In episode 53 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, Jacob Austin of QS.Zone delves into managing construction deadlines, emphasising the importance of maintaining quality and profitability under tight schedules. Jacob highlights that the final 10-20% of a project is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on clients. He offers practical strategies for subcontractors, including thorough planning, prioritisation, clear communication, progress monitoring, team empowerment, and effective resource management. By adhering to these principles, subcontractors can ensure high-quality finishes, secure repeat business, and uphold their reputation in the construction industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS:  Importance of maintaining quality under tight deadlines.  Planning strategies for the final stages of a project.  Clear communication with project managers and team members.  Empowering team members to take ownership of their work.  Impact of final work quality on client perception and repeat business.   BEST MOMENTS: "Delivering a quality job within the right time scale is 99% of what it takes to get repeat work." "Prioritising is about making sure that the right job gets done at the right time, and equally as important as that is making sure that job gets finished." "Good communication is also with your own team, and consider the strategic use of toolbox talks to emphasise on finishing a job first time and the importance of quality control." "This is the time when you need those all-important quality control visits and visits to make sure everything's on programme." "The old adage you're only as good as your last job." 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