ABSTRACT

Very few books explore the problems which are particular to the relationship between Specialist Contractors and the Main Contractor, or Clients with whom they are in contract. Fewer still provide solutions in such a down to earth no-nonsense way as The Streetwise Subbie does.

The Streetwise Subbie is a highly regarded practical guide to contractual matters. Its original author Jack Russell was well known for his ‘contractual terrier’ column in Electrical Times. Now, Barry Ashmore has updated and revised this work by drawing on his 46 years of construction experience and professional expertise gained at the sharp end resolving disputes and solving contractual problems for Specialist Contractors.

Thousands of subbies have already benefited from the insights and the streetwise approach to avoiding or resolving contractual problems, and the clarity of thought and advice the book provides. The fourth edition features all the old favourites such as payment, delay and disruption, extension of time and the all-important checklists and site records. But it has now been brought bang up to date to reflect the importance of the 2011 revisions to the Construction Act and the emergence of adjudication as the pre-eminent means of dispute resolution.

It is an easy to read, practical, and essential guide, aimed at Specialist Contractors of all sizes and specialisations, be they sole traders, company directors, or any member of the subbie’s team that has to handle the commercial and contractual aspects of the projects they undertake.

It’s the kind of book that you keep handy, because it has so many answers that you can refer to it over and over again.

section 1|16 pages

The order

chapter |5 pages

Worth the risk?

chapter |2 pages

Beware letters of intent

chapter |5 pages

Collateral warranties

chapter |3 pages

Make sure you check that order

section 2|30 pages

Programme and progress

chapter |3 pages

Beware ‘starting the clock’

chapter |3 pages

A programme checklist

chapter |2 pages

Don’t be shy – get noticed!

chapter |2 pages

Some key thoughts on notices

chapter |2 pages

Why work for free?

chapter |2 pages

Site records and survival

chapter |2 pages

Records and codes

chapter |2 pages

Site records checklist

chapter |2 pages

What makes a good delay notice?

chapter |1 pages

Get the picture?

chapter |2 pages

Just a minute

chapter |1 pages

The twilight zone

section 3|6 pages

Personal factors

chapter |2 pages

Adverse reactions

chapter |1 pages

Little tin gods

section 4|7 pages

Acceleration

chapter |3 pages

Best endeavours or acceleration?

chapter |2 pages

Acceleration – the true costs

chapter |2 pages

The alligator problem

section 5|18 pages

Cash flow and variations

section 6|23 pages

Claims

chapter |3 pages

Claims and confrontation

chapter |3 pages

Damages and extension of time

chapter |3 pages

Claim for delay costs

chapter |1 pages

Head office headaches

chapter |2 pages

Disruption claims

chapter |2 pages

Set-off and contras

section 7|26 pages

The Construction Act

chapter |3 pages

Introduction to the Construction Act

chapter |6 pages

Payment under the Construction Act

chapter |8 pages

Adjudication under the Act

section 8|19 pages

The JCT and NEC subcontracts

section 9|21 pages

Useful tips for the ‘real world’

chapter |3 pages

Brave new world or con trick?

chapter |2 pages

What is normal?

chapter |1 pages

Provisional sums

chapter |1 pages

Get it in the budget

chapter |1 pages

Stand by your man

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion