What Is a Selections Consultant?

A Selections Consultant is a design professional who helps you choose the materials, colours, and finishes for your home — both internally and externally — in line with your budget, approvals, and style preferences. They bridge the gap between design and execution, ensuring your selections are buildable, compliant, and clearly documented.



They can also assist with reviewing your selections tool setup, checking specifications against the plans, and helping you finalise decisions with confidence.

What Does a Selections Consultant Do?

Your Selections Consultant will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Selections Consultant will:

  • Review your plans, approvals, and selections checklist
  • Recommend finishes and materials aligned with your style and budget
  • Help you navigate supplier catalogues and product options
  • Ensure all selections meet design and compliance requirements
  • Assist with scheduling selections in line with your project timeline
  • Flag any discrepancies or missing items in your selections schedule


Some consultants may also liaise with your architect to streamline decisions.

Recommendations: Getting the most out of your Consultant

Not all consultants offer the same level of service — check whether their quote includes things like plan reviews or supplier coordination.


If you're on a budget, consider engaging a consultant just for key external finishes (like facade and roofing), and handling simpler decisions yourself.


Try to share your current selections tool setup, building plans, and any inspiration images up front — this makes the quoting process faster and more accurate.

What Makes a Good Selections Consultant?

Your Selections Consultant should bring attention to detail and an understanding of construction sequencing and compliance. A good consultant will:

  • Understand your local council or developer design guidelines
  • Be familiar with supplier options and typical lead times
  • Know how to spot clashes in finishes, colours, or placement
  • Help ensure selections are cost-effective and aligned with your budget
  • Communicate clearly and provide documented feedback


Look for someone who has experience reviewing selections for similar residential builds and who takes a proactive, thorough approach.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Selections Consultants for your review and support services, you’ll need:

  • Your latest building plans and elevations
  • Access to your External Selections Tool
  • Your Scope of Works or checklist (from Build Buddy)
  • Any current selections, sketches, or inspiration
  • Your target budget for design selections support


Then, contact 2–3 consultants for quotes and compare inclusions before locking someone in.

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

  • Do I still need to document everything in the Build Buddy Selections Tool?

    Yes. Even if your consultant helps with the decisions, it’s important that everything is recorded in your Selections Tool so your trades have a single, consistent reference point.

  • Why have I only received one quote?

    At Build Buddy, we’ve pre-negotiated pricing with trusted Building Designers in our network to save you time and ensure consistent, high-quality service at a fair rate. That’s why you may see just one quote — it’s from a vetted Pro who meets our standards and is ready to start.


    If the quote doesn’t suit your expectations or you’d like to explore alternatives, you can always reach out to the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support Team. We’re happy to help you switch designers or talk through the scope and pricing.


    We’ve streamlined the process — but you’re still in control.

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.