Woohoo!
It's Time to Select Your Construction Buddy
This is one of the most exciting milestones in your owner builder journey — choosing your Construction Buddy means you’re getting close to breaking ground.
Every build needs a site supervisor. You can find your own off-platform, but we strongly recommend choosing a Construction Buddy through Build Buddy. Your Construction Buddy can make a real difference during your build, offering guidance that matches both your experience level and the complexity of your project. Each tier comes with its own level of support, helping you feel more confident and supported once work begins.
Take a moment to explore what's available - finding the right tier could be the key to making your build run more smoothly.
Tier 3 is the most popular choice among our users.
Take a moment to explore what's available - finding the right tier could be the key to making your build run more smoothly.
Tier 3 is the most popular choice among our users.
What is a Construction Buddy?
Your Construction Buddy™ is a real-life local experienced and licenced building professional who will be there guiding you through all-things construction.
From the moment you're ready to first turn dirt to the day you move into your beautiful new home, your Construction Buddy will be there with you providing expert advice, guidance and support.
The Construction Buddy service is offered at three different tier levels to suit your specific requirements. Explore each of the 3 Tier levels by accessing the detailed scope of works below.
TIER 1
Only Inspection Reports
Best for: Licensed builders or construction professionals
Summary of services:
✔
7
project milestone inspections & site safety reviews
✘ No telephone or email support
✘ No guidance, advice or issue resolution
✘ No communication, scheduling or coordination of all Pros
✘ No meetings or site visits in addition to your milestone inspections
✘
Will not review quotes or provide advice/recommendations on selecting Pros
✘ Will not attend to any additional on-site requirements
✘
Will not accept quotes or make payments on your behalf
TIER 2
Advisory and Support
Best for: Very experienced owner builders
Summary of services:
✔
7 Project Milestone Inspections & Site Safety Reviews
✔ 1 weekly on-site meeting with you
✔ Telephone and email support on weekdays 8am–4pm
✔ Assist with quality assurance checklists and conduct spot checks during the weekly on-site meeting
✔ Basic guidance on any construction related issues and your communication with Pros
✘ No independent site visits in addition to your weekly meeting
✘ No direct communication, scheduling or coordination of all Pros
✘ Will not review quotes or provide advice/recommendations on selecting Pros
✘ Will not attend to any additional on-site requirements
✘ Will not accept quotes or make payments on your behalf
TIER 3
Your Personal Site Supervisor
Best for: Majority of owner builders
Summary of services:
✔ 7 Project milestone inspections & site safety reviews
✔ 1 Weekly on-site meeting with you
✔ 3 Weekly independent site visits
✔
Telephone and email support on weekdays 8am–4pm
✔ Quality assurance reviews
✔ Attend to any on-site requirements
✔ Direct communication, scheduling and coordination of all Pros
✔ Review quotes and provide advice/ recommendations on selecting Pros
✔ Schedule and coordinate all necessary inspections with certifiers
✔ Identify and resolve any construction related issues
✔ Quality checks on materials, workmanship and installation methods
✘ Will not accept quotes or make payments on your behalf
Tip: We Strongly Recommend Tier 3 For Most Owner Builders
Trades often respond differently when a licensed professional is involved. Choosing a Construction Buddy means you’ll have someone who speaks their language — helping ensure you’re taken seriously, instructions are followed, and standards are met.
If things ever go off track, Tier 3 gives you extra peace of mind. Your Buddy can step in quickly to resolve issues, manage tough conversations, and keep delays (and costs) under control — without you needing to chase anyone. This is the highest level of support we offer. It’s the smart choice if you want to build with confidence, avoid stress, and know someone has your back from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Construction Buddy?
A Construction Buddy is highly recommended. Site supervision is an essential element of the home building process and traditional builders would never build without it. As you are in complete control of your project, you can choose whether you want a Construction Buddy, or what tier ... or you may even find an alternate site supervisor off-platform.
It isn't mandatory to have a Construction Buddy or site supervisor to complete your build, but many owner builders find having one makes the journey far smoother. A Buddy brings licensed experience, helps you feel more confident with trades, and can step in quickly if challenges arise.
Think of it as added reassurance: you can absolutely go it alone, but choosing a Construction Buddy often means less stress, fewer delays, and stronger peace of mind along the way.
What do I do if I already have a site supervisor?
That’s okay. You can DIY the task by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner, selecting ‘Do it Yourself,’ and confirming your choice.
What experience do Construction Buddies have?
Construction Buddies are experienced builders, tradespeople, and building professionals who have managed projects of all sizes. They understand the ins and outs of the building process and are skilled at guiding home builders through each stage with practical advice and support.
Can I move up or down between Construction Buddy tiers?
Yes, you can move up or down tiers with Construction Buddy. Simply discuss and agree on the change with your Construction Buddy, then let our Expert Guidance and Support Team know. We’ll update your plan to the tier that best fits your needs during your build.
Can I change Construction Buddies?
Yes — but we strongly recommend sticking with your Construction Buddy, especially if you’re in Tier 3.
Your Construction Buddy builds valuable working relationships with your suppliers, contractors, and consultants. In Tier 3, they play a hands-on role in communication, coordination, and issue resolution — so changing mid-project can disrupt progress and reduce continuity.
If you’re in Tier 1 or Tier 2, changes are more straightforward as the service is less involved day-to-day. That said, if there’s a serious issue at any tier, we’ll always support a smooth transition through the Build Buddy platform.
Is a Construction Buddy an additional cost?
No. If you're comparing it to using a building company, then a Construction Buddy is not an extra cost — every builder includes site supervision in their pricing. With Build Buddy, you just engage and pay your Construction Buddy directly, giving you more transparency and control without hidden markups.
How many quotes should I expect?
Typically, you’ll only receive one quote. Our Expert Guidance and Support Team will review your project with our network of Construction Buddies and match you with the one that’s the best fit.
What Happens During Each Inspection Stage?
| Stage | Purpose | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initiation Meeting | Align all parties before construction | Review scope, timelines, roles, communication, and required documentation |
| 2. Site Establishment Inspection | Verify site is ready for works | Check fencing, signage, amenties, erosion controls, and safe access |
| 3. Concrete Slab (Basement) Inspection (if applicable) | Inspect ground floor slab preparation | Check mesh, formwork, plumbing sleeves, termite barriers, and levels |
| 4. Concrete Slab (Main Ground) Inspection | To inspect key slab elements before pouring the main ground floor | Reinforcement, plumbing penetrations, and waterproofing are inspected to ensure structural and waterproofing compliance |
| 5. Frame & Structural Steel | Validate structural framing before linings | Inspect frames, structural steel, bracing, and layout against plans |
| 6. Roof Construction Inspection | Inspect roof structure and waterproofing | Review trusses, tie-downs, sarking, flashings, and support fixings |
| 7. Pre-Lining | To check everything inside the walls before they’re closed up | An inspector checks framing, wiring, plumbing, insulation, and any hidden work to make sure it's done properly before plasterboard goes on. Any issues must be fixed first. |
| 8. Brickwork/Cladding/ Enclose Inspection | Review external envelope prior to enclosure | Inspect cladding, flashings, sealing, cavity barriers, and waterproofing |
| 9. Wet Areas | To ensure bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are waterproof and ready to finish | The inspector checks that waterproofing has been correctly applied and that wet areas like showers and floors meet building standards. This must be approved before tiling or fitting fixtures. |
| 10. Finishing & Fit-Outs Inspection | Final check of internal finishes and fit-offs | Inspect cabinetry, tapware, paint, tiling, electricals and defect list |
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.
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.
Always in Control, But Never Alone
Remember that whilst you're still in-charge when building your own home, your Construction Buddy is there to help guide and support your decision-making process every step of the way.
