The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast

Episode 63 - 6 Clauses that impact TIME under your subcontract

Liquidated damages are becoming a bigger challenge for subcontractors, especially post-COVID. Builders are using them more aggressively, sometimes unfairly holding subcontractors responsible for delays they didn't cause—or even helped avoid. On today's episode of the Tricks of your Trade podcast I break down the key contract clauses you need to review to protect your business, including commencement dates, practical completion, qualifying causes of delay, and more.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! * 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/10changes]; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your world * Book a Free Scoping Call with Michelle  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/freecall] * Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explore Negotiation School (4 Week Course)  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/negotiationschool] * Tired of builders pushing you around? Arm yourself with the Subbies Toolbox [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/toolbox] Get Your fix on Social Media  * Follow Michelle on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/] * Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade] Follow Michelle on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade] Share the love * If you like what you’re hearing on The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, support the show by taking a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment on ApplePodcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tricks-of-your-trade-podcast/id1663062832], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5?si=21f20b41932b4b07] Thanks!

Episode 64 - Trickery During the Christmas Shutdown Period

Hi there! Today, I want to chat with you about something that trips up a lot of people in the construction industry—the Christmas shutdown period. While many industries keep rolling through the holidays, construction traditionally grinds to a halt, and that can lead to some unexpected headaches. In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, I dive into the three key ways this downtime can cause trouble and give you some tips to keep you ahead of the game - From payment claims, to contract deadlines, or project delays. Christmas Shutdown Dates in Australia: QLD: 22 December to 10 January (Inclusive) NSW: 27 to 31 December (Inclusive) ACT: 27 to 31 December (Inclusive) VIC: No shutdown (Public holidays and weekends observed) SA: 27 to 31 December (Inclusive) NT: 25 December to 7 January (Inclusive) TAS: 27 to 31 December (Inclusive)   ------------------------------------------------------------------ Download Michelle's Freebies! * 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/10changes]; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your world * Book a Free Scoping Call with Michelle  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/freecall] * Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explore Negotiation School (4 Week Course)  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/negotiationschool] * Tired of builders pushing you around? Arm yourself with the Subbies Toolbox [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/toolbox] Get Your fix on Social Media  * Follow Michelle on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/] * Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade] Follow Michelle on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade] Share the love * If you like what you’re hearing on The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, support the show by taking a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment on ApplePodcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tricks-of-your-trade-podcast/id1663062832], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5?si=21f20b41932b4b07] Thanks!

Episode 62 - Building company staff deserve fairer contract terms too

Why does the construction industry feel so tough when today’s technology should be making it easier? It’s a question I couldn’t stop thinking about as I stood in the rain at Brisbane’s City Hall 🏛️ (yes, I was soaked!) Looking at the incredible 1920s hand-drawn blueprints of this iconic building, I couldn’t help but wonder—if they managed all that without modern tech, why are we struggling so much now?   In this episode of the Tricks of your Trade podcast, I dig into the shared frustrations of both builder staff and subbies. Whether you’re the one issuing contracts or the one stuck with them, we’re all navigating tight budgets, unrealistic timelines, and outdated practices. But there’s common ground—and fairer contracts are the key.   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! * 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/10changes]; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your world * Book a Free Scoping Call with Michelle  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/freecall] * Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explore Negotiation School (4 Week Course)  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/negotiationschool] * Tired of builders pushing you around? Arm yourself with the Subbies Toolbox [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/toolbox] Get Your fix on Social Media  * Follow Michelle on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/] * Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade] Follow Michelle on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade] Share the love * If you like what you’re hearing on The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, support the show by taking a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment on ApplePodcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tricks-of-your-trade-podcast/id1663062832], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5?si=21f20b41932b4b07] Thanks!

Episode 61 - 5 variation clauses to check during your contract review

In this episode, I’m diving into the critical clauses around variations in contracts—a topic that I've been asked about a lot lately. I’ll cover what to look out for before signing, including how long variations can be directed, whether you have the right to decline them, how they’re valued, and how margins on variations and credits are handled. I also touch on the importance of knowing your rights when it comes to fixing defects, especially with builders tightening their margins. I’ll share a real-world story about a tiler who got caught out by a clause, leaving them significantly out of pocket. Don’t let a simple oversight like this cost you!   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! * 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/10changes]; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your world * Book a Free Scoping Call with Michelle  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/freecall] * Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explore Negotiation School (4 Week Course)  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/negotiationschool] * Tired of builders pushing you around? Arm yourself with the Subbies Toolbox [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/toolbox] Get Your fix on Social Media  * Follow Michelle on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/] * Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade] Follow Michelle on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade] Share the love * If you like what you’re hearing on The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, support the show by taking a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment on ApplePodcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tricks-of-your-trade-podcast/id1663062832], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5?si=21f20b41932b4b07] Thanks!

Episode 60 - 5 Key things you should always check in your contracts

Today’s podcast is all about the five key basics you should ALWAYS check in any builder's contract before signing. I’m talking about the bare minimum things you can do to avoid common traps and pitfalls that could cost you big time down the line. From double-checking the contract sum, scope of work, and guarantees, these straightforward checks are essential! Don't sign without them!   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download Michelle's Freebies! * 10 Changes to Make to Your Builders Contract [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/10changes]; A Guide For Subcontractors  Explore ways to get more of Michelle in your world * Book a Free Scoping Call with Michelle  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/freecall] * Want to negotiate better contract terms? Explore Negotiation School (4 Week Course)  [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/negotiationschool] * Tired of builders pushing you around? Arm yourself with the Subbies Toolbox [https://www.tricksofyourtrade.com.au/toolbox] Get Your fix on Social Media  * Follow Michelle on Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/] * Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.instagram.com/tricksofyourtrade] Follow Michelle on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade [https://www.facebook.com/tricksofyourtrade] Share the love * If you like what you’re hearing on The Tricks of Your Trade Podcast, support the show by taking a few seconds to leave a rating and/or comment on ApplePodcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tricks-of-your-trade-podcast/id1663062832], or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5?si=21f20b41932b4b07] Thanks!