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PODCAST

The Subcontractors Blueprint

Welcome to "The Subcontractors Blueprint," the essential podcast for construction industry Subcontractors. Join host Jacob Austin, a seasoned Chartered Surveyor with a rich background in industry giants and the founder of QS.Zone. This show is your key to mastering commercial savvy and contract finesse. Gain the knowledge and skills to manage accounts, understand rights, and boost profitability as an SME sub-contractor. Jacob"s expertise guides you through risk management, cashflow

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All Episodes

15:43

Project Reporting: Essential Records for Subcontractors

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/04/08

In episode 36 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

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16:51

Decoding the Demands: A Comprehensive Look at...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/04/01

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

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19:42

Mastering Dispute Avoidance: Expert Advice for...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/03/26

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

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26:06

When Disruption Hits: A Subcontractor's Survival Guide

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/03/19

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

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16:11

The Top Ten Most Common Issues Caused by Unclear...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/03/12

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

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24:38

Mastering Remeasurement: Empowering Subcontractors to...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/03/05

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

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16:02

How Can Subcontractors Ensure Quality and...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/02/27

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

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15:45

Five Steps to Change Success: The Most Effective...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/02/20

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

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51:28

Building a Strong Foundation: Prioritising Mental...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/02/13

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

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21:04

Show Me the Money: Cash Flow Survival Guide for...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/02/06

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

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21:34

The Most Essential Guide to Provisional Sums for...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/01/30

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

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18:49

Navigating Unquantifiable Risks in Construction:...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/01/23

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

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16:49

Understanding and Managing Latent and Patent Defects...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/01/16

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

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20:22

Unraveling the Complexities of Design Liability:...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2024/01/09

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,

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17:59

Are Actual Cost Contracts Hindering Efficiency in...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/12/19

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

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27:25

What is the JCT Subcontract?

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/12/12

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

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21:12

Risk management in construction: From uncertainty to...

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/12/05

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

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18:58

#20 Completion or Not Completion?

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/11/28

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

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18:56

#19 Value Engineering

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/11/21

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

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22:47

Valuing Changes

The Subcontractors Blueprint ·

2023/11/14

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

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