Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this workshop, participants will be able to

• Explain the legal principles and contractual framework governing construction subcontracts.
• Identify key subcontract provisions and assess their impact on project risk.
• Interpret flow-down clauses and understand how obligations under the prime contract affect subcontractors.
• Evaluate provisions related to payment, insurance, bonds, warranties, and temporary facilities
• Recognize common contractual risks and apply practical strategies to minimize them.
• Review subcontract agreements with greater confidence using proven evaluation techniques.
• Develop a practical Subcontract Handbook as a reference for future projects.

Course Outline

Construction Subcontract Fundamentals

Participants will gain an understanding of:

• The purpose and role of construction subcontracts
• Contract law principles applicable to construction projects
• The legal relationship between owners, contractors, and subcontractors
• Common subcontract terminology and contractual obligations

Understanding Contract Risk

Participants will learn how to:

• Identify and assess risk allocation within subcontract agreements
• Understand design responsibility and performance specifications
• Interpret flow-down (conduit) clauses
• Recognize indemnification and liability provisions
• Identify clauses that may expose subcontractors to unnecessary risk

Key Subcontract Provisions

Participants will explore the practical application of:

• Scope of work
• Payment terms and conditions
• Insurance requirements
• Bonds and bonding obligations
• Warranties
• Temporary facilities and project responsibilities
• Other essential subcontract provisions that affect project delivery

Reviewing and Managing Subcontracts

Participants will develop practical skills to:

• Analyze subcontract clauses using the Green, Amber, Red-Light review system
• Identify provisions requiring clarification or negotiation
• Apply practical review techniques before executing a subcontract
• Create and customize a Subcontract Handbook for future use

Practical Application
Throughout the workshop, participants will work with practical examples and real-world scenarios to reinforce learning and improve their ability to review, interpret, and manage construction subcontracts with confidence.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for professionals involved in preparing, reviewing, negotiating, or managing construction subcontracts, including:

• Subcontractors seeking to better understand subcontract terms, obligations, and risk.
• Project Managers, Construction Managers, and General Contractors responsible for administering projects, managing subcontractor relationships, and preparing or reviewing subcontracts.
• Estimators and Contract Administrators involved in preparing, evaluating, and administering subcontract agreements.
• Legal Professionals specializing in construction law, contract review, or subcontract negotiation.
• Anyone involved in the construction process who wants to strengthen their understanding of subcontracting practices and improve their ability to interpret and prepare effective subcontracts.

Virtual Classroom Sessions: 2 sessions of 3.5 hours each.

This workshop is accredited for 2 Gold Seal credits.