The Subbies' Toolbox Podcast

Welcome to Season 2 and the first episode of The Subbies Toolbox Podcast. 

If you’re a commercial subcontractor working for builders in Australia, this podcast is for you. 

In this episode, I explain why the podcast has evolved from Tricks of Your Trade into the Subbies Toolbox, who I am, and why most subcontractor problems can be avoided long before anyone needs to go near a courtroom. 

We talk honestly about why construction contracts don’t operate on common sense, how the system is designed to default in the builder’s favour, and why subcontractors need a systematic approach to help them get through business life unscathed. 

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About the Host  
Michelle Cirson is construction lawyer, adjudicator and former commercial builder’s CA who now works exclusively with Australian subcontractors. She helps commercial subcontractors manage their builders’ contracts and get paid on time, without losing jobs and blowing up builder relationships. Michelle is the founder of The Subbies Toolbox Membership.  

If you want to understand how this system actually works and where subcontractors tend to get caught out, you’ll find more resources at www.subbiestoolbox.com.au. 

This is the final episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast. 

In this episode, I explain why the podcast name is changing, how the business has evolved and what that means for you as a subcontractor working in commercial construction. 

I share the story behind how Tricks of Your Trade started, from my time as a builder’s CA through to becoming a solicitor, building The Subbies Toolbox and shifting away from done-for-you contract admin into education, systems and advocacy that will actually move the needle for subbies. 

I talk openly about why the Tricks of Your Trade brand no longer reflects the professional services we now provide, and why our brand positioning matters if we want subcontractors to be taken seriously by builders, regulators, and government. 

This episode also outlines what’s coming next, including a renewed focus on industry reform, unfair contract terms, trust account failures and using bigger platforms to push for change that benefits subcontractors long term. 

Key Takeaways 

About the Host 

Michelle Cirson is construction lawyer, adjudicator and former commercial builder’s CA who now works exclusively with Australian subcontractors. She helps commercial subcontractors manage their builders’ contracts and get paid on time, without losing jobs and blowing up builder relationships. Michelle is the founder of The Subbies Toolbox Membership. 

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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!

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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!

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If you’re a subcontractor, chances are your builder’s thrown some frustrating phrases your way! In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, I’m calling out those classic lines builders use to push back in negotiations—and giving you the tools to respond with confidence (and keep your cool).

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In this episode of the Tricks of Your Trade podcast, I share three essential tips to make your departure schedule shorter, and keep your builder happy.

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In this episode of the Tricks of the Trade podcast, I dive into a topic that's been on my mind for ages—the mathematical likelihood you'll end up in a dispute. Inspired by Survivor of all things, I discuss how predictable behavior can help you navigate contract disputes. I also break down a formula that sheds light on the probability of conflicts, the importance of doing due diligence, and the necessity of negotiating contract terms.

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