top of page
Actionable insights to elevate your construction journey from start to finish.
Every Friday, you'll receive an article from me talking about most trending topic in the industry along with practical tips where you can learn, implement and thrive in your project with less than 5 minutes reading time.
Plain Language Isn’t Dumbing Down. It’s Smart Contracting
When Words Get in The Way In my early years working in New Zealand construction, I remember standing on a dusty project site, contract...
Emmolina May
5 min read
What Happens When Your Builder Goes into Liquidation Post-Completion?
In the current construction landscape of New Zealand, contractors entering liquidation is no longer a rare occurrence. The industry is...
Emmolina May
4 min read
3 Clauses I Wish Every Contractor Understood
Every contractor encounters daily challenges in construction, but the true risks aren't those visible during the job. The real risks are...
Emmolina May
4 min read
When Contracts Become Weapons: Are You Protected or Targeted?
While we often recognise bullying in its physical or verbal forms, we must also acknowledge a more subtle but equally damaging version:...
Emmolina May
7 min read
Why Fairness Feels So Far Away in Our Industry (And What We Can Do)
This week I’ve found myself thinking deeply about some of the conversations I’ve had — with small business owners, subcontractors, and...
Emmolina May
4 min read
Why NZ’s Construction Industry Needs a Contractual Reset Now More Than Ever
Whenever I ask my client why the contract wasn't structured to prevent the current dispute, I consistently receive the same response:...
Emmolina May
4 min read
Not All "Working Days" Are Created Equal
In construction, the term “working day” can hold different meanings than what we typically think. While most people consider working days...
Emmolina May
4 min read
How You Can Inspire the Next Generation of Construction Professionals
In recent years, the construction industry has faced a growing challenge: an aging workforce and fewer young people choosing to pursue...
Emmolina May
3 min read
When Weather Happens. Are You Claim-Ready?
New Zealand is getting wetter. Remember the Auckland Anniversary floods in Jan 2023 ? We had 249mm of rain in 24hrs, breaking every known...
Emmolina May
3 min read
Why Are We So Uncomfortable with Disputes in Construction—And Why We Often Skip the Most Human Solution
Lately, I had the chance to catch up with a group of construction professionals—quantity surveyors, architects, project managers, and...
Emmolina May
3 min read
Contract First, Construction Second: The Rule Every Contractor Should Follow
"Read the contract—yes, even if it’s 200 pages long." It’s the one piece of advice I find myself repeating to every client I work with....
Emmolina May
4 min read
Practical Strategies to Ensure You Get Paid on Time and Avoid Being the Last in Line
Lately, there has been an increase in inquiries from contractors regarding late payments and strategies to avoid them in the future. This...
Emmolina May
3 min read
The Cost of Silence: How Ignoring Contractual Obligations Puts Contractors at Risk
In the fast-paced world of construction, effective communication is crucial to success. Yet, silence often becomes a recurring issue that...
Emmolina May
3 min read
How to Resolve Disputes Without Damaging Relationships
Conflicts are an unavoidable aspect of any partnership, whether personal or professional. As the industry encounters ongoing challenges,...
Emmolina May
3 min read
The Key to Successful Construction Projects: The Art of Contract Negotiation
In construction, the success of a project hinges not just on physical labor but significantly on contract negotiation. This vital process...
Emmolina May
3 min read
Why Documentation is Your Best Defence in Disputes
In the construction industry, disputes can feel like a constant shadow. They stem from misunderstandings, miscommunications, and even...
Emmolina May
4 min read
Top 5 Risks in Construction Contracts and How to Avoid Them
Construction projects move quickly. At the heart of every successful project are contracts that define relationships and expectations....
Emmolina May
3 min read
3 Steps to Negotiate Better Payment Terms for Your Projects
In the construction industry, managing cash flow while maintaining quality work is crucial for long-term success. One key area that often...
Emmolina May
3 min read
How to Spot Unfair Contract Terms in 10 Minutes or Less
In today's world, contracts are everywhere. Whether you are buying a house, hiring a contractor, or entering a lease agreement, the terms...
Emmolina May
3 min read
5 Key Clauses You Must Review Before Signing Any Construction Contract
When it comes to starting a construction project, understanding every detail of your contract is vital. Whether you're planning a small...
Emmolina May
3 min read
bottom of page