Build Buddy vs Traditional Builders: What’s the Difference?

 With a project builder, you’re often paying for convenience but sacrificing choice, transparency, and control. Build Buddy flips that model — giving you the same expert processes and guidance, without the compromises. More freedom, more visibility, and more value for your build.


With one simple app, you’re fully empowered to manage your build from start to finish. With step-by-step checklists, smart planning tools, and direct access to trusted trades, you get the home you want, without the stress and second-guessing.


If you’re looking to hand over all decisions and for someone run the project for you, a traditional builder may be the better fit. Build Buddy is designed for homeowners and owner-builders who want clarity, control, and confidence in their build - and are ready to be actively involved in shaping the outcome.


Here's how Build Buddy stacks up against the old way of doing things - so you can see the difference for yourself, and decide what is the right fit for you.

100% Freedom of Choice

Complete Price Transparency

Consistent Communication & Real-Time Updates

Home Design Flexibility

Wholesale Deals Passed Onto Customer

Quality Assurance Measures

Knowledge & Experience

Complete Service Package

Choose Your Own Trades

On-Site Safety Protocols

On-Site Construction Professional

Reduced Financial Exposure

Finance Compatible

Insurance

Warranty

Most works are covered by the individual

warranties and insurance of contractors and suppliers you engage with.


As an owner-builder, you are responsible for the building work.

Most works are covered by the individual warranties and insurance of contractors and suppliers they engage with.


Home owners warranty covers you in the event the builder goes insolvent.


Structural warranty cover is builder dependent.

* A Tier 3 Construction Buddy provides support on all construction related matters. Users have the freedom to choose their own Construction Buddy, allowing them to tailor the level of assistance and support they receive based on their skill and preferences.


^ Contract Works and Public Liability Insurances is recommended for all owner-builders. Build Buddy does not directly offer insurance products. The platform’s workflow provides users with the guidance and support to obtain the required insurances

Why Choose Build Buddy instead of a Building Company?

Project builders can lock you into rigid designs, mark-ups, and timelines that leave you with less choice and higher costs. Build Buddy puts the control back in your hands - giving you complete flexibility, transparency, and direct access to trusted trades, so you can shape your home your way.

15-25% Cost Savings

Say goodbye to builder's margins and hello to significant savings! By managing the build yourself, you deal directly with all the trades and suppliers without any of the builder's margins.

Complete Control

Take charge of your project from start to finish. With Build Buddy, every decision is yours - from choosing trades to setting timelines - giving you full ownership of your build.

Greater Flexibility

No cookie-cutter builds here. Whether you want to move a wall, change a finish, swap a supplier, or adjust your timeline, Build Buddy gives you the freedom to adapt as needed.

All-in-one Platform

Everything you need, all in one place. From managing budgets and timelines to booking trades and tracking progress, Build Buddy keeps your entire project at your fingertips.

Guided Support

Never feel out of your depth. Step-by-step checklists, smart tools, and expert-backed resources guide you through each stage, so you’re confident at every turn.

100% Transparency

Have peace of mind knowing exactly where your money and time are going. Experience transparency at a level that the building industry has never seen before.

"The app provides clear guidance, making it easy to navigate."

Hui

“Build Buddy has been instrumental in our building journey”

Haneesha

"The support from Build Buddy has made a significant difference."

Sushil

"We should have gone with Build Buddy from the very start ..."

David

"Making us feel, ‘Okay, we can do this with Build Buddy’s help."

Jack

"Build Build has been a stellar support every step of the way."

John & Emi

"Build Build has been a stellar support every step of the way."

Joseph

"The app provides clear guidance, making it easy to navigate."

Hui

“Build Buddy has been instrumental in our building journey”

Haneesha

BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE

Expert Guidance and Support

The Build Buddy platform offers an intelligent and unique approach to residential building projects and enables anybody with the desire to control the quality, progress and budget on their residential project without ever needing to engage the services of a traditional builder.

Download the App

Book A Demo

Explore all the functions and features with a guided demonstration with a Build Buddy expert


2024 Start-Up World Cup

Australian Region

2024 Asian Technology Excellence Awards

2024 Proptech Awards

Most Innovative

2024 Pause Awards

People's Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use Build Buddy if I have no building experience?

    Yes! Build Buddy is made for everyday Aussies—no building experience required. You get an easy-to-follow, step-by-step checklist for your entire project, along with detailed guides for every task, so you always know what to do and when.


    Our Expert Guidance & Support Team is here to answer questions whenever you need help. Plus, your personal Construction Buddy keeps your project on track, checks quotes, and makes sure nothing gets missed. With Build Buddy, you’realways in control, but never alone. 

  • How do the costs compare between Build Buddy and a traditional builder?

    Traditional builders typically add a margin of 15–25% on top of trades and materials. With Build Buddy, you hire trades directly and access wholesale pricing - meaning you can save up to 25% on your build by cutting out the builder’s margin.

  • Does using Build Buddy take longer than hiring a builder?

    Not necessarily. Many owner-builders finish on similar timelines, but with the added benefit of visibility and control. You can move at your own pace without waiting for a builder’s schedule.

  • Can I still get a high-quality home without a builder?

    Absolutely. With Build Buddy, you get access to curated trades, expert input, and full control over your project. Your home will meet all required building standards—and often achieve a higher level of finish, because you’re the one making the calls.


    To keep quality high, our workflow includes built-in quality assurance checklists, recommended Construction Buddy inspections, and guidance on certifiers and other checks—just like a traditional building company would use.