with the contractor, documenting measurements, and building trust to avoid disputes.

The importance of maintaining organised records and a good title system for accurate measurement, recalling and sharing what you’ve done and support your claim to the contractor.

BEST MOMENTS:

"There is something to be said for measuring the work on site; the amount of times that I've done a site measure and found things to be different to what is on the drawing for whatever reason."

"Imagine if you've worked your way through all of your tasks, and because you haven't organised things properly, you've missed a page out. You might have missed out on 50, 60, 100 square meters, whatever. What does that mean to you, for the sake of not putting a title on?"

"That might sound really basic, but when you've got a lot of repetitive work, some of these simple things that you can do can really ease the burden, prompt you to remember things you might otherwise forget, and ultimately help you to get it right, which helps you to get paid."

"There's nothing worse than getting to the end of a measure and realising that it hasn't been done properly, and all of your lengths are 10% out. That could be a disaster."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 33 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin addresses the critical issue of unclear contracts and their repercussions for subcontractors. He lists the top ten problems, including financial strain, project delays, and reduced profit margins, which stem from ambiguous agreements. Jacob also discusses the negative effects on relationships, productivity, reputation, morale, planning, growth potential, and the risk of legal disputes. He provides actionable advice for subcontractors to prevent such issues, emphasising the importance of clarity and communication during the tender process and pre-start meetings, and the thorough review of contracts before work begins.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Project Delays-

Disputes over scope and pricing lead to project delays, affecting timelines and potentially leading to additional charges.

Reduced Profit Margins-

Commercial views to win work can lead to un-costed elements, eating into tight margins and hindering competitiveness.

Productivity Loss-

Time spent on disputes reduces productivity, diverting resources from critical path activities and increasing inefficiencies.

Difficulty in Planning and Budgeting-

Large uncertainties in projects make it difficult to plan resources and form accurate budgets, leading to potential inefficiencies.

BEST MOMENTS:

"When you find that you've got to throw in elements of work which you'd never costed for, this can quickly eat into a tight margin that was already there to start with."

"Dealing with the stress and uncertainty of unclear contracts and continually working to a tight price or even potentially at a loss can be damaging to the tradesmen completing the work on a daily basis."

"The consequences of not doing these things can be absolutely dire, so why wouldn't you protect yourself?"

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 34 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin addresses the critical issues of disruption and delay in construction projects, offering valuable advice to subcontractors. He clarifies the distinction between the two, with disruption impacting work efficiency and delay affecting project timelines. He emphasises the importance of proactive communication, written notices, and detailed record-keeping to manage disruptions effectively. He also guides listeners on the three-step process for handling disruptions and the significance of expert advice and analytical methods. Additionally, he stresses the need for precise estimating and the strategic submission of claims, while highlighting "This Zone's" resources for subcontractors. His expertise provides a roadmap for construction business owners to navigate and mitigate the challenges of project disruptions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Distinction between disruption and delay in construction projects
•  Impact of disruption on contractor's working methods and project efficiency
•  Advice for subcontractors on protecting themselves from disruptions
•  Three-step process for handling disruption situations
•  ‘Measured Mile’ and ‘Earned Value Analysis’ methods of calculating disruption
•  Significance of maintaining detailed records for building successful claims
•  Submitting timely notices to the contractor when disruptions occur
•  Collaborative approach to resolving issues with contractors
•  Referring to relevant parts of the contract for recovering money owed due to disruptions

BEST MOMENTS:

"You're losing a chunk of your day, you're losing time, you're losing that effective output from the guys that you've got to pay their wage anyway."

"So what do you need to do when there's a disruption situation? Well, there's a three-step recipe for it."

"The best and most successful claims are built on a solid foundation of a lot of records."

"Nobody is going to thank you for receiving a disruption claim; this isn't something that you should just be doing lightly."

Link to episode 14 about relevant events and relevant matters: https://apple.co/4a2wK3t

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 35 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin offers essential guidance for subcontractors on how to sidestep disputes in construction projects. He underscores proactive management, meticulous record-keeping, a thorough understanding of the subcontract, and the ability to present a strong case as key strategies for issue resolution and certainty. Austin also touches on the importance of swift adjudication, the value of project management systems, and the benefits of direct communication with contractors to prevent disputes from escalating. His expert advice aims to equip construction business owners with the tools to navigate contractual challenges and maintain healthy project relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Discussion on the inevitability of disputes in construction projects and the potential consequences of lengthy dispute resolution processes.
•  Explanation of the adjudication process, its potential costs, and the importance of standing one's ground in front of adjudicators.
•  Emphasis on the importance of proactive management in dealing with issues as they arise, including the significance of timely notices and responses.
•  The significance of maintaining detailed and accurate records to build a strong case, including the importance of daily site diaries and timely record submission.
•  The importance of understanding the subcontract, including any amendments, to identify clauses that entitle subcontractors to more money and to manage risks effectively.
•  Articulating a strong narrative and demonstrating contractual entitlement alongside records to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome.
•  The benefits of personal discussion and negotiation with the contractor to maintain relationships and resolve issues, even in the absence of some essential measures.

BEST MOMENTS:

"God only knows how long it could actually take and how much it could cost when you don't even have an ounce of certainty that the outcome is going to come your way."

"For something that somebody is either going to make a flip decision on or perhaps come up with some arbitrary split and award you only a portion of what you're looking for, if anything at all."

"If you're missing some of the things we've already spoken about, like the records, the timely issued notices, then getting around the table and having a frank and open conversation about these things could be the only thing that sees you get any kind of payment."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ 

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ 

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 36 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin provides a detailed overview of the stringent requirements subcontractors must meet to collaborate with main contractors. He delves into the expectations around social value, apprenticeships, training, and legal compliance, among others. Austin sheds light on the challenges these demands pose, their effect on costs, and the importance of understanding the full scope of contractual obligations. His insights aim to guide SMEs in the construction industry through the intricate subcontracting environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Requirements for subcontractors to work for main contracting partners * Social value, apprenticeships, accredited training, employability support, local supply chain spend, and compliance with anti-slavery and anti-bribery legislation * Challenges and practicality of meeting these requirements * Importance of understanding and assessing the implications of these demands * Contractual obligations and requirements for subcontractors * The key to Subcontractors protecting themselves is understanding terms and conditions BEST MOMENTS: "But at the same time, are any of these things practical? Maybe two and three men sharing a van heading to and from work might be, but any more than that is a potential logistical nightmare." "So then you go back around to the client organisation, going back to competitive tendering to try and lessen the cost that they're paying out. And what that basically tells you is they don't want to pay the price for all of the things that they're trying to burden you with. So why do it in the first place?" "Now all of these things I'm saying to you, they sound like a rant perhaps, but I'm saying it because I want you to be aware. I want you to know what you're getting into, and that's got to start with reading the documents you get sent." Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on. HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories. LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/ www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 37 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the critical role of project reporting for subcontractors within the construction industry. He emphasises the necessity for thorough documentation and outlines the essential components that should be incorporated into these reports to ensure transparency and accountability. This episode is a must-listen for construction business owners looking to streamline their project management processes and enhance communication with their subcontracting teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• What records subcontractors should keep on a regular basis
• Records can both support claims for delays to the contractor and help to defend the subcontractor from delays, damages and contra charges
• Many of these records can be simply recorded and captured in monthly walk arounds
• Progress photos are a simple and powerful tool to document the site, particularly if taken regularly
• The simplest metric of tracking weekly man hours can support and protect subcontractors

BEST MOMENTS:

"If things end up turning for the worse and you end up in a delay situation with fingers being pointed at you, the best way to defend that is to have taken contemporary records as and when issues crop up."

"Those times when you need the records the most are probably the times when you've been least on top of keeping them, particularly if the relationship starts to get a bit fractious."

"The best thing to do is just to be honest about it and say, 'Look, this has happened,' and even better if you can present something to say, 'And this is what I'm going to do to make it better."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 38 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin provides crucial advice for subcontractors on the seven key areas to review before signing a subcontract. He highlights the importance of understanding the financial standing of the contracting party, clear payment terms, and the specifics of price, program, scope of work, design liability, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Jacob stresses the need for a seven-day notice period for payment and the benefits of the adjudication process under the construction act for swift dispute resolution. He urges subcontractors to scrutinise the subcontract for any discrepancies and to consider the long-term effects of the contract's wording. If you enjoy the show, Jacob invites you to share the episode’s insights.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The importance of clarifying payment terms, credit score, and understanding the contractor's payment culture.
•  Ensuring the subcontract sum reflects the quoted sum, checking for qualifications, and value engineering.
•  Checking agreement on the contract period, avoiding vague program terms, and watching out for limitations on extension of time and costs.
•  Understanding the liability associated with design and ensuring the presence of a "reasonable skill and care" statement in the subcontract.  (Click to listen to episode 24 about design liability: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000640967914 )
•  The importance of the adjudication process as a quick dispute resolution method and the need to ensure it is not obstructed in the subcontract.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Who am I trading with? How long are they going to be around? Because at the end of the day, if you're going to commit to doing some work for somebody, you want to make damn sure that you're going to get paid for it."

"The combination of big inflation and the hike in interest rates have really brought the sale rates of big housing contractors down to a minimum."

"Cash flow is everything. It's also worth noting, if you're working for a contractor and they are themselves working for a small developer or quite a high-risk developer, it would be worth checking your contract to see what the terms say around the contractor paying you."

"You want to remember that you can rely on that if you're not paid; you submit a notice, and seven days later, you can pull off site."

"Going to court to resolve a dispute is a hell of a lot more expensive and time-consuming, and one you want to avoid if you certainly can."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 39 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin delves into the critical topic of final account procedures for subcontractors. Drawing from a friend's challenging experience, Jacob underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of the final account process. He offers expert advice on the content and structuring of final account statements, the intricacies of the JCT contracts, and the best practices for a smooth final account journey. Jacob emphasises the value of regular submissions and preparation for final account meetings, while also clarifying the timelines for submissions, disputes, and payments. His commitment to empowering SME contractors with practical knowledge shines through, as he advocates for knowledge sharing within the subcontracting community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The importance of final account procedures for subcontractors.
•  What a final account should include for different types of contracts.
•  Structuring a final account statement.
•  Best practices for subcontractors in navigating the final account process.
•  Preparing for a final account meeting.
•  Timescales for submitting and disputing final account calculations and when final payments should fall due.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Sadly, he'd not been submitting cumulative valuations properly, and at some point in the job, some of the early variations he completed had dropped off his application.”

"Obviously, that was disappointing for him, and with hindsight, he would do different things."

“On an NEC project, I think this way of working is ideal. And the proviso that this works on is that each time there is a change, there's a compensation event as it's referred to under that subcontract."

"Of course, by the time you finished the job, all of the unknown items should be known, and therefore all of the unknown sums of money should have been firmed up and the provisional sum omitted and a variation added back to cover the piece of work."

"a good way to approach your final account is to include a rolling final account within your regular interim applications, because what you want to happen is for there not to be any surprises when it comes to getting around the table to make that final assessment.”

For more information on Provisional Sums, and other provisional items mentioned in this episode, click here listen to Episode 27: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000643452382

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 40 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin discusses the critical topic of proving extensions of time for subcontractors. He recalls the story of a plastering contractor friend to share a cautionary tale about the challenges and financial repercussions of project delays. Jacob offers practical advice on how subcontractors can safeguard their interests, including the necessity of timely notices and the complexities of critical path analysis. He stresses the importance of maintaining clear records to substantiate claims for extensions of time, aiming to help construction business owners enhance profitability, manage cash flow, and achieve business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The importance of proving extensions of time for subcontractors.
•  The significance of submitting a notice to the contractor to raise awareness of potential delays.
•  Complexity of critical path analysis.
•  Importance of providing clear records and evidence to support extension of time claims.
•  Discussion on protecting subcontractors from financial losses due to delays.

BEST MOMENTS:

"I couldn't help but feel for him because he's just one of those people that likes to help people out."

“True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.”

“The giving of a notice, particularly when you can do it at the right time, when something can be done about a problem, should be seen as something positive, because you're what you're actually doing is raising somebody's awareness that there's an issue here is going to cause a problem."

"He's always been one of those sort of spit and a handshake kind of guys that he expects that if he does something to help you out, you'll help him out at the right point."

"It really beggars belief the situation that he's found himself in because the contractor, the cheeky bastard, has caused some clear delays to his subcontractor and then he's going about stitching him up for a contribution to his losses.”

For more information on relevant events mentioned in this episode, click here listen to Episode 14: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658680 

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 41 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin brought his extensive experience with NEC contracts to the table. We dove into the intricacies of managing changes under the NEC4 suite of contracts. Jacob highlighted the critical distinction between variations and compensation events, emphasising the importance of using precise terminology to ensure clear communication and proper compensation. He also shared his insights on the timing for submitting compensation events, the need for accurate pricing, and the benefits of including assumptions in quotes. His practical advice is a must-hear for subcontractors looking to navigate the NEC4 contracts with confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The importance of understanding and administering changes under NEC4 suite of contracts.
•  Pricing and quoting for compensation events.
•  Proactive management of timing and communication with main contractor.
•  Inclusion of assumptions in pricing of compensation events.
•  Discussion on the importance of Early Warnings, and how they can help you or hinder you if done badly.

BEST MOMENTS:

It's vital that you get your head into the right frame from the start because you don't want to come to the end of the job and realise, 'Oh, I need another six weeks of time because of all these instructions that have happened.'"

“True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.”

"We're not saying, 'Right, we want an extra ten weeks now,' we're saying we might need some; we don't want to burden you with ten weeks' worth of out-of-hours costs if we don't need it."

"Had I taken that approach with my client, I have no doubt whatsoever that they wouldn't have given me an extra penny."

"It's one of those things that clients love to throw around, especially when they're trying to get something done for free."

For more information on NEC4 contracts, click here listen to Episode 7: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 42 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone dives into the nuances of critical path analysis for effective project management. He elucidates how this technique can streamline subcontractors' projects, ensuring optimal resource allocation and focus on pivotal tasks. With practical examples, like making tea, Jacob breaks down activity dependencies and the use of tools like Excel for critical path planning. He stresses the value of understanding project logic and that unlocking the principles is the key to understanding construction programmes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Critical path analysis and project management techniques for subcontractors.
•  Why Critical Path Analysis is important to YOU.
•  Illustration of dependencies and relationships between activities in a project
•  A worked example using an every-day task familiar to us all.
•  Understanding the logic behind the program and interpreting project manager programs with confidence.

BEST MOMENTS:

"It can help you identify the most important areas to focus on and allow you to effectively allocate your resources to the most productive tasks, preventing you from wasting resources on tasks that aren't critical."

“True concurrency is actually quite rare because as much as anything else, just what's the chances.”

"Critical path analysis is one of the tools you can use to demonstrate that you've lost time, which is crucial when it comes to proving delay."

“I’m saying teabag too many times now.”

"By doing your critical path analysis, this is going to enable you to plan and resource your work, monitor against it, and inform your next job."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 43 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses a crucial lesson about the importance of following on-site instructions. He recounts a story of a subcontractor facing consequences for refusing to execute additional work, leading to project delays and financial loss. Jacob highlights the necessity for subcontractors to understand their obligations and the circumstances under which they can reject instructions. He also explains the process of issuing instructions, both written and verbal, and the significance of documentation. Additionally, Jacob offers insights into the JCT and NEC contracts' procedures for instructions. He concludes by stressing the importance of compliance with on-site instructions to avoid negative outcomes for subcontractors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The importance of following on-site instructions for subcontractors
•  Potential consequences for subcontractors who do not comply with instructions.
•  Insights into JCT and NEC contracts and their procedures for issuing instructions.
•  Subcontractors' obligations and reasons for objecting to instructions.
•  Concept of reasonable instructions and examples.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Unhappily, in his words, he was being shafted."

“This is where you've got to be incredibly careful, because holding out for agreement on a price or refusing to do something because of you've not been paid the full amount that you thought a previous variation was worth, isn't a valid reason to reject an instruction.”

"This is your warning; if you've already failed to action an instruction and you then receive a seven-day notice telling you to get on with it, if you don’t”…”Then it’s going to start costing you money”

“All of these little bits are extra loss and you could be looking at a fairly hefty bill.”

Unlike JCT.. “There is no procedure under NEC for verbal instructions to be given. So in that instance, if somebody doesn't confirm to you in writing something that they've asked for, then there is no change and there's no compensation event."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 44 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the subtleties of contractual language, elucidating the legal significance of terms such as "shall," "reasonable endeavours," and "best endeavours," and how they influence contractual obligations. Furthermore, Austin emphasises the crucial importance of design liability limitations, offering guidance to construction business owners on the imperative of delineating these boundaries to ensure adequate insurance coverage for their subcontracting activities.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  A breakdown of some contractual language surrounding obligations in subcontracting agreements.
•  The implications of words like "shall," "reasonable endeavours," and "best endeavours" in contractual obligations.
•  Importance of understanding specific words and phrases in contracts.
•  Relevance of “best endeavours” to subcontractors operating a JCT subcontract and how to challenge those clauses with contractors.
•  The importance of limiting design liability to reasonable skill and care.

BEST MOMENTS:

“Shall. This is a direct instruction, an obligation for you to do something. And the ramifications then, if you don't, is that you potentially lose an entitlement.”

"By not submitting a notice, you aren't giving the contractor a heads up and the opportunity to do anything about any potential delay, so then you forego your potential entitlement."

"Without disadvantaging yourself and acting within your means, you're going to try and get something done."

"Right there in the black and white of the standard unamended JCT is a requirement for you to leave no stone unturned to prevent the delay of subcontract works."

Episode 24 as refecenced in this episode is available on Apple Podcasts on the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000640967914

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 45 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone provides essential insights on collateral warranties for subcontractors. He stresses the significance of these warranties in establishing a contractual connection between subcontractors and third parties. Jacob advises subcontractors to meticulously examine the terms of collateral warranties, as they may extend liabilities or impose additional insurance requirements. He also warns of the risks tied to novation clauses and the assignment of warranty benefits. Subcontractors are encouraged to consult legal experts to safeguard their rights and interests when dealing with collateral warranties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Understanding the definition and purpose of collateral warranties.
•  Always read a collateral warranty prior to signing it, as no two warranties are the same.
•  Clauses that can extend liability, impose insurance obligations, and restrict subcontractor rights.
•  The risks associated with Novation Clauses, which may help or hinder you depending on how they are set up.
•  The implications of assigning warranties and clauses which obligate multiple warranties being provided.

BEST MOMENTS:

“So fitness for purpose? Very, very bad. If you see it in a document, you must insist that it is struck out.”

"They don't read like a subcontract and start introducing all manner of rights and obligations, making you liable for elements of your design and sometimes your finished work to a third party that you might never have heard of."

"There have been some colossal hikes in the price of insurances in the last few years, so it's important when you're reading the warranty that where the insurances are mentioned, there is a statement that says as long as that insurance is available at commercially reasonable rates."

"Novation can be a good thing or a bad thing. It depends whether that novation clause contains obligations for the employer to pick up the bill for anything the contractor hasn't paid you."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 46 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone explores the mindset shift required when transitioning from JCT to NEC projects. Reflecting on a past project that faced challenges due to the rigid NEC approach, Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding the differences between the two contract types. He highlights the necessity of treating the NEC program as a live document and fostering a collaborative environment. Jacob underscores the significance of open communication, good faith, and mutual trust in NEC contracts. He concludes by encouraging SME contractors to adopt a collaborative mindset and subscribe for further insights and support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The need for a mindset shift when working on an NEC project compared to a JCT job.
•  Experiences from a large-scale government project, highlighting commercial relationship issues and lack of impartiality.
•  The NEC contract's focus on project management techniques, obligations expressed through the program, and the live document concept.
•  The contractual duty for all parties to deal fairly with each other, enforceable clauses, and the importance of trust and cooperation in communication.
•  Other episodes about NEC Contracts:

Episode 4 - Mastering NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618

Episode 41 - Managing Change under NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000654693851

BEST MOMENTS:

"It was the commercial relationship that didn't really embody the spirit of the contract."

"When it turns adversarial, the employer will have no hesitation in turning the timescales against you.”

“Some people get a little bit angsty about being overly contractual and oh, I don't like to submit a notice. I don't like to submit an early warning because it's seen by the other party as being aggressive and contractual.”

"Talk to your counterpart in the same way that you would talk to somebody else that you trust and have a frank and honest discussion."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 47 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the critical obligations subcontractors must understand under the New Engineering Contract (NEC) to ensure profitability, improve cash flow, and grow their business. Key topics include the early warning clause, the necessity of employing competent personnel, adherence to project scope, compliance with health and safety requirements, and meeting key project milestones. Jacob also covers the importance of timely defect correction, payment submissions, and accurate compensation event assessments.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The twelve most important obligations under an NEC subcontract and the contractual ramifications of failing to meet them.
•  The concept of Key Dates and what happens if you miss them
•  Non correction of defects may result in the client recovering costs from you, even if they haven’t incurred them.
•  Submission of an application for payment before each assessment date.
•  Other episodes about NEC Contracts:

Episode 4 - Mastering NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658618

Episode 41 - Managing Change under NEC4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000654693851

BEST MOMENTS:

"It is a must that you raise early warnings to avoid the effects of this "you should have told me earlier" clause”

"this is the NEC forcing the discussion, forcing you to raise issues that might turn into problems and get around the table to resolve them.”

“We only got paid a small portion of that boarding work, which was roughly what it would have cost to patch some of the bigger holes.”

"The onus is on you here to give enough information to justify how much you want or how much you need."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 48 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone dives into the top ten issues causing late payments for subcontractors in the construction industry. Jacob offers practical advice on timely payment requests, proper invoice formatting, and meeting payment prerequisites. He stresses the importance of clear communication, understanding retentions and discounts, and navigating contract terms. Additionally, Jacob discusses the impact of project changes and the financial stability of main contractors. This episode is packed with insights to help subcontractors enhance cash flow, ensure profitability, and foster business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Understanding when to ask for payment.
• Knowing correct format for submitting invoices or applications for payment.
•  Being aware of prerequisites for payment.
•  Addressing impact of changes, denial of payment, or reduced payment for completed work.
•  Other episodes mentioned in this show:

• Episode 11 - The Impact of Insolvency: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658745

  Episode 30 - 5 Steps to Change Success: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000645932166

BEST MOMENTS:

"Late payment to subcontractors continues to be a blight on the industry, and cash needs to change hands really quickly to keep the big old wheels of the industry turning”

"I’ve seen firsthand the devastation that gets left behind when a contractor goes bust partway through a project, leaving someone else to step in and pick up the pieces.”

“If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Protect yourself, protect your livelihood, and the livelihood of all the guys that work for you.”

“You should make it as easy as you possibly can for the contractor to pay you as much money as you ask for."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 49 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone explores the evolving landscape of main contracting and its implications for subcontractors. He differentiates between main contracting and subcontracting, emphasising the shift from traditional models to modern practices that rely heavily on subcontractors. Austin discusses the challenges faced by both main contractors and subcontractors, including reduced risk, lower profit margins, and workforce stability. He highlights the broader industry impacts, such as the sustainability of skilled labor and mentorship for apprentices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Explanation of the differences between main contracting and subcontracting, and the role of principal contractor.
•  Comparison of the historical and modern roles of main contractors, including labor, divisions, and profitability.
•  The trend of main contractors reducing risk by subletting to multiple subcontractors.
•  The impact of industry practices on skilled labor, mentoring, and the need for consistent employment.
•  Challenges faced by main contractors, including insolvencies, and the impact on subcontractors' workforce and income stability.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Main contracting typically comes from the role of the main contract, as in the document in force between the client and the contractor delivering the work on the client's behalf."

"Main contracting almost was more entrepreneurial previously, because what you would see is that a lot of main contractors had their special civil division, and they had a housebuilding team."

"If people only knew that this is the way that one of the largest industries in the country is operating regularly, I think there'd be a similar load of uproar about it."

"Consistent employment is the only way that we're going to see any kind of rise in the number of skilled operatives coming into the industry."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 50 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into cash flow challenges faced by subcontractors and offers practical financial management strategies. Joined by a friend who owns a subcontracting firm, they discuss the importance of working with prompt-paying contractors, setting accurate prices, and managing retention. Jacob emphasises the value of setting up separate accounts for taxes and supplier payments to ensure financial stability. The episode provides actionable advice for improving cash flow and profitability, encouraging listeners to adopt these practices to protect your business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Strategies for improving financial management and profitability.
•  Insights from a subcontracting firm owner on improving cash flow.
•  Importance of setting up separate accounts for specific financial purposes, proactively setting aside funds for annual expenses and supplier payments.
•  The importance of getting the price right to maintain not only your margin, but your cashflow too.
•  A simple and effective method for tracking retentions due and reminding yourself of the facts to collect it.

BEST MOMENTS:

"And then also the likes of your payday lenders and these kind of organisations, they're really capitalising on people's need for money by pushing up their interest rate to some silly percentages. And that feels morally wrong to me. But at the same time, this is just the bank hedging their bets."

"So the first thing that he swears by is working for contractors that will pay him promptly and regularly. And what I mean by that is he's got a short payment period and regular valuations."

"Now, this makes the business not quite self-financing, because he's still got to cover the labour, which he pays on a weekly basis for the period that he's waiting for his first lot of money."

"And the issue is, as much as it was consistent, the inflation that had been consistent alongside it was eroding how much money he was making on every job. So regularly reviewing how much you're making out of your subcontract rates is a vital component of making the right margin on your job."

Click to listen to episode 28 mentioned in the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000644284764 

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 51 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone talks about the practicalities of managing change during live construction projects. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jacob offers valuable insights and actionable advice tailored specifically for construction business owners. He emphasises the importance of proactive planning, effective communication, and adaptability to ensure smooth project transitions and successful outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to enhance their project management skills and navigate the complexities of change in the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  The practicalities of managing change during a live construction project.
•  Timing is crucial in managing changes.
•  Consideration of time, cost, and quality in change management.
•  Assessing the impact of changes and the need for alternatives.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Timing is absolutely key. Timing is everything. Timing is the difference between you moving those two lines on the drawing, or you're having to break something down and reconstruct it completely in a completely different place."

"Sometimes instructions are dished out because a problem is seen with how the works are unfolding. I don't know, maybe a room can't be used for its original intention and something needs to be changed. Maybe a more powerful piece of plant is required. There's 1,000,001 reasons for making a change."

"If you can minimise these kinds of things, particularly if you can minimise time, and that's going to prevent an extension of time from the contractor or from the client, and potentially prevent lads from being deducted. Then you're definitely onto a winner, and there definitely should be some recognition that you're able to achieve a solution here."

"Maintaining momentum, maintaining morale, maintaining good communication and a proactive approach go a long way towards avoiding issues when changes come about and finishing on time against all odds. Because you've worked together as a collective, that is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things about construction work, and one of the key things that can lead to you getting that reputation of delivering and the all-important repeat business that, in the long run, can be so much more profitable."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 52 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone explores the ten most common causes of disputes for subcontractors in the construction industry. He provides practical insights and strategies to help subcontractors avoid these pitfalls. Key topics include warranty claims, insurance coverage, inspections and testing, termination of subcontracts, differing site conditions, contra charges, and delays. Jacob emphasises the importance of clear communication, understanding contractual obligations, and maintaining quality control. His advice aims to help subcontractors navigate industry complexities, mitigate disputes, and ensure project success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Common causes of disputes for subcontractors in the construction industry.
•  Understanding insurance coverage requirements and potential conflicts.
•  Role of inspections and testing in dispute resolution.
•  Managing differing site conditions and proactive site visits.
•  Importance of clear communication and understanding contractual obligations.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Having a robust system of quality control checks and sign-off points is the best way to avoid defects."

"Be clear about what you're going to do and check the requirements of your subcontract before signing."

Termination is the nuclear button; it's the last thing you want to do as a main contractor.”

"Visit the site before you start pricing it; there's no excuse for not understanding what you need to do."

"Talking about issues at the right time and making sure details are correct are the best ways to avoid disputes."

Other episodes of The Subcontractors Blueprint mentioned in this podcast are available on the following links

•  "Episode 6 Profitability and Cash Flow: How Contra Charges Impact Subcontractors
•  "Episode 18 Valuing Changes
•  "Episode 5 Late Payment and Non-Payment: A Norm in the Construction Industry

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 53 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into managing construction deadlines, emphasising the importance of maintaining quality and profitability under tight schedules. Jacob highlights that the final 10-20% of a project is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on clients. He offers practical strategies for subcontractors, including thorough planning, prioritisation, clear communication, progress monitoring, team empowerment, and effective resource management. By adhering to these principles, subcontractors can ensure high-quality finishes, secure repeat business, and uphold their reputation in the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of maintaining quality under tight deadlines.
•  Planning strategies for the final stages of a project.
•  Clear communication with project managers and team members.
•  Empowering team members to take ownership of their work.
•  Impact of final work quality on client perception and repeat business.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Delivering a quality job within the right time scale is 99% of what it takes to get repeat work."

"Prioritising is about making sure that the right job gets done at the right time, and equally as important as that is making sure that job gets finished."

"Good communication is also with your own team, and consider the strategic use of toolbox talks to emphasise on finishing a job first time and the importance of quality control."

"This is the time when you need those all-important quality control visits and visits to make sure everything's on programme."

"The old adage you're only as good as your last job."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 54 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone talks about the critical topic of handover procedures and documentation requirements for subcontractors. Jacob discusses a recent debate with a subcontractor who faced withheld payments due to missing documents like collateral warranties and product details. Emphasising the importance of understanding contractual obligations, Jacob explains how proper documentation can prevent payment issues and legal repercussions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Handover procedures and requirements for subcontractors.
•  Consequences of missing essential documents like collateral warranties.
•  Legal implications of inadequate documentation.
•  Client-imposed documentation requirements and payment risks.
•  Proactive management of documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

BEST MOMENTS:

"If there is an obligation in the main contract to pass those documents on to the client, then the contractor is likely to get themselves in trouble if they haven't obtained them from you."

"Each contractor has to have this register of approved documents of approved contractors, and it generates so much work that the contractors then outsource that to these accreditation houses."

Authorities can drop in on site at the drop of a hat and demand to see a contractor's waste, transfer tickets for everything that they've taken off offsite, and if they're found to not have them, they can be in for substantial fines.

"So what I'm asking is why leave it until the end of the job? You know, you're going to be asked for this stuff."

"Take the stress out of practical completion with a bit of proactive management."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 55 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into the crucial topic of cost reporting for subcontractors. Jacob shares a cautionary tale about a former partner subcontractor whose contracting business faced liquidation due to poor cost management and lack of regular cost reporting. He underscores the importance of forecasting future costs, contrasting it with traditional accounting practices. Jacob offers practical advice on understanding labor and material costs, tracking project progress, and making necessary adjustments. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with essential financial management strategies to ensure profitability and business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Challenges faced by subcontractors due to poor cost management.
•  The difference between accounting (past costs) and forecasting (future costs).
•  Key components of effective forecasting.
•  Making adjustments based on forecasting insights.
•  Learning from past project experiences to improve profitability.

BEST MOMENTS:

"He lost hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of retentions that had built up over quite a long period."

“Cost reporting is very much more than just a simple accounting procedure, because we're not just interested in what has gone before us and how much money we've made or lost."

“Had he been carrying out that simple exercise that I outlined, which involved assessing what you'd paid for to date and taking into account that some of what you've bought might be sitting in stock on site or stock in your yard, contrasting that against the value that you've earned to see how much profit you'd made, he would have quite quickly been able to answer whether he was making enough money or not.”

"We need to be able to identify when something has had a bad effect on our job, and if it carries on happening where we're going to end up."

"By understanding what has gone before, you can set yourself on the path towards a more profitable future."

Links to episode 12 mentioned in this episode:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000635658769

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0sFow038711RlNssYMuwBO?si=770c2a7703344e0f

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 56 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the crucial importance of clarifying pricing in subcontracting work. Sharing a personal story from his early career, Jacob highlights the pitfalls of vague agreements and miscommunication. He recounts a challenging project involving boiler replacements, where unclear scope definitions led to financial losses. Jacob emphasises the need for thorough client discussions, provisional sums for undefined items, and meticulous documentation. This episode offers valuable advice to subcontractors on ensuring profitability, through clear communication and detailed scope definitions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of clarifying pricing in subcontracting work.
•  Detailed scope definitions to avoid misunderstandings.
•  The impact of vague agreements on financial outcomes.
•  The significance of engaging in thorough discussions with clients.
•  Importance of documenting communications and clarifications in writing.

BEST MOMENTS:

"And this essentially turned into a humongous argument with them saying that they'd bought one thing and was saying that we'd only price to do a different thing.”

“They'd done everything properly as regards defining the scope, so we had things like the asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey locations of all of the existing services which we needed to avoid, and a really detailed pricing document."

"But when it came to recommissioning the air handling unit, it was clear that that wasn't enough because basically more than one coil needed replacing."

"And sometimes within a bid there are these unknown items. Sometimes they can be fairly minor, but sometimes they can turn into big, hairy beasts of an item that, in one brutish swipe, can bring the whole project down for you."

“Pick up the phone and have a good, detailed conversation about exactly what that means in terms of a scope item and what the contractor is expecting you to provide for it."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 57 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the critical topic of change orders in subcontracting, focusing on the JCT 2016 design and build contract. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding contract terms, particularly the procedures for submitting claims for additional time or money due to project changes. He highlights potential challenges subcontractors may face and offers practical advice on managing changes effectively. Key pointers include understanding the contract you’re working under, to know your entitlements, change procedures, documentation required, to successfully lodge a change. Jacob encourages subcontractors to be proactive and well-informed to secure their entitlements and protect their businesses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Procedures and requirements for submitting claims for additional time or money.
•  Challenges subcontractors face in navigating contract terms.
•  Importance of reading and comprehending subcontract agreements and particularly the amendments to standard terms.
•  Assessment of the impact of changes on project costs and timelines.
•  Significance of documentation and evidence to support claims.

BEST MOMENTS:

"The consequences of not submitting that claim or submitting the notice are that you then forgo any entitlement to that extra time or money."

"How many times within 30 days have you got all of that information? How many times do you know what the full effects of that delay are going to be?"

"I wonder how many of you out there have fully read and digested the change clauses in your subcontract, and understood what you have to do to get your hands on the extra money that you might be entitled to."

"A picture paints a thousand words. And if you think about that in how many thousands of pounds you'd have to pay a lawyer to write a thousand words, a picture is worth a small fortune."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 58 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone covers the crucial topic of final adjustments and payment procedures under the JCT Design and Build 2016 contract. Jacob explains the complexities of final accounting, emphasising the importance of understanding the final subcontract sum and the various adjustments that can affect it. He offers practical tips for subcontractors, highlighting the need for timely documentation and effective communication with main contractors. The episode aims to equip subcontractors with the knowledge to protect their financial interests and improve cash flow, ensuring they navigate the final account process successfully.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Final adjustment and payment procedures for subcontractors.
•  Complexity of final accounting and its implications for subcontractors.
•  Impact of variations on final payments and the importance of accurate valuation.
•  Importance of thorough documentation and timely submission of final accounts.
•  Final payment process and the necessity of formal applications for payment.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Construction projects can be a bit of a roller coaster ride from the initial inquiry and your bid through to your agreeing, the final account and the final invoice."

"Understanding these adjustments is crucial to helping you protect your bottom line and ensuring you are getting fairly compensated for the work that you've done."

"The timeline kicks off once your work is practically complete, and at this point, you have two months to submit all the necessary documents to the main contractor."

"If you miss your deadline, the contractor is still required to prepare a statement on the information they have, but of course, without your input, they might miss key details and you could end up with a lower payment at the end of the job than what you deserve."

Link to the episode about re-measurement mentioned in the show:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000648010674

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bm9Pkqg5QbQND0sh8lEoR?si=0745b4c495df4c5f

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 59 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone underscores the critical role of pre-construction planning for subcontractors. He covers essential aspects such as contract review, site logistics, resource allocation, setting realistic timelines, effective communication, and risk management. Jacob emphasises that thorough planning can lead to smoother, more profitable projects by mitigating common issues like risks, miscommunication, and delays. His practical advice aims to help subcontractors enhance their project execution and overall business success, making this episode a valuable resource for construction business owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of pre-construction planning for subcontractors.
•  Site logistics and organisation for project execution.
•  Setting realistic timelines and managing deadlines.
•  Anticipating challenges and mitigating risks.
•  Proactive approaches to enhance project execution.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Pre-construction planning is all about laying the groundwork for your success. Whether it's reviewing contracts, preparing site logistics, allocating resources, setting realistic time scales, or managing risks, every step you take before the project starts can and will pay off in the long run."

“Every project is different and every contract is different. This isn't just standard paperwork.”

“Misunderstandings about what expected can lead to scope creep and disputes, and you can end up doing more work than you thought you'd agreed to without any additional pay."

"Safety should never be an afterthought, so it needs to be baked into your logistics, planning and of course, your risk assessment and method statements from day one."

"One of the best experiences that I remember having as a contractor involved a glazed petitioning outfit... the foresight of that contractor saved us that logistical challenge."

Link to the episode about checking your contract mentioned in the show:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000652550701

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/39wLCRoOf8meDevs2zxRec?si=viHGwIlyR3qHYP9e26wHUw

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 60 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone discusses the critical issue of liquidated damages for construction subcontractors. He explains that liquidated damages are pre-agreed financial penalties for project delays, which can significantly impact a subcontractor's finances. Jacob offers practical advice on understanding contracts, securing extensions of time, and documenting delays to mitigate these risks. He emphasises the importance of proactive communication and thorough record-keeping to protect against unexpected liabilities. This episode provides valuable insights to help subcontractors maintain profitability and avoid financial pitfalls in their projects.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Definition and explanation of liquidated damages in construction contracts.
•  Financial impact of liquidated damages on subcontractors.
•  Distinction between liquidated damages and general damages.
•  Necessity of thorough documentation of delays and communication with main contractors.
•  Real-life scenarios illustrating the implications of liquidated damages.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Most standard forms of subcontract don't contain liquidated damages clauses."

"One of the best ways to do this is by securing extensions of time. If the delay isn't your fault, maybe it's down to bad weather, design changes, delays caused by other trades. You need to request an extension of time for that as soon as possible."

"If your delay causes the main contractor to be late, you're not just responsible for the liquidated damages that they owe the employer, but also the contractor's own costs for being on site longer and further costs for dealing with claims from other subcontractors who are impacted by your delay."

"You need records. Records, Records of everything. If another subcontractor is holding you up, you need to document it."

"When it comes to managing the risk of LADs as a subcontractor, that is about the most you can do, barring not working at all - and not making any money, of course."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 61 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone addresses the critical themes of risk and uncertainty in the construction industry, specifically for subcontractors. He defines risk and uncertainty, emphasising their impact on project management. Jacob categorises uncertainties into four types: certain things, known uncertainties, unknown uncertainties, and unknowable uncertainties. He provides practical strategies for identifying, analysing, and mitigating these risks to ensure profitability and improve cash flow. The episode underscores the importance of proactive risk management, open communication, and continuous learning to navigate the complexities of construction projects effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Implications of risk and uncertainty for project management.
•  Strategies for managing known and unknown uncertainties.
•  Importance of proactive risk management and flexibility.
•  Use of PESTEL analysis to identify external risks.
•  Impact of behavioural uncertainty on project dynamics.

BEST MOMENTS:

"No matter how well you plan, every project has elements of risk and uncertainty. Some factors are under your control and others aren't. But the key to navigating these murky waters is by understanding how to identify, manage, and mitigate both risk and uncertainty effectively."

"These are the most challenging kinds of uncertainties to deal with because there's no way to predict them or plan for them in advance."

"Your goal with this kind of risk management is to keep the project moving forward, even when things don't go exactly as planned. And remember, risk management is not a one time task. It's an ongoing process."

"One approach would be to set up some kind of early warning system. This might involve regularly checking in with stakeholders, monitoring environmental conditions, speaking to your suppliers regularly, or keeping up with the latest news that could impact your project."

"Building that culture of trust and communication and transparency can help prevent problems before they escalate into something far more serious."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 62 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone covers the topic of day works, offering crucial advice for subcontractors. He emphasises the importance of understanding day work rates, accurately tracking hours and materials, and negotiating rates upfront to avoid disputes. Jacob provides insights on how to account for all associated costs, including supervision, travel, insurance, and equipment. He also highlights the necessity of maintaining detailed records to justify charges.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of charging appropriately for incidental work.
•  Components that influence day work rates, including labor, overheads, and profit margins.
•  Common misunderstandings surrounding day works and their pricing.
•  Strategies for documenting day works, including logbooks and photographs.
•  Financial implications of underestimating costs associated with day works.

BEST MOMENTS:

“There is a generally well known and well used definition of day works now that was produced by the Building Cost Information Service”

“The RICS or the BCIS regularly maintains and updates day work rates for unskilled labor all the way through to the likes of Master Craftsman.”

“When you then later charge a day work rate, you're expected to charge what is written down in your subcontract. And all of these incidental elements are expected to be included in that rate."

"So part of what you need to do here is to digest that list and work out your typical costs of employing a person on your site, and how much they are going to have to contribute towards all of the on site running costs”

“This can of course save you a lot of hassle down the line over what's done and how much it costs."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 63 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin delves into the crucial topic of completion in subcontracting. He explains the significance of understanding completion milestones, such as practical and final completion, and their impact on subcontractors' obligations, payments, and liabilities. Jacob emphasises the need for effective planning, clear communication, and well-defined contractual terms to avoid disputes and ensure profitability. He also highlights the importance of issuing practical completion notices and staying proactive during the defects liability period. This episode offers valuable insights to help subcontractors navigate the complexities of the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of understanding completion milestones in subcontracting.
•  Definitions and implications of practical completion, final completion, and substantial completion.
•  Common causes of delays in construction and the necessity of effective planning.
•  Risks associated with lack of a defined start date in subcontracting agreements.
•  Importance of written notices for declaring practical completion.

BEST MOMENTS:

"One thing that I'm sure we can all agree on is that money and time are two of the biggest causes of disputes in construction, and when we're talking about completion, we're really talking about both of these issues at once."

"Delays in construction can, of course, occur for a variety of reasons. This might be poor coordination between subcontractors and the main contractor, unforeseen site conditions, delays in receiving materials, changes in the project design, and unpredictable weather conditions."

"If there's no agreed start date or a clear window for when your works can begin, and by clear I mean quite a narrow window, how are you supposed to claim for an extension of time if delays happen?"

"It's important for you to remember that your contractual obligation is to complete the works within the contractually agreed time frame, not the contractor's ever-shifting program."

"Reaching practical completion signifies a number of key turning points in the contract, including the release of retention monies and the end of your liability for looking after your works on site."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 64 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin explores the vital role of mediation in the construction industry, particularly for subcontractors. He outlines the mediation process, emphasising its benefits over traditional litigation, such as being less adversarial, faster, and more cost-effective. Key terms like BATNA, mediator, and settlement agreement are explained, alongside the mediator's role and the importance of confidentiality. Jacob also discusses the costs involved and potential outcomes of mediation, providing subcontractors with practical insights to handle disputes efficiently and maintain business health.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Overview of the mediation process and its advantages over litigation.
•  Stages of the mediation process (introduction, information exchange, option generation, negotiation, conclusion).
•  Confidentiality aspects of mediation and its implications for parties involved.
•  Cost considerations for mediation, including fixed fees and potential savings compared to litigation.
•  Potential outcomes of mediation, including settlement agreements and non-binding conclusions.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Mediation works by bringing the disputing parties together with a neutral mediator who helps to facilitate communication and negotiation. The goal is for both parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement without the need for a formal court hearing or proceedings."

"And here's the best part: nothing is binding until both parties agree and sign a written settlement. That means that you can explore solutions and take risks during the process, without the fear of being locked into something that you don't agree with."

"The role of the mediator isn't to decide what's right or wrong, or who's right or wrong, but to guide the process and help the parties reach a resolution in construction disputes."

"Think of the mediator as a master navigator. They aren't there to make decisions and tell you where you're going to end up, but they are there to help both the parties explore all the possible decisions and solutions, and guide them along the path that they choose."

"Mediation offers you a meaningful way to settle your construction disputes whilst avoiding the adversarial and lengthy procedures of litigation, and is even quicker and more cost effective than the construction industry's preferred method of dispute resolution adjudication."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 65 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin covers the complexities of global claims in construction disputes. He explains what global claims are, their associated risks, and the importance of maintaining detailed records. Jacob provides strategies for both making and defending against these claims, emphasising the need for clear causation and accurate documentation. He also highlights key legal precedents and offers practical advice for subcontractors to protect their interests. This episode aims to equip construction business owners with the knowledge to navigate global claims effectively, ensuring profitability and business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Definition and explanation of global claims in construction disputes.
•  Importance of maintaining detailed records for claims.
•  Legal principles and burden of proof in global claims.
•  Strategies for making and defending against global claims.
•  The role of causation and dominant causes in claims.

BEST MOMENTS:

"A global claim lumps everything together and argues that the overall cost was caused by a combination of multiple events."

"The burden of proof is still on the claimant to show that the events they're claiming for actually caused the loss."

"A global claim doesn't give the other party a clear picture of what they're being held responsible for."

"The best way to avoid a global claim is to keep detailed records throughout the project."

"If you can break the chain of causation, the claim may fail altogether or at least be heavily reduced."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 66 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin speaks on the critical aspects of construction law, emphasising the significance of contracts for subcontractors. He provides practical advice on protecting your business from unwanted contractual risks by understanding contractual rights and obligations. Jacob highlights the importance of written contracts, outlines key elements that make them legally binding, and discusses various contract types. He also covers relevant UK statutes, common pitfalls to avoid, and effective dispute resolution methods. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for subcontractors navigating the complexities of construction contract law.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Key elements that make a contract legally binding.
•  Relevant statutes influencing construction contract law in the UK.
•  Differences between express and implied terms in contracts
•  Common pitfalls subcontractors should avoid in contract agreements.
•  Importance of maintaining accurate documentation for protection.

BEST MOMENTS:

"There are three key elements which are the offer and acceptance, the consideration, and the intention to create legal relations."

"Written contracts have the advantage of clarity. They lay out terms like payment schedules, timelines, and specific deliverables, which leaves less room for misinterpretation."

"Simple contracts can be made in writing, orally, or through conduct, and they're typically enforceable for up to six years."

"Express terms are specifically stated, and express terms may include further terms by reference."

"Keeping documentation is one of the best tools you have for protecting yourself in a subcontract."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 67 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin explores the crucial topic of bonds and guarantees in construction contracts. Tailored for subcontractors, Jacob explains the different types of bonds—default and on-demand—their purposes, and financial implications. He emphasises the importance of understanding bonding capacity and offers practical tips for managing bonds effectively. Jacob also discusses the significance of termination dates and parent company guarantees. This episode aims to educate subcontractors on navigating the complexities of bonds and guarantees, ensuring they protect their financial interests and thrive in the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  Definition and function of bonds as financial instruments in the construction industry.
•  Financial security and risk management implications of bonds for subcontractors.
•  Process of obtaining bonds through insurance companies and banks.
•  Financial implications and potential costs associated with bonds.
•  Practical tips for managing bonds and guarantees effectively.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Many subcontractors, in fact, might be more financially stable than the contractor themselves. Who's asking for that bond? And that's where understanding your options and rights around bonds can save you from taking on undue risk.

"A default bond, which is sometimes called a conditional bond, is a true performance bond. It's only triggered if the subcontractor, let's say you, fails to meet your contractual obligations."

"On demand bonds are typically more expensive as well due to the higher level of risk. Your bank might recommend one, but it's worth noting that this is the most onerous form of bond."

"Obtaining a bond can tie up a subcontractors financial resources, and that potentially makes it harder for them to fulfil the contract in the first place."

"Bonds can be modified to meet the needs of both parties, so don't hesitate to request changes if you feel certain terms could expose you to undue risk."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 68 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin provides construction business owners with essential strategies manage sub-contracting their own work. Key topics include contractual obligations, quality control, payment structures, communication, and risk management. Jacob emphasises the importance of clear communication, robust contractual protections, and diligent oversight to maintain compliance with main contractor expectations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Establishing effective communication channels between main contractors and sub-subcontractors.
•  Strategies for ensuring quality control and compliance with industry standards.
•  Managing materials and payment practicalities, including retention of title clauses and avoiding factoring.
•  The significance of regular check-ins and open dialogue to maintain project alignment.
•  Managing project timelines and addressing potential delays with clear clauses and penalties.

BEST MOMENTS:

"When you, as a subcontractor working for a main contractor, decide to engage a sub subcontractor, it's essential to ensure that relevant terms from the main contract are passed on downstream."

"You also need to transfer program requirements, but also be mindful that in construction, it's common to see program requirements shift due to unforeseen circumstances."

"Moving on to payment structures. One critical factor in managing your sub subcontractors is setting fair but protective payment arrangements to maintain cash flow."

"One thing that you have to be really clear about, if you're managing sub subcontractors, is maintaining a clear communication boundary with the main contractor."

"Consider developing a quality checklist tailored to the specifics of the sub subcontract tasks and sharing it with them as part of the inquiry."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 69 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin talks about the transformative role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, particularly from the perspective of quantity surveyors. Jacob explains how BIM enhances efficiency, collaboration, and accuracy in measurements and cost estimation. He emphasises the importance of adopting BIM to improve information flow, decision-making, and overall project outcomes. By consolidating project data into a single digital model, BIM fosters better coordination among stakeholders and reduces errors. Jacob encourages listeners to embrace BIM for its potential to revolutionise traditional construction practices and improve project efficiency.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry.
•  Perspective of quantity surveyors on measurements and estimating.
•  Transition from traditional methods to digital models for cost estimation.
•  Support for facilities management through comprehensive digital models.
•  Challenges in implementing BIM, including cultural shifts and technology barriers.

BEST MOMENTS:

"BIM is about delivering construction projects more efficiently, doing what we said we would do in the way we said we do it, and hopefully by the time we said we'd do it too."

"BIM helps us to build the job before we build it, means we can get it right on the first day on the first try."

"This collaborative approach reduces inefficiencies, eliminates unnecessary waste, and improves the quality of the delivered asset or building."

"BIM can also help quantity surveyors stay aligned with design changes, ensuring that stakeholders are working with the most current information."

"Collaboration is key; BIM thrives in a collaborative environment and quantity surveyors, designers, subcontractors, contractors must work together to develop the model that works for everybody's needs."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 70 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the topic of retentions in the construction industry. He explains that retentions are a financial safeguard for clients, ensuring project quality and timely defect rectification. Jacob outlines the mechanics of retentions, highlighting challenges such as delayed payments and unfair terms. He emphasises the importance of understanding contractual terms, documenting work, and maintaining communication with contractors. By proactively managing retention claims, subcontractors can secure their payments and foster better relationships. Jacob's insights aim to help subcontractors navigate the complexities of retentions effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Definition and purpose of retentions in the construction industry.
•  Mechanics of how retentions are applied and released.
•  Challenges faced by subcontractors regarding delayed payments and unfair terms.
•  Importance of understanding contractual terms related to retentions.
•  Strategies for proactive management of retention claims.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Retentions are a form of a financial safety net for clients. They're there to offer certainty that the works are going to be finished, and they're almost like an insurance for if defects or issues arise after the project is completed."

"There are rules that stipulate how retentions should be dealt with, which fall under part of the Construction Act. And one of the most important provisions of that is that payment to subcontractors cannot be tied to events in the main contract."

"Retentions are often misunderstood or even resented by subcontractors. After all, from one perspective, it's money that you've earned that's being withheld, and it can be seen as outdated or punitive."

"The key to getting your hands on them is to do what you're supposed to do, workwise, and be proactive about chasing up the release."

"Instead of pricing retentions, focus on ensuring your contract terms are fair and enforceable, and do your bit to get your hands on the money."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 71 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin addresses the pressing economic challenges faced by subcontractors, including rising material costs, labor shortages, and inflation. Jacob offers actionable strategies to ensure profitability and business growth despite these adversities. Key topics include effective cash flow management, strategic pricing, client base diversification, and efficient material and labor cost management. Emphasising the importance of strong contractor relationships, Jacob provides practical advice to help subcontractors navigate the current economic landscape and thrive. This episode is a must-listen for construction business owners seeking to bolster their operations during uncertain times.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Strategies for subcontractors to survive in an uncertain economic climate.
•  Importance of cash flow management for profitability.
•  Pricing strategies to balance profitability and competitiveness.
•  Building strong relationships with contractors through communication.
•  Proactive communication and feedback mechanisms with contractors.

BEST MOMENTS:

"You can have a full order book, and you can still fail if cash flow isn't your best friend."

"Remembering to obtain the paperwork necessary to get your hands on retention at the right time is an easy but often overlooked issue."

"Pricing in uncertain economic climates is a bit of a delicate balance."

"Diversify your client base to mitigate risk in an unstable economy."

"Tough times don't last, but tough subcontractors do."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 72 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin provides an in-depth analysis of the JCT Standard Building Subcontract 2016. Aimed at construction business owners, the episode educates subcontractors on the critical components of contract documents. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding these documents to minimise the risk you take on as a subcontractor. He covers key elements such as contract structure, clauses, and requirements, while also addressing the significance of accurate contract drawings and specifications. By demystifying these aspects, Jacob equips subcontractors with the knowledge to avoid disputes and ensure successful project execution.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of understanding contract documents for subcontractors.
•  The significance of accurate contract drawings and specifications.
•  Role of contractor design portions and alignment with subcontractor proposals.
•  Importance of health and safety documents in construction contracts.
•  Strategies for interpreting contract terms and addressing discrepancies.

BEST MOMENTS:

"It's like having a map in a maze. You still have to do the walking, but at least you won't bang your head into the same wall ten times before finding the exit."

"Get the contract right, get it signed, and get everyone clear before any heavy lifting begins."

"Clarity is key. And if you don't know what something means, get your RFI schedule going and ask questions about it."

"Clear documentation equals fewer disputes when everyone knows what they're supposed to do, when to do it, and how they get paid."

"Contracts shouldn't be something to fear. Think of them as a framework that, if used correctly, they protect all parties involved."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 73 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin addresses the  topic of amending standard forms of contract in the construction industry. Jacob explains why these amendments are often necessary, such as adapting to new regulations or project-specific needs, but also highlights the potential risks and misunderstandings they can cause. He provides practical strategies for subcontractors, including early review of amendments, proactive negotiation, thorough documentation, and seeking professional advice. Jacob aims to empower subcontractors with the knowledge and tools to navigate contract modifications confidently, ensuring their interests are protected.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Reasons for contract amendments and their necessity.
•  Potential pitfalls and risks associated with contract modifications.
•  Importance of understanding the implications of amendments.
•  Real-world examples illustrating the consequences of poorly drafted amendments.
•  Importance of documentation and record-keeping during negotiations.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Amendments can be double-edged swords; on one side, well-drafted revisions help ensure compliance with new regulations, but on the other, they can be misused to push maximum risk onto someone else's shoulders."

"Nobody likes doing extra paperwork, but getting things defined at the start of the job and setting clear expectations is the best way to procure a job."

"I want you as a subcontractor to be able to enter into agreements with your eyes open to what goes on."

"You don't want a situation where you started work and now the contract is saying, "Hold on, I can't pay you because you haven't signed my contract."

"Understanding what amendments are intended to do and how they can be misused gives you the ability to push back where it's appropriate and approach amendments with cautious optimism."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 74 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin kicks off 2025 by guiding subcontractors through the intricacies of the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) standard building contract. Jacob raises key topics including notices, handling provisional sums, and the timing of variation quotations. Jacob also stresses the critical nature of prompt notifications and meticulous record-keeping. By fostering clear communication and collaboration, subcontractors can navigate contractual complexities and achieve successful project outcomes. This episode is a must-listen for construction business owners aiming to enhance their financial success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Overview of payment structures under the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) standard building contract.
•  Handling of provisional sums and variations in contracts.
•  Importance of proper documentation and communication.
•  Valuing variations and establishing fair rates for new work.
•  Emphasis on collaboration between subcontractors and contractors for successful project outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Reading clauses on payment can feel about as fun as a trip to the dentist. But this is about the most important part of the subcontract."

"From a subcontractor's perspective, having a good site record and keeping a watchful eye on your productivity is essential as well as a detailed remeasure of the finished job."

"For defined provisional sums, the tender documentation must provide enough detail about the nature, location, and the requirements of the item."

"If you are being delayed or disrupted, you have to notify the contractor promptly. This is a warning to tell them, look, something's going wrong."

"A collaborative approach is the best way when it comes to construction. We're all usually trying to build something in challenging situations."

"The subcontract entitlements that we've discussed today are a framework to underpin that collaboration rather than work against it."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 75 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the crucial topic of extensions of time clauses in construction contracts. He explains how these clauses protect subcontractors from liquidated damages and help manage project delays. Jacob provides practical advice on the procedures for applying for extensions, identifying relevant events, and understanding the implications of concurrency and time at large. He emphasises the importance of timely notifications, comprehensive record-keeping, and effective communication. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with the knowledge to enhance profitability, improve cash flow, and ensure business growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of extensions of time (EOT) clauses in construction contracts for subcontractors.
•  Protection against liquidated damages due to project delays.
•  Necessity of timely notification to contractors regarding potential delays.
•  Importance of maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of delays.
•  Procedures for applying for extensions of time and relevant events that justify them.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Liquidated damages are actually quite useful because it puts a finite answer on what that cost is, so that you can manage the risk accordingly."

"The extension of time procedure and the liquidated damages themselves are there to avoid that messy process and help all parties manage the risk and understand where they stand."

"If the delay is a natural event, as in something like the weather or something that is in nobody's control, then you would be entitled to more time, but you wouldn't be paid for the time."

"When you realise a delay is occurring or likely to occur, you have to give a notice."

"The notice serves a valuable purpose; it allows everyone to investigate and take records whilst memories are fresh."

"Concurrency is really difficult to prove, and it is also genuinely quite rare for there to be two overlapping events with equal effects that run genuinely concurrently."

Link to episode 14 referred to in this episode: Episode 14

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 76 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about Contra Charges in the construction industry. Jacob explains that contra charges are common law mechanisms to address damage or breaches of contract, not punitive measures. He covers key points such as the definition and context of contra charges, common reasons they occur, and the burden of proof required for disputes. Jacob also provides practical advice on handling contra charges, including maintaining detailed records, requesting evidence, and negotiating settlements. The episode emphasises proactive risk management and collaborative solutions to mitigate the impact of contra charges on subcontractors.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Definition and context of contra charges in the construction industry.
•  The burden of proof required for main contractors to justify contra charges.
•  Practical advice for subcontractors on managing contra charges effectively.
•  Emphasis on thorough documentation and communication throughout projects.
•  Encouragement for subcontractors to be proactive in resolving issues to avoid formal contra charges.

BEST MOMENTS:

"If there's a charge, the chances are they've had to arrange for corrective works, or they've incurred some costs due to a problem that you have caused."

"The JCT forms, for example, literally don't say the word contra charge."

"The contractor has got to establish that there has been something that you've done that's contrary to the contract, or perhaps you failed to do something that you are obliged to do."

"Consider a pragmatic settlement. If the amount seems fair, or if you know that your team was at fault, dragging out the dispute probably isn't going to help."

"Documentation is your best friend. Firstly, knowing what your order documents say. But then those site documents, the photos, the diaries, the email trails, your program and progress monitoring."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 77 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about the pivotal role of effective communication in the construction industry. Clear communication is essential for subcontractors, impacting relationships, project success, and the ability to secure repeat work. He discusses key communication tools such as RFIs, site instructions, and daily diaries, highlighting their importance in managing risks and ensuring clarity. Jacob also offers practical advice on maintaining professionalism, fostering a collaborative environment, and addressing issues proactively. This episode aims to equip subcontractors with strategies to enhance their communication skills, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and stronger contractor relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of effective communication in the construction industry.
•  Tools and practices for effective communication.
•  Strategies for maintaining professionalism in communication.
•  Fostering a culture of openness and respect within project teams.
•  Proactive communication and planning to anticipate project needs.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Communicating effectively can save you more time, money, and stress than most pieces of plant and equipment on site."

"Being the organised subcontractor who always communicates clearly goes a long way to help you secure repeat work."

"A well-structured communication system will reduce confusion and potentially friction between you and other trades or the main contractor."

"Nothing can kill your time and morale on a project like a well-toned paper war or chain of email tennis."

"The defects liability or the rectification period can be the point that makes or breaks the client's perception of a contractor."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 78 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is speaks about the rising importance of sustainability clauses and environmental requirements in the construction industry. Jacob highlights the necessity for subcontractors to adapt their business models to meet these evolving demands while maintaining profitability. He discusses the implications of sustainability obligations in contracts, the benefits and challenges of implementing eco-friendly practices, and proactive strategies for subcontractors to address sustainability. By embracing sustainable practices, subcontractors can enhance their marketability, build stronger client relationships, and contribute to a more sustainable future in construction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of sustainability in the construction industry
•  Transition from optional to essential sustainability practices
•  Compliance requirements for subcontractors regarding eco-friendly materials
•  Proactive strategies for subcontractors to implement sustainability
•  Challenges associated with adopting eco-friendly materials
•  Opportunities for subcontractors to innovate and differentiate in a competitive market

BEST MOMENTS:

"If you want to keep winning lucrative contracts, particularly for government or large commercial organisations, then you need to tackle and address these green obligations head on."

"The tricky part is ensuring the cost for complying with those requirements is in your price. If not, you could face unexpected expenses."

"Implementing green measures often forces you to optimise your own processes, be that reducing materials or thinking about lean construction techniques which can boost your internal efficiency."

"Sometimes eco friendly materials have longer lead. In times, maybe they're not manufactured as often, or they come from smaller, more specialised suppliers."

"You might look at sustainability as a burden, but if you approach it in a strategic fashion, it can be a powerful tool for you to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 79 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is talking about aiming to secure work in a competitive market. Jacob tackles common bidding challenges, stressing the importance of crafting compelling bids that emphasise unique value propositions. He covers key topics such as writing effective bids by tailoring them to client needs and showcasing competitive advantages. Additionally, he discusses identifying and pricing risks through thorough risk assessments to prevent underbidding. Jacob also highlights the significance of tracking material prices and labor rates to stay updated on market conditions for accurate pricing. Furthermore, he advises using past experiences by leveraging data from previous projects to inform future bids and emphasises leveraging niche expertise to highlight specialised skills for a competitive edge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Challenges faced by subcontractors when bidding for projects
•  Importance of writing effective and tailored bids
•  Utilising niche expertise to gain a competitive edge
•  Leveraging past project experiences to improve bid accuracy
•  The significance of showcasing unique value propositions in bids
•  Identifying and accurately pricing project risks

BEST MOMENTS:

"Winning a project isn't just about one job; it's about building relationships with main contractors and their project managers."

"Consider how each project can build your reputation, bring you more expertise, and help you strengthen your market position."

"Develop a standard tender checklist that should cover everything from reviewing the main contract conditions to the spec, the scope, and the program."

"Using past experience to inform your bids is vital; if you're not analysing that to refine your future bids, you're missing out on a huge learning opportunity."

"Bidding isn't about winning at any cost; it's about winning profitably and sustainably."

Link to the Cost Reporting Episode Mentioned in this Episode

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

This week's episode - 80 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast is a rerun of Episode 19, in which Jacob Austin discusses the topic of Value Engineering and Whole Life Costing. He starts by defining these two phrases which are widely used in the industry. He then gives some historical context to value engineering and how it has evolved into what we know today. Jacob highlights some interesting reasons behind particular materials being specified and how these may affect the implementation of value engineering. He also gives some practical advice on how to deal with value engineering requests, what to do to avoid the risks and ensure the full impact is considered prior to proceeding. Throughout the episode, Jacob imparts his industry wisdom to help subcontractors manage the value engineering process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Value engineering is a process of buying the best performing product or output for the least financial outlay.
• When submitting value engineering options it is important to establish what is driving the selection of the specified products. Sometimes these are not obvious, and may come back to bite.
• If multiple performance requirements must be considered, they can be evaluated by the formula: Product Value = Function ÷ Cost
• A full spec or datasheet for any products you propose should be submitted alongside the price and ensure that the contractor and their architect review it in detail prior to committing to changing.

BEST MOMENTS:

"All it is is ripping out any value from a project and substituting it with cheap alternatives"

"In my experience how we implement it in construction is all to do with cost reduction"

"Sometimes the best savings can be quite radical"

"It just goes to show you never can tell what someone else is going to want and if you can, your skills are probably best employed somewhere else"

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links 

In episode 81 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is explores the distinctions between large and small construction projects. He advises subcontractors on tailoring their commercial strategies to different project scales, emphasising profitability, cash flow management, and contract comprehension. Jacob discusses the complexities and risks of large projects, such as high-rise buildings, versus the quicker turnarounds and steady cash flow of smaller projects. He also highlights the importance of internal capabilities, marketing, and risk management. The episode aims to help subcontractors make informed decisions about the types of projects that best align with their business models.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Adjusting commercial strategies based on project scale
•  Timeframes for project completion and their impact on finances
•  Complexities and risks associated with big versus small projects
•  Cash flow management and profitability considerations
•  Marketing benefits of working on large projects versus smaller projects
•  Hybrid approach to project selection for financial stability and diversification

Link to the Cost Reporting Episode Mentioned in this Episode

BEST MOMENTS:

"The bigger and the more educated your client is, the more likely they are to try and tilt that contract in their favour."

You need to do your due diligence not just on the contract that you're appointed under, but on the client themselves that's going to pay the bills."

"Smaller projects might have less absolute risks. There's less people to impact if things go wrong, and that means less greedy mouths to feed when it comes to things like contra charges."

"Cash flow is really important to your business, so consider before you commit to doing a job that you can see it through to the end and remain financially stable."

"Don't be afraid to carve out a niche in one area if that's where you particularly excel, or perhaps maintain a smart blend."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

n episode 82 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is discussing the transformative impact of technology in the construction industry. He delves into Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and digital sign-off technologies, emphasising their potential to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and boost profitability for subcontractors. Austin offers practical advice on integrating these tools, such as designating team members to manage project information and leveraging digital platforms for better version control and communication. He underscores the importance of adopting these advancements wisely to enhance operations and stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Impact of technology on the construction industry
•  Challenges associated with adopting new technologies
•  Importance of centralised platforms for managing project information
•  Practical tips for navigating digital tools and platforms
•  Advantages of digital sign-off processes over traditional methods
•  Need for strategic evaluation and integration of new technologies in operations

BEST MOMENTS:

"One report found projects using common data environments had a 20% shorter project duration and 30% lower overall costs."

"Drones can do these kinds of tasks in minutes, not only saving time, but improving safety."

"BIM isn't just a fancy 3D model, but a process that integrates design, quantities, scheduling, and programming into a shared digital space."

"No technology fixes a bad process, so you need to integrate these tools wisely."

"Embracing technology in construction can be a bit like going to the gym... stick with it and you'll come out faster, stronger, and maybe even wondering why you didn't start sooner."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 83 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin is speaks on the CIC BIM Protocol, crucial for managing Building Information Modelling (BIM) design processes in construction projects. Jacob emphasises the importance of understanding the protocol's structure, key clauses, and common pitfalls. He highlights the need for subcontractors to be aware of their obligations, the implications on their liability, and the significance of proper documentation and training. By mastering these elements, subcontractors can enhance collaboration, efficiency, and their overall success in the increasingly digital construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Introduction and purpose of the CIC BIM Protocol.
•  Structure and components of the BIM Protocol, including key clauses.
•  Importance of the BIM Responsibility Matrix for subcontractors.
•  Obligations of subcontractors and employers under the BIM Protocol.
•  Common pitfalls subcontractors face when engaging with BIM.
•  Practical tips for subcontractors to effectively implement the BIM Protocol.

BEST MOMENTS:

"The ultimate goal is fewer mistakes, better coordination, and clearer digital collaboration across the project."

This puts a clear obligation on you to actively engage in the coordination process, not just passively, to receive instructions."

"This is trying to give the members of the project the ability to rely on your data, but limiting your liability if they modify it or start misusing it for something beyond the project scope."

"The BIM process is incredibly useful and it's really collaborative, but it can also be really rigid."

"Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is going to get you a contra charge."

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links