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Free plain-English guides, checkers and templates for tradespeople, apprentices and small firms. No signup, no paywall, no guesswork.
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Pick the part of your work that's biting right now.
Starting Out
Your first day on site, the jargon, your pay and your rights, then what it really takes to go out on your own - the stuff nobody tells you when you start.
Payment & Money
Getting paid, mechanics liens, retainage and prompt-pay laws, and what to do when the money chain breaks.
Contracts & Disputes
Quotes, subcontractor agreements, change orders, warranties, and resolving disputes before they reach court.
Site Safety & OSHA
OSHA rules in plain English - fall protection, silica, hazard communication, inspections and your rights on site.
Taxes & the IRS
Federal and state taxes for the trades - Schedule C, self-employment tax, estimated payments, sales tax and deductions.
Where are you in your career?
Pick what fits. We'll show you exactly what to do.
Just started on site
Apprentice and first-year content. The basics nobody bothers to explain.
First year self-employed
Sole proprietor toolkit. Taxes, insurance, contracts.
Running a small firm
Hiring, payroll, growth, for small construction businesses.
Not been paid
Chase it down - payment notices, mechanics liens and getting your money.
Got a difficult client
Your rights when a homeowner job goes wrong.
Need a template letter
182 free templates for every situation.
The big five things that catch tradespeople out.
Deep dives into the subjects that matter most.
Getting Paid
Chasing money and not getting it? Start here.
ExploreStaying Safe
Risk, RAMS, PPE, accident reporting. The rules that actually apply to you.
ExploreTax for Builders
Self-employment tax, 1099s, quarterly estimates, deductions and Section 179, in plain English.
ExploreKnow Your Rights
What your boss, client or main contractor can and can't make you do.
ExploreBuilding Regs Explained
Does this job need regs? Planning? A notice? Check before you start.
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