The Subbies' Toolbox Podcast

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle breaks down how subcontractors are successfully getting paid deposits for offsite goods without handing over bank guarantees. From lift subcontractors and structural steel, through to specialist imported equipment, this episode unpacks the commercial logic builders actually respond to when negotiating deposits. Michelle explains why bank guarantee...

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle Cirson breaks down one of the most misunderstood contract models in Commercial Construction — schedule of rates contracts.   At face value, these contracts can look flexible and straightforward. But in reality, they can quietly lock Aussie Subbies into long-term obligations, outdated pricing, unclear project&nbsp...

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the most misunderstood insurance clauses in commercial construction contracts: Contract Works Insurance. If your builder has asked you to hold this policy and you’ve nodded along without really knowing what it covers, you are definitely not alone. In this episode, I explain what Contract Works Insurance actually is, how it interacts wi...

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle pulls back the curtain on the EOFY payment schedule tactics builders use to make their financial position look healthier than it really is. After years working as a builder’s CA, Michelle shares the real-world strategies she saw used inside building companies to value down subcontractor claims, delay retentions, ignore variations and manufacture b...

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, I’m talking about something a lot of subcontractors overlook until it goes horribly wrong: purchase order terms and conditions. If you’ve ever paid a deposit for materials, equipment or specialist gear and crossed your fingers hoping everything turns up on time, this episode is for you. I walk through real stories from commercial subcontractors who found t...

As we roll toward the end of financial year, builders across Australia are pushing hard to lock subcontractors into contracts before June 30. And if you’re an Aussie subbie in Commercial Construction, this is the exact window where things can go pear shaped if you’re not careful. This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle Cirson breaks down the EOFY Contract Review Runway and explains why...

In this episode, Michelle shares three practical ways to shorten your departure schedule and make it easier for builders to actually engage with your proposed changes. If you’ve ever had a departure schedule completely knocked back or ignored, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. The longer and more complicated it gets, the less likely it is to be properly considered and that usually means...

Ep#6 – Material Price Increases v Fixed Price Contracts Material price increases are back in the construction industry and subcontractors everywhere are starting to feel that familiar knot in their stomach again. This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle Cirson dives into the reality of fixed price contracts during periods of economic instability, fuel increases and supplier price hikes....

AI is starting to show up everywhere in construction, including contract reviews. For subcontractors working in commercial construction, that can sound like a huge time saver. But it also introduces risks that many people don’t realise.   In this episode of The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle Cirson shares practical insights from reviewing hundreds of construction contra...

This week on The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, we’re talking about unfair contract terms laws and whether the changes brought in during 2023 have actually made things better for subcontractors. On paper, these laws look like a big win. There are serious penalties now for companies that include unfair terms in their contracts. But in practice, things aren’t always that simple. Most subcontractors are st...

In this episode, Michelle explains why Inspection Test Plans (ITPs) are one of the most overlooked tools subcontractors have to protect themselves on commercial construction projects.   Many subbies see ITPs as just paperwork. Something the builder asks for that ends up sitting in a folder no one ever looks at. But when payment disputes happen, when projects go sideways, or when builders star...

In this episode of The Subbies Toolbox Podcast, Michelle breaks down one of the most overlooked risk areas for commercial subcontractors: purchase order terms and conditions. Drawing on real experiences from legal disputes in the commercial construction industry, Michelle explains how many payment disputes actually start much earlier in a project. Small gaps in documentation, supplier agreements,...

Welcome to Season 2 and the first episode of The Subbies Toolbox Podcast.   If you’re a commercial subcontractor working for builders in Australia, this podcast is for you.   In this episode, I explain why the podcast has evolved from Tricks of Your Trade into the Subbies Toolbox, who I am, and why most subcontractor problems can be avoided long before anyone needs to go n...

This is the final episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast.   In this episode, I explain why the podcast name is changing, how the business has evolved and what that means for you as a subcontractor working in commercial construction.   I share the story behind how Tricks of Your Trade started, from my time as a builder’s CA through to becoming a solicitor, building The Subb...

Liquidated damages are becoming a bigger challenge for subcontractors, especially post-COVID. Builders are using them more aggressively, sometimes unfairly holding subcontractors responsible for delays they didn't cause—or even helped avoid. On today's episode of the Tricks of your Trade podcast I break down the key contract clauses you need to review to protect your business, including commenceme...

Hi there! Today, I want to chat with you about something that trips up a lot of people in the construction industry—the Christmas shutdown period. While many industries keep rolling through the holidays, construction traditionally grinds to a halt, and that can lead to some unexpected headaches. In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast,   I dive into the three key ways this do...

Why does the construction industry feel so tough when today’s technology should be making it easier? It’s a question I couldn’t stop thinking about as I stood in the rain at Brisbane’s City Hall 🏛️ (yes, I was soaked!) Looking at the incredible 1920s hand-drawn blueprints of this iconic building, I couldn’t help but wonder—if they managed all that without modern tech, why are we struggling so much...

In this episode, I’m diving into the critical clauses around variations in contracts—a topic that I've been asked about a lot lately. I’ll cover what to look out for before signing, including how long variations can be directed, whether you have the right to decline them, how they’re valued, and how margins on variations and credits are handled. I also touch on the importance of knowing your right...

Today’s podcast is all about the five key basics you should ALWAYS check in any builder's contract before signing. I’m talking about the bare minimum things you can do to avoid common traps and pitfalls that could cost you big time down the line. From double-checking the contract sum, scope of work, and guarantees, these straightforward checks are essential! Don't sign without them!   -------...

If you’re a subcontractor, chances are your builder’s thrown some frustrating phrases your way! In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, I’m calling out those classic lines builders use to push back in negotiations—and giving you the tools to respond with confidence (and keep your cool).   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dow...

In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, I share three essential tips to make your departure schedule shorter, and keep your builder happy.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract ; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your wo...

In this episode of the Tricks of the Trade podcast, I dive into a topic that's been on my mind for ages—the mathematical likelihood you'll end up in a dispute. Inspired by Survivor of all things, I discuss how predictable behavior can help you navigate contract disputes. I also break down a formula that sheds light on the probability of conflicts, the importance of doing due diligence, and the nec...

Ever thought about mixing friends, family, and business? If so, you might want to reconsider! Today we dive into what I like to call: "The Neapolitan Ice Cream Theory". In this episode of the Tricks of your Trade Podcast, we unpack why “love jobs” can be the riskiest ventures for your business with the least reward. Discover how mixing family, friends, and business can lead to a whole lot of mess...

Have you ever heard the phrase, "It's better to have a gun and not need it than to need it and not have it"? In this episode, I’m diving into how builders’ lawyers love throwing that around in contract negotiations— and why it’s not exactly great for building strong partnerships. I share some tricks for flipping the script, building better relationships on the job, and ultimately leading to better...

There is actually a mathematical equation that can be done to work out the likelihood you'll fall into dispute with your builder, based on the number of transactions you enter into and the number of other parties involved in the transaction. In this episode, I drill into what you can and can't control, and why you should care about the maths. You can watch this Episode on the Youtube channel for v...