In this episode of Taking the Con Out of Construction, Michelle Carr unpacks the world of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes without stepping foot in court.

Michelle explains how adjudication and mediation work in practice, why they’ve become such vital tools under the Construction Act, and what every contractor should know about handling disputes before they spiral. She shares practical guidance on navigating the process with confidence, understanding your contracts, and keeping communication clear from the outset.

Beyond the legal side, Michelle explores how many problems start within the business itself, and how tackling internal issues early can prevent problems on-site. 

With real-world insight and straightforward advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to manage conflict, protect relationships, and keep projects moving forward.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

This episode tackles one of the most critical, and often most stressful stages of any project; final account. It’s the moment where everything comes together, where the numbers tell the story of the project’s true success.

Michelle breaks down what the final account really means, and shares practical advice on keeping accurate records, managing variations along the way, and setting yourself up for a smoother negotiation by “starting with the end in mind” from day one.

Whether you’re a contractor, QS, or client-side professional, this episode offers clear, actionable insight into how to approach the final account stage with confidence, clarity, and control.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

In this episode of Taking the Con Out of Construction, Michelle tackles one of the trickiest parts of any project, variations. Whether it’s a small adjustment or a major change, variations are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your project.

Michelle breaks down how transparency, clear communication, and a solid understanding of what’s been priced can prevent variations from turning into disputes. She explains why reviewing tenders carefully and resisting the lure of the lowest bid are crucial steps toward protecting your profit and maintaining client trust.

From ensuring designs are well-defined to pricing variations correctly, including overheads and every stage of the work, Michelle shares practical strategies to keep control and confidence throughout. She also highlights the importance of meticulous record-keeping and following the contract to the letter.

If you’ve ever faced the frustration of unexpected changes or budget blowouts, this episode will show you how to handle variations the right way; with professionalism, clarity, and calm.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

In this episode, Michelle breaks down the often-underestimated world of applications for payment, a critical part of getting paid properly in construction. She explains the key differences between applications for payment and standard invoicing under JCT contracts, and why timing, accuracy, and process matter more than many realise.

Michelle offers practical advice on how to prepare and submit applications correctly, the role of Payless Notices, and what documentation you need to back up your claims. She also shares her tips on maintaining clear communication, strong client relationships, and meticulous records to protect yourself against disputes or adjudications.

Michelle also explores what to do when payments are delayed or withheld, giving actionable strategies to help contractors stay proactive and professional.

Listen as Michelle shares her expert guidance to help you master the payment process, avoid unnecessary stress, and secure timely payments with confidence.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

In this episode of ‘Taking the Con Out of Construction,’ Michelle Carr breaks down the often-intimidating world of construction contracts, making a normally complex topic accessible and engaging. 

She explains why understanding your contract is one of the most powerful tools you have in protecting your business, highlighting common mistakes and how the industry has evolved in recent years. 

Using relatable examples, Michelle brings clarity and humour to a subject many find daunting. Her goal is to help contractors and subcontractors read, question, and truly value their contracts, reducing fear and building confidence in the process. 

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

In this episode of Taking the Con Out of Construction, Michelle Carr dives into one of the most important pieces of legislation shaping the industry, the Construction Act of 1996. She unpacks what it really means for contractors and subcontractors, from fair payment to faster dispute resolution.

Michelle breaks down how tools like the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) came about to protect smaller firms, keeping projects moving and helping you avoid lengthy, expensive battles.

Along the way, she shares insights on tendering, contract admin, and why having the right contract in place is your best line of defence. It’s a practical, straight-talking guide to understanding your rights, and using the Construction Act to make sure you get paid what you’re owed.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

Michelle Carr takes a hard look at the issues that continue to hold the industry back. Drawing on her journey, she unpacks cultural barriers, gaps in training, and damaging practices like 'subbie bashing' that still shape the way many projects are run.

Through a mix of personal stories and professional insight, Michelle highlights how poor communication, ingrained habits, and lack of education can derail progress, and what needs to change to create a fairer, more transparent industry. 

She also explores why contracts, client expectations, and ethics play such a vital role in setting projects up for success.

An episode of honest reflections, practical advice, and a vision for how construction professionals can feel more empowered to challenge the status quo and build a stronger future for the industry.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

In the first episode of Taking the Con Out of Construction, Michelle Carr opens up about her path through one of the UK’s toughest industries. From growing up in her family’s construction business to leading change today, Michelle’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and vision.

She reflects on the obstacles she’s faced along the way, from gender bias to challenging projects, and how these moments have shaped her mission to make construction clearer, fairer, and more accessible for everyone. 

Join us for an inspiring start to the series as Michelle lays out her principles, shares personal stories, and sets the stage for a new wave of thought leadership in construction.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.

An introduction to Taking the Con out of Construction; the straight-talking podcast designed to help you navigate one of the UK’s toughest industries with confidence.

Together, we can change the industry one project, one company, and one episode at a time.

Visit https://constructionalchemy.co.uk/ to learn more.

Find Michelle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-d-carr/

Find Construction Alchemy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/construction-alchemy-limited

Contact us at [email protected]

CREDITS:

'Taking the Con out of Construction’ is a OneZeroCreative production.

Discover how podcasting can grow your brand: https://www.onezerocreative.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-zero-creative

Contact us at [email protected]

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based on the personal experiences of Michelle Carr and her guests. They are for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making decisions. Neither Michelle Carr nor Construction Alchemy accepts liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from actions taken based on this podcast.