Essential NEC4 Program Management Tips for Subcontractors

In episode 99 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin explores effective program management within the NEC4 contract framework, tailored for construction subcontractors. He highlights how maintaining an up-to-date, realistic program is essential for profitability, cash flow, and dispute avoidance. Jacob provides practical guidance on aligning programs with NEC4 requirements, emphasising collaboration, clear communication, and proactive management. The episode underscores the importance of using the program as a living document to track progress, manage risks, and protect subcontractors’ interests, ultimately helping construction business owners deliver projects successfully and build stronger client relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Program management within the NEC4 framework for subcontractors in construction.
•  Collaboration and clear communication as key principles of NEC4 contracts.
•  Role of the program as a living document linking time, scope, and risk.
•  Consequences of failing to produce or update the program.
•  Importance of including key dates, task sequences, and dependencies in the initial program.

 

BEST MOMENTS:

"The key philosophy of it is collaboration, clear communication and proactive project management. All NEC contracts and subcontracts require the parties to act in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation."

"When you maintain an up to date and realistic program and it gets accepted, it actually protects you because any changes compensation events will be assessed using your program as a baseline."

"If you fail to produce or update your program, the contractor, your client has some powers to make your life really uncomfortable."

"One important mantra here is to keep it real. Update your program to reflect reality, even if that isn't pretty."

"This isn't just a piece of paperwork. It's your lifeline for managing your time and money under your contract."

 

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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