The Best Practices for Mastering Contract Management in Construction

In episode 88 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin speaks about the critical importance of effective contract management in the construction industry. He explains how good contract management is essential for profitability, cash flow, and project success. Jacob emphasises clarity on obligations, accountability, transparency, collaboration, and risk allocation within contracts. He provides practical advice for subcontractors on managing contracts to avoid disputes and foster positive working relationships. Key takeaways include the need for clear documentation, early issue resolution, and maintaining accurate records. Jacob encourages subcontractors to view contracts as essential tools for daily decision-making and successful project delivery.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of effective contract management in the construction industry
•  Clarity of obligations and responsibilities within contracts
•  Necessity of accountability and transparency in contract execution
•  Role of collaboration and open communication in preventing disputes
•  Importance of appropriate risk allocation between parties
•  Use of industry-standard contracts for fairness and balance
•  Need for clear documentation and setting expectations early

 

BEST MOMENTS:

"A well-crafted contract is intended to be fair and balanced, allowing both parties to deliver the project as agreed."

"Good contract management starts with reading that document and understanding those gray areas before they explode into big claims and disputes."

"The contract is just paper unless the people managing it have got the skills and the systems to back it up."

"Know your contract thoroughly. It might sound obvious, but many folks only half read it or rely on what people have told them."

"Communicating often and early: leaving issues to fester creates bigger problems than nipping them in the bud."

 

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/

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