Welcome to The QS.Zone Blog!

Empowering Subcontractors: A Journey with Jacob Austin

Hello everyone, I'm Jacob Austin, the owner of QS.Zone, the author of this Blog, and your host for the podcast, "The Subcontractors Blueprint." I'm thrilled to introduce you to this new venture, which is designed to up skill subcontractors in the construction industry. With 15 years of experience in the industry, I've seen firsthand the challenges subcontractors face, particularly in administration and understanding contracts. This blog post will give you a sneak peek into what you can expect from future posts, and the podcast.

Bridging the Gap in the Construction Industry

Throughout my career, I've encountered many subcontractors who excel in site management but struggle with the administrative side of the business. This is where "The Subcontractors Blueprint" comes in. My mission is to bridge this gap and help subcontractors understand their entitlements, secure fair payment, and navigate changes and variations in projects.

Demystifying Contracts

One of the main topics I plan to cover in the podcast is contracts. Contracts can be a source of frustration, often filled with jargon that makes them difficult to understand. I believe that some lawyers prioritize their own interests over delivering meaningful and workable contracts. I aim to debunk the mysteries surrounding contracts and explain industry-specific contracts in simple terms.

Navigating Variations and Establishing Entitlements

Another crucial topic I will discuss is variations and the best ways to value and establish entitlements to changes. I will address common concerns subcontractors have, such as retentions, and provide insights on challenging payment notices and identifying technicalities. I also plan to highlight the importance of reviewing programs and identifying any attempts by contractors to limit liability for delays while still holding subcontractors accountable.

The Three Ps of Disputes

Subcontractors often find themselves up against large organizations with extensive resources and in-house legal teams. This can be daunting, but I assure you that I will provide guidance on how to navigate these disputes. I introduce the concept of the "three Ps of disputes": It's not Program, Price, and... Potatoes! It's P*ss Poor Procurement. Many disputes arise from attempts to hide risks, purchase items not intended to be included, or avoid payment for certain items because they're tenuously shown on a drawing. I thoroughly encourage the importance of reviewing drawings and specifications in detail to ensure that all necessary work is accounted for and priced accordingly.

Addressing Late Payments

Late payments are a significant issue in the construction industry. It's frustrating to know that over 50% of payments are made late. I promise to share strategies for dealing with late payments and ensuring timely payment in accordance with the construction act.

Looking Ahead

In future posts, I plan to interview industry experts and successful contractors to provide additional insights and advice. I encourage listeners to visit a subscription portal for support and education on commercial matters in the construction industry.

Conclusion

Overall, my aim with this blog and "The Subcontractors Blueprint" is to empower subcontractors with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the construction industry and build better working relationships. I want to help subcontractors understand their rights, navigate disputes, and secure timely payments to ensure profitability and growth in their businesses. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.