Michelle Cirson
The Subbies' Toolbox Podcast
The Subbies Toolbox Podcast is for Australian commercial subcontractors who want to understand the real rules of construction and stop being worn down by outdated systems and one-sided contracts. Hosted by Michelle Cirson, a construction lawyer, adjudicator and former builder contracts administrator, this podcast calls out industry norms that no longer make sense and explains how subcontractors can navigate them with clarity and confidence. Michelle explores topics like contract risk, power imbalances, commercial leverage and smarter ways to work within the system while pushing for better outc...
Author
Michelle Cirson
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 7, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
Episode 28 - No margin on variations and no way out of your contract 02.10.2021 15:22
The instability in the market in the construction industry at the moment is seeing builders scramble to lock Subbies in for yesterday's pricing. One of the ways Subcontractors are being hoodwinked is by having inadequate margin on variations. Listen to this episode and do the three small things at contract signing to avoid this happening to you. ---------------------------------------...
Episode 27 - How to read contracts like you read drawings 27.09.2021 18:42
It is absolutely possible for Aussie Subcontractors to pick up a 400 + page construction contract and read it with the same ease and understanding as you read drawings. You just need to know how it is done. In this Episode of the Tricks of Your Trade Podcast spill the beans on how to do it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle...
Episode 26 - Is your Construction Contract COVID proof? 17.09.2021 16:11
If you're experiencing increased cost of materials, delays in getting materials and labour or you can't get to site because of a lockdown issue, tune into this Podcast for some tips on how to navigate the problem. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract ; A Guide For Subcon...
Episode 25 - How are your business relationships impacting your family 05.09.2021 20:51
It's Father's Day here in Australia and a good time to reflect on the way our children see and learn from our business interactions. We only get one life. How much is your relationship with your builder affecting the lives of your family? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your B...
Episode 24 - How to get paid for delay costs under a construction subcontract 22.08.2021 20:48
Time is quite literally, your money. If you aren't claiming delay costs under your subcontract you are forgetting who you work for. In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, I give you the 5 key things you need to do to claim delay costs under your construction contract. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's...
Episode 23 - What to expect in Adjudication - Rolling the dice to get paid 09.08.2021 29:15
Modern day Adjudication has its pitfalls, and as an Aussie Subcontractor who is owed money, it is so important for you to understand what you're getting yourself in for if you can't avoid costly debt recovery processes. In this episode, I break down the five high stress moments in an Adjudication process and give you an outline of what to expect from the process. ---------------------------...
Episode 22 - Why the Builder's carrot is always a raw deal 08.07.2021 18:55
How often is your builder asking you to leave money on the table on the current job so that you can be spoon fed the next job? When you understand why you're being asked this question in the first place, you will see that your business will be better off if these builders are working with your competitors. Unless your builder is throwing in the next project as a good faith value proposition in rea...
Episode 21 - Innocent reasons your Builder asks you to start work on site without a written contract 02.07.2021 22:19
Your builder isn't always trying to rob you of a quid when he asks you to start work on site without the written contract squared away. Thing is, the real reason you're being asked to do this are because of internal problems or procedural issues that your builder is juggling. Listen to this episode to find out what they are, and what might happen if you do start before you square away the pa...
Episode 20 - Retention Wars - contract hacks that get retention released 24.06.2021 21:14
If you're not thinking about getting paid for your retentions until the end of the project, you've already missed the boat on the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to protect your payment. In this episode I'm not only giving you contract hacks to get retention released, I'm also giving you a free template email to your builder to firm up your end of DLP reference date. ---------------------...
Episode 19 - How you can DIY your contract reviews 17.06.2021 25:41
If you're an Aussie Subcontractor and you don't have a cost effective and practical solution to reviewing your Builder's Contract before you sign it, this is the episode for you. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract ; A Guide For Subcontractors Explore ways to get...
Episode 18 - Is your relationship with your builder a two-way street? 10.06.2021 20:03
In this episode I'm ripping off the rose coloured glasses to road test your relationship with your builder. With tips and tricks on how you can harness that relationship to gain commercial footholds at all the right times, this podcast is a must listen if you're one of those "too nice" guys when it comes to negotiation. -----------------------------------------------------------------...
Episode 17 - How you can get trapped in your Builder's contract with no way to end the deal 08.06.2021 23:31
If you're an Aussie Subbie there is every chance you have been in this situation without even being aware. Being trapped under contract in a situation where you're not making money - or worse, you're LOSING money, is a business sinker reality. In this episode I spill the beans on the two most common way subcontractors find themselves trapped under contract. ---------------------------...
Episode 16 - Why you need a Safety System Brag Book 30.05.2021 49:16
Guest expert Jillian Hamilton of Manage Damage deep dives into why your safety systems can be the point of difference that wins you work. Click HERE for an exclusive offer for Tricks of Your Trade Podcast Listeners (and existing clients). Download the QLD Priority Fine First Offence Summary HERE. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Downl...
Episode 15 - More Time = Less Money 21.05.2021 16:29
If you hate calling your Builder to chase overdue invoices, in this Episode I'm literally talking to YOU. A lot of Subcontractors think that being patient and taking a softly softly approach will get them paid sooner without a fight. It's actually the opposite. In this Episode I'm giving you 5 undeniable reasons sitting on your hands waiting for payment will only result in you no...
Episode 14 - Risk vs Reward when signing big scary contracts 15.05.2021 15:35
Subcontractors signing their Builders' contracts are routinely faced with BIG scary risk and very little leverage to negotiate. In this podcast I explain how you can strike a balance between head in the sand signing your life away and understanding the risks but living with them anyway. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's F...
Episode 13 - Why you can't expect your Builder to pay you on time, EVERY time, in full. 08.05.2021 12:56
#subcontractors this is why you can't be paid on time EVERY time, in full. And here's what you should do about it. Register below to attend my upcoming FREE webinar below. I'll be helping you develop an Accounts Receivable Escalation Procedure for your trade business. No cookie cutter templates - during this one hour webinar I'll be showing you what buttons to push at what times to protect y...
Episode 12 - Do these three FREE things right now to reduce the risk of doing business with your builder 26.02.2021 16:14
In today's episode I'm giving you three very easy things you can start doing right now (for free) that will eliminate bucket loads of risk for your business. Doing these things will not lose you any work, or get anyone's nose out of joint. In fact, if you do these things with a good bloke approach, your builder is likely to thank you. --------------------------------------------...
Episode 11: how to GROW your profit margin and not crap ya dacks 19.02.2021 55:05
In this episode we are tell you how to increase your profit margin without risking the biscuit. Adam Barnard of Tactix Business Coaching and I dive deep into winning work in a price war, and how to set your trade business up in a stable way to bump up and bump down your resources. Contact details for Adam are: Adam Barnard e: adam.barnard@tactixcoaching.com.au p: (02) 4204 8203 -------------...
Episode 10 - Preference Payments and PPSR with Peter Mills 12.02.2021 38:05
How to protect yourself from a preference payment claim by a liquidator if your builder goes broke. A deep dive into the practical steps that a subcontractor can take, even after the builder goes under, to prevent having to pay back money paid. You can contact our guest via details below: PETER MILLS Special Counsel Personal Property Securities + Debt Recovery + Insolvency P: (07...
Episode 9 - Why Aussie Subbies need to be the voice of the construction industry 04.02.2021 17:42
If you are an Aussie Subbie and you think the system is stacked against you, it is time to find your voice. In this Episode I explain why Subbies are THE most important link in the contractual chain when it comes to industry feedback and meaningful legal reform. And, I'm giving you a solution. Tune in. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Mic...
Episode 8 - Pistols at dawn and then my trade business went broke. How an Aussie Subbie lost his business while doing everything right! 28.01.2021 34:01
Are you an Aussie Subbie turning over circa $7-$10M, around about 50 workers and have ALL the work you desire? I bet you feel untouchable... This Aussie Subbie lost his business in what can only be described as a perfect storm, despite having everything going for him at the time. So how does that happen? This is a raw and honest interview by one of our own, to give you a heads up on what it is lik...
Episode 7 - the fastest way to recover money if your Builder goes broke 21.01.2021 27:54
Subcontractors did you know that in some instances getting paid by your builder isn't the best way to STAY paid? If your builder goes broke, sometimes a Trade Credit Insurance Policy can result in a better outcome for you than if you had been paid by your actual builder. In today's podcast I ask ALL the hard questions of @Liam Davies of Prasidium Trade Credit Brokers, and together we reality test...
Episode 6 - Why you need to know how to count a business day to get paid 18.01.2021 8:22
Sometimes it's the stupidest things that stop you from getting paid. Imagine getting kicked out of Adjudication because you miscalculated a business day! If you can't answer these questions you need to attend my free webinar on Wednesday: If you can't answer these questions, you need to attend my Webinar on Wednesday this week: - does a business day end at COB or midnight? - does the definition of...
Episode 5 - 5 more BS reasons your Builder isn't paying you 14.01.2021 10:10
I debunk five baseless reasons your builder puts your payment claim on hold, and I give you word for word what you can say back to the Builder to shake your money free. 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 Call with Michelle Want to negot...
Episode 4 - How to tell if your builder might be going broke 12.01.2021 18:26
I spill the beans on the 10 plain as day signs any Aussie Subcontractor can watch out for to spot a builder in financial trouble. 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 Call with Michelle Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explo...
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.