Mastering Subcontracts – Maximizing Opportunities And Mitigating Risks (April 21, 2025)

Formally: Trade Contracts – A Double-Edged Sword

In the intricate world of construction projects, subcontracting plays a crucial role in achieving success. However, navigating the complexities of subcontracts requires a keen understanding of both the opportunities they present and the risks they entail. Today, subcontracts are increasingly complex and burdensome, with general contractors transferring more risk, responsibility, and liability onto subcontractors. Therefore, it is imperative for subcontractors to gain a deeper understanding of contracts before potential problems arise, rather than after. 

Mastering Subcontracts will help you understand:

• Participants will utilize a manual featuring spreadsheets and checklists to explore the contractual responsibilities of subcontractors.
• Examine clauses pertaining to design responsibility, performance specifications, conduit or flow-down provisions, scope of subcontract work, payment terms, insurance requirements, protection of work, warranties, and temporary site facilities.
• Delve into contract law, terms and conditions, incorporation by reference, and other pertinent contract terms.
• Participants will collaborate to develop a “Subcontract Handbook,” enhancing your understanding of contract requirements.
• Utilize a green, amber, and red-light system to analyze actual subcontract clauses, empowering participants to identify clauses of concern when reviewing and comprehending construction contracts they are considering bidding on or signing.

This workshop offers a unique resource: a comprehensive manual serving as a reference and companion throughout the sessions. Drawing upon over 40 years of collective experience in the construction industry, this manual is a valuable asset. It provides practical how-to guides, checklists, and templates, serving as a foundation for implementing new processes and procedures, whether in the office or on the jobsite. 

Who should attend this workshop: 

• Subcontractors: Individuals or companies who perform specific tasks or provide specialized services that are secured by subcontract. 
• Project Managers: Professionals responsible for overseeing construction projects and managing subcontractor relationships and writing subcontracts. 
• Construction Managers: Individuals who coordinate and supervise construction activities, including subcontractor work and writing subcontracts. 
• General Contractors: Companies responsible for overall project management and coordination, including subcontractor selection and management. 
• Estimators: Professionals who prepare subcontracts for construction projects. 
• Contract Administrators: Individuals responsible for managing contracts, including subcontract agreements and compliance. 
• Legal Professionals: Lawyers or legal advisors who specialize in construction law and subcontract negotiation.
• Anyone involved in the construction process who seeks to improve their understanding of subcontracting practices and enhance their ability to understand and write effective subcontracts. 

This course is delivered in partnership between your local construction association and other associations throughout Western Canada. You’ll be participating in a cohort with industry peers from across these regions.

Workshop Requirements (Technology & Participation)

A laptop or desktop computer to access the workshop and participate in the exercises. The computer must have microphone and speaker capability to participate.  It is highly suggested to use headphones plugged into the computer so that the audio connection with the workshop is clear and background noise is kept to a minimum. A camera is not required.

All participants will be required to download this link: Windows: www.adobe.com/go/ConnectShell11  OR for Mac: http://www.adobe.com/go/ConnectSetupMac . Please note: if you have previously downloaded Adobe Connect, please use this link to download the updated version. This link will also be provided in the “welcome” email sent to all participants.

This course is worth 2 Gold Seal Credits

INSTRUCTOR

Lee Kelly, M.A.A.T.O., P.GSC, Constructing Minds Inc. | President

Lee knows construction because she has built it. With over 30 years of construction management/General Contracting experience under her belt she has extensive knowledge of construction practices, processes and procedures in all contract delivery formats. Lee is a long serving member on the National Gold Seal Committee, and the winner of the Construction Institute of Canada (TCIC) “Chancellor’s Award of Excellence.” Her enthusiasm for training makes her a highly informative, interactive, motivated and sought-after trainer.