In episode 59 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone underscores the critical role of pre-construction planning for subcontractors. He covers essential aspects such as contract review, site logistics, resource allocation, setting realistic timelines, effective communication, and risk management. Jacob emphasises that thorough planning can lead to smoother, more profitable projects by mitigating common issues like risks, miscommunication, and delays. His practical advice aims to help subcontractors enhance their project execution and overall business success, making this episode a valuable resource for construction business owners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Importance of pre-construction planning for subcontractors.
• Site logistics and organisation for project execution.
• Setting realistic timelines and managing deadlines.
• Anticipating challenges and mitigating risks.
• Proactive approaches to enhance project execution.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Pre-construction planning is all about laying the groundwork for your success. Whether it's reviewing contracts, preparing site logistics, allocating resources, setting realistic time scales, or managing risks, every step you take before the project starts can and will pay off in the long run."

“Every project is different and every contract is different. This isn't just standard paperwork.”

“Misunderstandings about what expected can lead to scope creep and disputes, and you can end up doing more work than you thought you'd agreed to without any additional pay."

"Safety should never be an afterthought, so it needs to be baked into your logistics, planning and of course, your risk assessment and method statements from day one."

"One of the best experiences that I remember having as a contractor involved a glazed petitioning outfit... the foresight of that contractor saved us that logistical challenge."

Link to the episode about checking your contract mentioned in the show:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-subcontractors-blueprint/id1701638267?i=1000652550701

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/39wLCRoOf8meDevs2zxRec?si=viHGwIlyR3qHYP9e26wHUw

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