How Much Does a Finishes Selection Service Cost for Builders in Canberra?
- Mysa Interiors
- Sep 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Table of Contents:
When building or renovating in Canberra, the finishes selection takes loads of time and matters hugely. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting, tapware and paint colours, these choices shape the look, feel and long term value of your project. Using a professional finishes selection service is the best way to simplify choices. It helps you avoid expensive mistakes and creates a unified design. So how much should you expect to pay for this service in Canberra? The answer depends on scope, service type and project scale. Let's break it down.
Why Finishes Selection Service Cost Matters for Builders
In Canberra's tough construction market, builders face tight deadlines. They must also meet client expectations and follow compliance requirements.
A dedicated finishes selection consultant supports by:
Coordinating interior and exterior materials so every element works harmoniously.
Managing budget allowances for finishes and ensuring selections align with the build contract.
Providing samples, mood boards and schedules of finishes to simplify ordering.
Advising on durable, compliant and locally available products.
For builders, this means fewer last-minute changes. It leads to smoother client approvals and better final results.
Cost Ranges for Residential Builders in Canberra
Full Service Finishes Selection (Entire Home)
A full service package covers every finish in new builds or major renovations. It includes exterior cladding and roofing. Plus interior paint, flooring, cabinetry, tiling, tapware and lighting.
Typical cost: $1,000 to $3,000 per home.
Example: Canberra firms like Ponder Interiors provide packages starting around $1,500. This includes consultations, design boards and complete finishes schedules.
Extra revisions: Often billed at $120 to $150 per hour if changes exceed agreed scope.
Partial or Specialist Selection Services
Not every project needs a full home package. Builders often engage consultants for:
Kitchen or bathroom finishes only.
Colour scheme consultations.
Hourly rate: Usually $100 to $300 per hour.
Example:
Studio Black Interiors in Canberra offers one hour onsite finishes consultation for $330. This covers cabinetry, tiles, flooring, lighting and more.
Designer for a Day Packages
A popular choice for builders working with indecisive clients. This intensive session lets the consultant and client finalise selections in one day. Supplier visits often come included.
Typical cost: $1,500 to $2,000
Example: Journey Home offers a full day finishes selection package for $1,700, helping clients lock in all major choices at once.
Commercial Builder Finishes Selection Costs
Got a commercial project in Canberra? Think office fit outs, retail spaces and hospitality venues? Finishes selection usually forms part of broader interior design or fit out services.
Integrated design fees: Often 5 to 15 per cent of total project cost, or around $50 to $150 per square metre.
Hourly consulting: $80 to $200 per hour for targeted selections or smaller projects.
Example: A $50,000 boutique fit out might allocate $10,000 to $15,000 for design services, including finishes specification.
Commercial projects demand more compliance checks. Think fire ratings, slip resistance and accessibility standards. These bump up time and costs of selections.
Factors That Influence Pricing
Scope of work:
Full home packages versus partial selections.
Project size and complexity:
Larger or high end homes and bespoke commercial spaces need more detailed attention.
Number of revisions:
Multiple changes quickly add to the cost.
Consultant experience:
Highly experienced designers charge more but often save builders both time and money overall.
Materials and supplier visits: Some services include guided showroom visits while others provide digital options only.
Typical Pricing Models in Canberra
Hourly rate:
Flexible and perfect for ad hoc needs, usually $100 to $300 per hour.
Flat fee:
Fixed price for defined scope, often $1,000 to $3,000 for residential full service packages.
Package pricing:
Bundled services like Designer for a Day or Kitchen and Bathroom Selection.
Percentage of project cost:
Common in commercial projects, ranging from 5 to 15 per cent of build cost.
Local Trends and Insights
Rising demand for bespoke selections:
Canberra clients increasingly prefer unique finishes rather than standard builder inclusions.
Sustainability considerations:
More projects now include eco friendly finishes, which might need specialist sourcing.
Tight build schedules:
Builders benefit from fixed fee packages. They help confirm selections early and reduce supply delay risks.
Making the Most of Your Finishes Selection Budget
Clarify inclusions:
Be clear what's covered, like number of rooms or revisions allowed.
Leverage showroom partnerships:
Some consultants have supplier links unlocking trade discounts.
Schedule early:
Engage your consultant before framing so there's time for decisions and ordering.
Final Word
A finishes selection service is an investment in smoother builds. More cohesive design outcomes and happier clients. In Canberra, expect costs from around $100 per hour for small consultations to over $3,000 for full service packages.
Commercial projects are priced proportionally to scope.
Builders understand cost structures and local market trends. They can choose the right support level for their project. This ensures finishes are beautiful, practical, durable and budget friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a finishes selection service cost in Canberra?
Costs vary with project size, but most services price either hourly or as package fees for full selections processes.
What does a finishes selection service include?
It usually offers advice on colors, materials, fixtures, and fittings. This helps create a consistent look that matches the builder's budget and project style.
Is it worth paying for a finishes selection service?
Yes. Builders save time, avoid costly mistakes and deliver more polished, market ready homes for clients.
Do finishes selection services help with budgeting?
Absolutely. Designers suggest choices that balance quality and cost. This helps builders stick to their budget while keeping their style intact.
Can a finishes selection service speed up construction?
Yes. Finalising choices early helps builders reduce delays and keep projects moving smoothly.
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