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/

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