The Subbies' Toolbox Podcast

In this episode, I discuss the benefits of reviewing your own contracts internally before seeking legal advice. I explain how understanding your trade and operations can help identify risks better than a lawyer alone. Key takeaways include reading contracts like drawings, using a checklist tailored to your needs, and asking lawyers targeted questions. Episode Highlights: Read contracts by separati...

In this episode, we're observing things builders have done both positively and negatively when struggling financially or going into liquidation. Episode highlights include: - Going public with financial struggles can trigger preference payment scrutiny Bogus charges/liquidated damages impact subbie insurance coverage Dragging out non-payment strings subs along without work or pay Play it straight...

In this episode, I'm discussing the importance of understanding how negative variations are treated in your subcontracting agreements. Many tradespeople are unaware that accepting large deletions of scope can eat into their profit margins if the contract allows builders to recoup money on cancelled work. I'm also sharing real world examples and guidance on evaluating your contracts to avoid unexpe...

Today, I want to shed light on the world of bank guarantees. They may seem like a cash flow saviour, but do they come with hidden risks? Join me as I explore the pros, cons, and the unexpected pitfalls of using bank guarantees in your trade contracts. Whether you're a builder or a subcontractor, this episode will help you make informed decisions about your financial security. Episode Takeaways: Ba...

Welcome to the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, where we delve into the ins and outs of the trade business world to help you navigate it successfully. Today, I want to revisit the crucial topic of negotiating contracts with builders, a subject that's vital for all you LLC subbies out there. With the surge in contract signings, it's more important than ever to ensure you're getting the terms you need...

In this episode, let's dive into a crucial topic: harnessing logic-based assurances to transform your builder's contract without igniting conflicts. With my experience as a construction adjudicator, lawyer, and director of Tricks of Your Trade, I'll guide you through effective negotiation strategies including: Exploring the delicate art of changing builder's contracts amid industry uncertainties....

Today, we're going to delve into the intriguing world of subcontracting within the Australian construction industry. Specifically, we'll be exploring how the contract sum can reveal important insights about your risk profile as a subcontractor. Join me as we unravel the mysteries behind contract sums and gain a deeper understanding of how they can impact your risk profile as a subcontractor. Wheth...

In this episode of The Tricks of Your Trade podcast, we delve into a crucial aspect of builder's contracts that often goes unnoticed but can have significant financial implications. We shine a spotlight on the "cross contract set off" or "set offs" clauses, also known as "Other Monies Due" clauses in the Australian Standards. These seemingly innocuous clauses can pose a grave danger to contractors...

In this episode of Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, we tackle a tough truth that may be difficult for subcontractors to hear. We dive deep into the world of insolvent builders and why, in many instances, it's actually in your best interests if they fall on their sword sooner rather than later. Join us as we explore the reasons behind builders' reluctance to admit defeat and how it can end up costing...

If you're a subcontractor in the construction industry, it's important to keep an eye out for signs that your builder might be struggling financially. In this episode, I discuss the top 10 signs to watch out for, and what they could mean for your business. I also provide practical tips for assessing the situation and protecting yourself in case of a builder's insolvency.   -------------------...

In this episode of Tricks of your Trade, I'm sharing my tips for prioritizing contract departures when negotiating with your builder. Instead of getting lost in legal jargon and clauses, I take a practical approach to help you identify what's really important for your project. Here are the key takeaways: Builders don't usually write their own contracts, so it's important to think about it in terms...

If your builder has just gone broke, you have a window of opportunity to negotiate a payment and some terms to complete the job with the principal. If you go into this negotiation the stress ball emotional wreck you understandably are, there’s a good chance you might agree to terms that don’t work for you. In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, I drill down on the four leverage indic...

If you are a subcontractor working for commercial builders, and you supply materials and equipment for your trade work, you need to be on the lookout for the Supplier Warranty Deed. If your builder’s includes one of these deeds, you might find yourself the meat between the builder and your supplier when the builder asks you to convince the supplier to sign their big scary deed at the end of the jo...

Non-union subcontractors may be cheaper, but do they really provide the same quality and value as union subcontractors? Find out in this week’s podcast with special guest, Tim Dive! "The best thing you can do in my book, the best thing any company can do is remain in control of your business as much as you can." - Tim Dive In this podcast episode, Tim shares how unions gain access to workers and h...

Today I'm interviewing Cian Brennan, CEO of Quantum Contracting Solutions. With a background working for tier 1 contractors, and qualifications in engineering and construction management Cian Brennan has witnessed first hand what goes on behind closed doors in the contractor's camp, and how they deal with subbie administration.   Cian Brennan's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel...

Welcome to our special guest Tim Dive from Workplace Advisory Specialists. In this episode we discuss the best type of Contract for an ABN worker, and the common ways subcontracting businesses come unstuck when hiring labour that doesn’t want to go on the payroll. If you would like to contact Tim for more information, Tim’s details are below: Tim Dive Director - Workplace Advisory Specialists tim@...

What to do if you're builder is directing you to build something you know doesn't comply with the National Construction Code.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 world Book a Free Scoping Ca...

Changing pace on our podcast today, because recently I've had a front row seat to some very large protracted disputes, where the parties won't settle because one party is fighting for the principle of it. In this episode I'm ripping the band aid off and getting real about why you're better off using commerical cost benefit principles to settle a dispute, rather than moral principles, or even the r...

In recent weeks we have seen trade credit insurers pull cover on particular builders with 30 days notice. Many subcontractors are now wondering whether their trade credit insurance policy is pointless?  In this episode I drill down into all of the factors you should consider before you give up your policy.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Material price increases and rising building costs have been a major stress point for the industry for almost two years now. Here are three ways we are seeing subbies and builders get price increase clauses into their contracts.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract ; A G...

This month we have been receiving daily calls about issues we usually only hear about once or twice a year.  So that you can be ahead of the game, we are sharing these with you in this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade Podcast.    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Co...

One of the best profiling data you have available to you about your builder is your builder's payment schedule. Use these tips to work out what is going on behind the scenes with the builder's cashflow, project profitability and staffing situations.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Bu...

In an EPIC Subbies' Toolbox Members Spotlight interview, Kieran Scott from Fyre Pro Aus tells all about what its like to be a certifier one day, and a sub-subbie the next. Dabbling in Contracts, the Building Code and tinnys of XXXX Gold behind the warehouse after work, it doesn't get more coal face than this. Kieran is quite literally playing with fire on the best of days. Tune in to hear how Kier...

In this candid interview, Brice talks about how he was so busy putting out fires and trying to win work that he neglected his admin, which ultimately led to him not being paid. 12 months on, Bryce reflects on how different business can be when you contract with confidence.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Ch...

Anyone who has worked with me or even just followed me on socials will know that I frown and cuss a lot when people start talking about relationships being the be all and end all of their business. I've always taken this on board, because I recognise that it is a genuine concern for business owners. But deep down inside, I've always seen relationships as a blindfold of their own. Until this week,...