What Is a Selections Consultant?

A Selections Consultant is a design and documentation specialist who helps you finalise, review, and format all your material selections into a clear, build-ready schedule. Their job is to ensure your selections are compliant, coordinated, and communicated correctly to your certifier or suppliers.


This task involves requesting quotes from qualified consultants to help complete both your External  and Internal Selections Schedules, according to the scope of your project.

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 completed External and Internal selections
  • Identify any inconsistencies or missing information
  • Help document supplier/product details correctly
  • Organise selections into a clear, structured schedule
  • Liaise with your designer (if requested)


They may also flag compliance risks or practical issues that need to be resolved before final sign-off.

Tip: Getting the Most Out of Your Consultant

You’ll unlock access to your External Selections tab before internals — that’s because many external finishes need to be decided before final engineering and approval documents can be completed.


Once you gain access, take your time exploring the interface. You don’t need to finalise every item straight away — but starting early will help avoid delays later.


If you’re unsure where to begin, start by focusing on high-impact visual elements like roof, walls, and windows.

What Makes a Good Selections Consultant?

Someone who:

  • Has experience preparing selections schedules specifically for residential construction
  • Understands materials, supplier options, and relevant compliance requirements
  • Communicates clearly and delivers work on time
  • Can adapt to your preferred products, suppliers, and custom selections
  • Provides transparent pricing with a clear breakdown of what's included


Start by getting quotes from 2–3 consultants and compare their inclusions, timelines, and communication style before deciding who to work with.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To request quotes from a Selections Consultant for full schedule completion, you’ll need:

  • Finalised (or nearly complete) External and Internal Selections in the Build Buddy Tool
  • Your Scope of Works
  • Access instructions or an export of your selections to share with consultants
  • Notes about any known gaps or areas needing extra support


Then, contact shortlisted consultants and request quotes for schedule preparation.

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 need a selections schedule if I’m building as an owner builder?

    Yes — a clear selections schedule reduces confusion with suppliers, trades, and certifiers. It’s particularly useful when coordinating deliveries and installations yourself.

  • How long will it take them to complete the schedule?

    This depends on your scope and the completeness of your selections. For projects that are mostly finalised, expect 2–5 business days. For partial or complex selections, allow longer.

  • Why do I only have 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.