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 homeowners who are doing their best, but feeling like the system just isn’t built with them in mind. They’re not asking for special treatment, just to be treated fairly. And each time I listen, I’m reminded how overwhelming this industry can feel when you don’t have someone in your corner. It’s made me reflect on how we can show up better — as professionals, as a sector, and as people — for those who are often overlooked.

And while construction plays such a vital role in building our communities — creating homes, jobs, and the infrastructure we all rely on — not everyone experiences the industry the same way. Over time, I’ve come to see how some groups, especially those less represented or newer to the system, often face extra hurdles that others don’t. It’s not always intentional, but the impact is real. In this post, I want to share some of what I’ve observed, why these patterns keep showing up, and what we can start doing — together — to make things fairer for everyone involved.

Construction is tough, but it shouldn't be unfair

I know how tough this industry can be — especially if you’re not used to reading contracts or don’t have easy access to legal or commercial advice. For many small business, migrant contractors, or first-time homeowners, the process can feel confusing, rushed, and stacked with expectations that no one explained properly.

And it’s not because they aren’t capable. It’s because the system often assumes a level of knowledge, support, or leverage that not everyone starts with.

Over time, I’ve seen good people caught in situations that could’ve been avoided — unfair terms, unclear responsibilities, or risks they didn’t even realise they were signing up for. Sometimes all it would’ve taken was someone walking them through the details before things got complicated.

Why fairness matters - for people and the industry

Fairness in construction isn’t just about doing the right thing — it’s about keeping the whole system working.

When someone feels they’ve been treated unfairly, whether it’s through unclear communication, uneven power dynamics, or being left out of decisions, it leaves a mark. Trust begins to erode. And once trust is gone, so is the willingness to talk things through.

I see this all the time — people who might have once been open to a conversation or compromise now feel cornered. Instead of exploring constructive options like mediation or facilitated negotiation, they head straight toward formal disputes and legal action. Not because they want to fight, but because they no longer believe anyone’s listening.

That’s a huge cost — not just financially, but emotionally and professionally. Long, expensive litigation ties up time, energy, and relationships. It distracts from the work and slows down progress for everyone involved.

When fairness is present — in contracts, in how we treat each other, in how we share risk — conversations feel possible. Mediation becomes a real option. Disagreements are still disagreements, but they don’t have to become battles.

Fairness builds trust. And trust is what keeps this industry moving forward.

A Gentle Reminder: You’re Not Alone, and You Deserve Support

Small business owners, subcontractors, first-time developers/homeowners — I know what you’re going to say.

“It’s not that I don’t want to be treated fairly. It’s that I worry if I speak up, I might lose the job/project… and I don’t feel like the big players will listen anyway.”

I’ve heard this so many times — and every time, it stays with me. Because that fear? It’s real. When the balance of power feels off, even asking a simple question about a contract can feel risky.

But here’s what I want to gently remind you: you deserve to be heard. You deserve to understand what you’re signing. And you deserve support that doesn’t wait until things go wrong.

• Here are a few things I wish more people felt confident to do:

  
  

  • Ask for clarification about contract clauses you’re unsure of — it’s your right, not a red flag. Asking questions shows professionalism, not inexperience.

    
    

  • Get verbal agreements in writing, even if it feels a little awkward at the time. A quick email or note can save everyone from confusion — and avoid much more uncomfortable conversations down the track.

    
    

  • Speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Trust your gut. It doesn’t make you difficult — it shows you take your work seriously and want things done properly.

    
    

  • Seek advice early. There are professionals (myself included) who are here to help with the details. Don’t fall into the mindset of “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” In construction, prevention is cheaper than repair — especially when it comes to disputes.

  
  
  
  

  Fairness isn’t just about having the right intentions — it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to speak up, contribute fully, and build with confidence.

A word to the big players in the industry

And to the larger players — developers, main contractors, consultants, and procurement leads — this message is for you too.

If fairness feels like someone else’s issue, take a closer look at the foundations of your team, your site, your supply chain. The people on the ground — the ones pricing the work, showing up in the rain, delivering the job — they’re the ones holding the industry together.

If those people stop believing that fairness is possible, they’ll stop talking. When that happens, we don’t just lose trust — we lose collaboration, we lose quality, and eventually, we risk losing the very people we depend on.

Fairness isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business. It builds trust, prevents disputes, and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.

Where we go from here

The construction industry has so much potential — but it can only grow if the people within it feel protected, respected, and empowered to do their best work. That starts with listening, supporting, and taking fairness seriously — from every level.

Let’s create a culture where fairness isn’t seen as a favour, but as a foundation.

If you’re out there doing your best — and just need someone in your corner — I’m here.

And if you’re in a position to make the system better, the time to lead that change is now.