In episode 26 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin is talking Unquantifiable Risks - a baffling practice within the construction industry practiced by clients and contractors alike, where they seek to avoid carrying any risks whatsoever, often at the detriment of achieving a competitive price. Whilst these risks are passed down the supply chain to those often least equipped to deal with them - the subcontractors! Jacob highlights several examples of the kind of risks which cause these problems, and identifies ways that subcontractors can identify where these are being asked of them in their tenders. He wraps up the episode by giving his advice on how subcontractors can deal with those risks within their tender submissions.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Passing a risk on does not get rid of it. It may pass on to the contractor, or the subcontractor, but it is still there. And it may still come back to hurt the client if it proves too costly to handle. Risks are passed on through omitting key contract mechanisms for time and cost extensions, and through ill-thought-out scope inclusions. Some of these risks may go on for periods of months. So it is vital that you identify and deal with them. Examples of unquantifiable risks such as ground risks, statutory services, and antiquities as well as other works items which can’t be measured. Actionable recommendations for subcontractors to protect themselves against unquantifiable risks, including analysing subcontract amendments and clauses related to compensation events.   BEST MOMENTS: "Clients are expecting the contractor to be able to price and include for things that are just unfathomable." "You're either going to see silly prices back from the marketplace, or you're buying a project with a hole in it." "Making a different party responsible for something that can't be quantified doesn't make the risk go away.” “And it's not until 20 years later and it's long forgotten that some unwitting builder has their ground worker on a lump sum contract, and they're digging it (asbestos) up by the bucketload. But oh no, Mr. Subcontractor, you took the risk on the ground."   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