Let's get your selections started

YOUR FREE SELECTIONS TEMPLATE

Developed by experienced building professionals

This template has been created by the Build Buddy team to make your build easier, smoother, and far less stressful. Think of this schedule as your cheat sheet for building with confidence.


It gathers all your decisions in one place so you can stay organised, avoid surprises, and enjoy the process of creating a home that feels exactly like you.

This template is here to protect your budget, your timeline, and your peace of mind

Your Selections Schedule prevents all of these issues. It is best practice to finalise your selections before you finalise your construction drawings.

Why This Matters (And Why It Helps You)

Most build complications happen because selections weren’t made early enough.

This leads to:

  • Delays with trades
  • Miscommunication onsite
  • Incorrect materials being ordered
  • Last-minute decisions under pressure
  • Costly variations and budget blowouts

By completing this before construction begins, you’ll be able to:

Finalise your design choices confidently

Share clear instructions with all trades and suppliers

Prevent mistakes and rework onsite by ensuring this list matches your plans

Reduce variations and unexpected costs

Speed up ordering and approvals

Feel more in control of your build

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I change or modify the template you've provided?

    Yes, in fact, we encourage it! It is important for you Selections Schedule to reflect your specific project accurately.

  • What if I am using an interior designer or planning to?

    Interior designers will always have their own templates. Simply ensure that you get a copy of your complete detailed External and Internal Selections Schedules and upload it to your Build Buddy document library. If you don't have an interior designer yet, you can request quotes through Build Buddy in the next task, after you mark this task as completed. (A new task will appear where you can procure a selections consultant - this is the same as an interior designer)

  • How can I use this excel spreadsheet?

    Simply download the file we've provided and open it with any excel-compatible software of your choice. It is a template for you to modify as much as you like, to suit your project and specifications.

  • I don't have excel on my computer. How can I use the template?

    There are many free options is you don't have Microsoft Excel software. This file is also compatible with Google Sheets (free with any google/gmail account) and Apple Numbers (free with any Apple computer). Microsoft also has Excel online if you don't have it installed on your computer. Alternatively, you can also use any free excel online options, such as LibreOffice.


  • Do I have to make all the selections now? Can't I do these later?

    We highly recommend that you make all of your selections prior to finalising your plans for construction. It is normal for most people to complete all of their External Selections before submitting plans for approval, and then complete all of the Internal Selections before construction. We provide you this template early in your journey so that you can gradually populate it, at your pace.


  • What brands can Build Buddy get wholesale or trade rates on?


    Most brands will allow you to open your own trade account simply with an ABN. There are however some companies that require higher volume orders in order to get the better rates.

    This is why Build Buddy has two main supply partners which they can procure better rates on your behalf. Simply select from the ranges on their website and if you want to enquire about pricing, ask your Customer Experience Manager. Please note that any pricing advised will be based on current ranges and price lists, and are frequently subject to change.


    https://www.australbricks.com.au/

    https://www.harveynormancommercial.com.au/


  • Are the mark-ups necessary? Why are they important?

    When it comes to construction and procuring trades and suppliers, the mark-ups mentioned in the template are ESSENTIAL. Of course, as you are the owner-builder, nothing is mandatory, but mark-ups will greatly help your communication, from getting quotes, through to installation onsite.


  • What will happen if I go to approvals or construction without completing the selections?

    Unfortunately, if you don't detail everything before going to site (starting construction) then you are leaving yourself at risk for issues or complications onsite. By selections not being detailed ahead of time, the project can blow out of budget, become delayed or create poor communication with trades and suppliers. Some examples of selections not being detailed correctly early on can cause:

    • Structural issues where you can't put taps or lights where you want them
    • Fix out issues where your rough-ins and selections do not match
    • Sourcing issues where you can't get the products you want
    • Frustration with your trades while waiting for new selections, or changing decisions
    • Incorrect supply items being installed
    • Unnecessary extra costs due to trades being onsite longer than would have been needed
    • Plus much more

  • Do I have to use this template or can I use my own?

    Of course, you are welcome to use your own. The goal is to have the selections for your project detailed accurately to avoid miscommunication, and to facilitate and smoother project.


How to Complete this Task?

After you have downloaded the template, mark this task as complete (orange button).

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.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Need Help? Engage a Selections Consultant

It is common for a lot of owner-builders to not know how to tackle a selections schedule, or to feel overwhelmed. If you'd like expert guidance in completing your schedule accurately and to industry standards, you can engage a Selections Consultant to help you work through it. The services are often very affordable and offer great value for money, being cheaper than a typical Interior Designer.


Consultants can:

Help you narrow down options quickly

Ensure nothing important is missed

Provide realistic budget guidance

Ensure specific details are noted accurately

Save you significant time and reduce decision fatigue

PLUS!

Don't understand this task or need clarification?

No problem - your Customer Experience Manager is here to help.


Please note: the Build Buddy Support team can assist you with understanding what to do, or guide you on the next steps of your selections journey, but we cannot provide product selection advice or specific recommendations.

Tip: Start early and take your time

Start filling this out at your early design stages. Rather than trying to do everything at once, most people find it easiest to complete the schedule room-by-room or area-by-area, as they are working on their design and think of things. It's ok to jump around the template - do what feels most comfortable for you.

There is no right or wrong way to fill it out. Go slow, take breaks, explore ideas, and enjoy choosing the things that make your home feel like you.

POPULAR CHOICE

Engage a Selections Consultant

Make the job easy for yourself. This is a very cost-effective way to ensure your selections are completed accurately and efficiently, especially if you're balancing design and approvals decisions at the same time.


Simply mark this task as complete, and a Selections Consultant task will appear on your dashboard. It's up to choose if you want to 'Request Quotes' or 'Do It Yourself'.