What Is a Bill of Allowances (BoA)?

The Bill of Allowances (BoA) is a detailed breakdown of all materials and allowances included in your build. It assigns estimated costs to each major item or category — from flooring and tiles to lighting, cabinetry, and more — based on your selections.


While you can DIY your own version, we strongly recommend completing a proper BoA. It’s one of the best tools you’ll have to help with:

  • Tracking spend against your budget
  • Ensuring allowances are realistic for your chosen products
  • Supporting procurement and ordering
  • Avoiding cost blowouts once construction begins


Every smart build has one.

What Does the Estimator Do for the BoA?

Your Estimator will:

  • Review your full Scope of Works and final selections (internal + external)
  • Confirm quantities and measurements based on your building plans
  • Apply current market rates and supplier pricing for each category
  • Produce a detailed BoA that reflects your actual selections and intended inclusions
  • Identify any gaps or budget risks in the process


This becomes your go-to reference during construction — and your safeguard against budget surprises.

Advice: Treat the BoA Like a Contract

Once construction starts, your Bill of Allowances becomes the baseline for spending — and what trades, suppliers, and certifiers refer back to. Make sure it’s complete, clear, and built by someone who understands the construction process inside out. A rushed or DIY BoA can create confusion, variations, and budget blowouts later.

What Is an Estimator?

An Estimator is a construction professional who specialises in calculating quantities, pricing materials, and forecasting build costs. Your estimator uses your completed selections, floorplans, and Scope of Works to produce an accurate and buildable BoA.


The estimators you’ll be quoting with have decades of experience in the home building industry — they know the process inside out and speak the same language as suppliers, certifiers, and trades.

What Makes a Good Estimator?

Someone who:

  • Has deep experience with residential construction projects like yours
  • Can interpret plans and selections with accuracy and attention to detail
  • Uses current market data and real supplier pricing
  • Communicates clearly and flags risks or ambiguities
  • Delivers on time and includes a structured, professional breakdown

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To request accurate quotes from estimators, prepare:

  • Your final Scope of Works
  • External and Internal Selections Schedules
  • Your building plans (latest version)
  • Any special notes or inclusions that fall outside the standard scope


You'll need to save the relevant documents to your document library and then contact our Expert Guidance and Support team to unlock your financial tracking tools.

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3–5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to complete the BoA?

    Most estimators will deliver the BoA within 5–10 business days, depending on the scope and complexity of your project.

  • Is this the same as a quote from a builder?

    No — the BoA is independent of any specific builder. It’s a cost breakdown based on your design and inclusions, giving you a benchmark to compare builder quotes or manage your own build.



  • Can I complete the BoA myself?

    Yes — you can DIY the BoA if you feel confident. Just keep in mind it’s a detailed document that needs accurate cost estimates across items like flooring, tiles, lighting, cabinetry, and more. Missing or underestimating allowances can lead to budget blowouts later.


    That’s why many owner builders prefer to use Build Buddy’s guided support. It helps ensure the BoA is thorough, realistic, and aligned with your selections, giving you far more confidence in your budget before construction begins.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.