In episode 70 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin discusses the topic of retentions in the construction industry. He explains that retentions are a financial safeguard for clients, ensuring project quality and timely defect rectification. Jacob outlines the mechanics of retentions, highlighting challenges such as delayed payments and unfair terms. He emphasises the importance of understanding contractual terms, documenting work, and maintaining communication with contractors. By proactively managing retention claims, subcontractors can secure their payments and foster better relationships. Jacob's insights aim to help subcontractors navigate the complexities of retentions effectively.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Definition and purpose of retentions in the construction industry.
• Mechanics of how retentions are applied and released.
• Challenges faced by subcontractors regarding delayed payments and unfair terms.
• Importance of understanding contractual terms related to retentions.
• Strategies for proactive management of retention claims.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Retentions are a form of a financial safety net for clients. They're there to offer certainty that the works are going to be finished, and they're almost like an insurance for if defects or issues arise after the project is completed."

"There are rules that stipulate how retentions should be dealt with, which fall under part of the Construction Act. And one of the most important provisions of that is that payment to subcontractors cannot be tied to events in the main contract."

"Retentions are often misunderstood or even resented by subcontractors. After all, from one perspective, it's money that you've earned that's being withheld, and it can be seen as outdated or punitive."

"The key to getting your hands on them is to do what you're supposed to do, workwise, and be proactive about chasing up the release."

"Instead of pricing retentions, focus on ensuring your contract terms are fair and enforceable, and do your bit to get your hands on the money."

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/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 69 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin talks about the transformative role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, particularly from the perspective of quantity surveyors. Jacob explains how BIM enhances efficiency, collaboration, and accuracy in measurements and cost estimation. He emphasises the importance of adopting BIM to improve information flow, decision-making, and overall project outcomes. By consolidating project data into a single digital model, BIM fosters better coordination among stakeholders and reduces errors. Jacob encourages listeners to embrace BIM for its potential to revolutionise traditional construction practices and improve project efficiency.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry.
• Perspective of quantity surveyors on measurements and estimating.
• Transition from traditional methods to digital models for cost estimation.
• Support for facilities management through comprehensive digital models.
• Challenges in implementing BIM, including cultural shifts and technology barriers.

BEST MOMENTS:

"BIM is about delivering construction projects more efficiently, doing what we said we would do in the way we said we do it, and hopefully by the time we said we'd do it too."

"BIM helps us to build the job before we build it, means we can get it right on the first day on the first try."

"This collaborative approach reduces inefficiencies, eliminates unnecessary waste, and improves the quality of the delivered asset or building."

"BIM can also help quantity surveyors stay aligned with design changes, ensuring that stakeholders are working with the most current information."

"Collaboration is key; BIM thrives in a collaborative environment and quantity surveyors, designers, subcontractors, contractors must work together to develop the model that works for everybody's needs."

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/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links

In episode 68 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin provides construction business owners with essential strategies manage sub-contracting their own work. Key topics include contractual obligations, quality control, payment structures, communication, and risk management. Jacob emphasises the importance of clear communication, robust contractual protections, and diligent oversight to maintain compliance with main contractor expectations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Establishing effective communication channels between main contractors and sub-subcontractors.
• Strategies for ensuring quality control and compliance with industry standards.
• Managing materials and payment practicalities, including retention of title clauses and avoiding factoring.
• The significance of regular check-ins and open dialogue to maintain project alignment.
• Managing project timelines and addressing potential delays with clear clauses and penalties.

BEST MOMENTS:

"When you, as a subcontractor working for a main contractor, decide to engage a sub subcontractor, it's essential to ensure that relevant terms from the main contract are passed on downstream."

"You also need to transfer program requirements, but also be mindful that in construction, it's common to see program requirements shift due to unforeseen circumstances."

"Moving on to payment structures. One critical factor in managing your sub subcontractors is setting fair but protective payment arrangements to maintain cash flow."

"One thing that you have to be really clear about, if you're managing sub subcontractors, is maintaining a clear communication boundary with the main contractor."

"Consider developing a quality checklist tailored to the specifics of the sub subcontract tasks and sharing it with them as part of the inquiry."

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/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

www.qs.zone/all-links