What Is an Electrical Design Consultant? 

An Electrical Design Consultant helps you map out exactly where power points, lights, switches, appliances, data cabling, and other electrical fittings will go in your home. 


They’ll work with your building plans to: 

  • Create a custom electrical layout that fits your lifestyle
  • Provide a detailed Electrical Selections Schedule 
  • Make sure your setup complies with AS/NZS electrical standards 
  • Help you prepare documentation required for your Construction Certificate (CC) 


Their work becomes part of the official plan your electrician follows during the build. 

What does an Electrical Design Consultant do?

Your Electrical Design Consultant will complete works according your agreed scope of works.


Typically, an Electrical Design Consultant will:

  • Review your architectural plans and assess the site’s power supply
  • Work with you to plan your electrical and lighting layout based on how you’ll live in the space
  • Provide advice on light fittings, power point placement, data/TV connections, and smart home options
  • Design a detailed electrical layout showing:
  • Lights and switches
  • Power outlets and appliances
  • External power and lighting
  • Smoke alarms and communications (e.g. NBN, TV)
  • Provide a formal Electrical Design & Selections Schedule for your build approvals and contractor use


This planning step ensures your home’s electrical setup is practical, safe, and aligned with your lifestyle — before construction begins.

Barry's Toolbox

You’ll live with these switches and lights every day — get it right now and you won’t be chasing extension cords later. 


Think about how you’ll actually use your rooms. Where will your couch go? Bedside lamps? TV and internet hub? A good consultant will ask — and that’s a good sign. 


If you have special needs like smart home integration, ask if they can advise or coordinate with your installer.

What to Look For in an Electrical Design Consultant 

You’re looking for someone who:

  • Has experience with residential homes 
  • Offers custom advice, not just boilerplate plans 
  • Can provide a visual layout of lighting and power (not just text) 
  • Works well with your certifier 

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Electrical Design Consultants for your Electrical Design & Selections Schedule, you’ll need:

  • Finalised architectural plans (site plan, floor plan, elevations)
  • Confirmation of your approved CDC or DA
  • A list of any specific inclusions you’d like (e.g. ceiling fans, EV charger, smart lighting)
  • Site information, including meter box location and incoming power supply

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

  • Can’t I just ask my electrician to work it out on-site?

    Electricians can install what's on the plan — but they won’t plan your layout for you. As an owner builder, it’s your job to decide what you want and where. An Electrical Design Consultant helps you figure that out ahead of time, and prepares a clear plan that your electrician can follow without confusion or back-and-forth.

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.