Build Consulting | Expert Building Advice by the Hour | Ninedots Build Advocates
★★★★★  Trusted by hundreds of Australian families
Builder reviewing house plans on a residential building site
Build Consulting · Expert advice by the hour

Expert building advice,right when you need it.

Independent, on-demand consulting from a qualified builder and inspector. No packages, no lock-in — just straight answers on any build question, decision or concern.

20 minFree initial consult
$220Per hour, all-in
100%Independent advice
Ninedots consultant talking through plans with a homeowner
Builder + Inspector
Qualified, InterNACHI-certified expertise
What is build consulting?

A building expert in your corner — on your terms

Most building advice comes with strings attached. Builders, brokers and suppliers all have a stake in the decisions you make. Build consulting is different: independent, practical guidance from someone whose only job is to look after you.

Whether you're weighing up a quote, stuck partway through construction, or simply want a second opinion before you commit, you get clear, experienced advice — and you only pay for the time you actually use.

  • Any stage of the journey — from first plans to final handover and everything in between.
  • Any question, big or small — contracts, costs, quality, timelines or tricky conversations with your builder.
  • Genuinely independent — we work for you and no one else, so the advice is always yours alone.
  • Only pay for what you need — no packages or retainers, just expert time when it counts.
Start with a free consult
Building consultant and engineer reviewing works on site

When something on your build doesn't feel right, you shouldn't have to guess. One honest conversation can save you thousands — and a great deal of stress.

How we help

What people bring to a consult

Every build is different, but the questions tend to rhyme. Here's where a focused session with an independent expert makes the biggest difference.

Quotes & contracts

Make sense of a builder's quote, understand the inclusions and exclusions, and know exactly what you're signing before you commit.

Plans & specifications

A second set of expert eyes over your plans, specs and selections — so problems are caught on paper, not on site.

Progress & variations

Check progress claims and variations as they land, and get a clear read on whether you're being charged fairly.

Defects & quality

Something doesn't look right and you want an honest, qualified opinion on whether it meets the standard it should.

Builder disputes

You've hit a wall with your builder and need a calm, practical way forward — backed by someone who knows the process.

Decisions & direction

A trusted sounding board for any build decision, big or small, so you can move ahead with genuine confidence.

How it works

From first call to clear next steps

Getting expert advice shouldn't be complicated. Here's exactly how a Ninedots consult works — start to finish.

  1. 1

    Free 20-minute consult

    We get to know your situation and confirm we're the right people to help. No cost, no obligation.

  2. 2

    Agree the scope

    We map out exactly what you need and book consulting time at a simple $220 per hour.

  3. 3

    Talk it through

    Get experienced guidance by phone, video or on site — whatever suits the question.

  4. 4

    Walk away with a plan

    You leave with practical, independent advice and clear next steps you can act on straight away.

Book your free consult
Homeowner on a build consultation call
Simple, transparent pricing

No retainers. No surprises.

Expert building advice priced the way it should be — start for free, then pay only for the time you use.

Start with a free 20-minute consult
$220/ hour

Billed only for the time we spend on your build. No lock-in, no packages, no hidden extras.

Book your free consult
  • A qualified builder and InterNACHI-certified inspector on the line
  • Advice by phone, video or on site — whatever the situation calls for
  • Completely independent — we answer only to you, never to the builder
  • Clear, practical guidance you can act on straight away
The Ninedots team collaborating around a table
Why Ninedots

Advice you can actually trust

We pioneered the Build Advocate model in 2013 for one reason: homeowners deserve an expert who answers to them, not to the builder. That independence is the whole point of what we do.

  • Qualified, hands-on expertise — guidance from a working builder and InterNACHI-certified inspector, not a sales desk.
  • Truly independent — your best interests are the only thing shaping the advice we give.
  • Trusted by Australian families — guiding builds across Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and beyond.
More about Ninedots
Happy couple settling into their new home

Get a building expert on your side

Book a free 20-minute consult and find out how independent advice can make your build simpler, safer and a whole lot less stressful.

Ninedots
Ready to build with someone on your side?
Book Now

Ninedots Build Advocates

Independent advice, advocacy and expertise for a stress-free build — pioneers of the Build Advocate model since 2013.

Proud members of
HIAMaster BuildersFCANAWICInterNACHINAHB

Need to chat?

Send through your details and we'll be in touch to see how we can help with your build journey.

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North Geelong VIC 3215
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