Should I buy a home online - without ever speaking to someone?
16th March 2026
Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction First Home Buyer Design & Trends Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Wondering whether to choose a colour board or go all-in with a colour selection appointment for your new home build? In this episode, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down the key differences, costs, and pros and cons to help you decide what suits your budget, timeline, and lifestyle. Whether you're a first home buyer, investor, or building your forever home, this episode will help you make a confident choice.
Should I Buy a Home Online - Without Ever Speaking to Someone?
If you’re building a new home in Australia, you’ve probably come across two very different ways to choose your finishes - colour boards and colour selection appointments.
Both can get you to the same end result - a finished home - but the experience, cost, and level of control are completely different.
In this episode of the Home Building Hub podcast, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down the pros, cons, and ideal scenarios for each option so you can decide what suits your build.
What Is a Colour Board?
A colour board is a pre-designed palette of finishes created by professional interior designers. It includes both internal and external selections, all curated to work together.
What’s included in a colour board?
- Bricks and external finishes
- Roofing colours
- Flooring and tiles
- Cabinetry and benchtops
- Paint colours and fittings
These are typically grouped into themes like:
- Classic
- Coastal
- Urban
- Hamptons
Why builders offer colour boards
Builders use colour boards to streamline the building process and help clients make faster decisions.
Benefits of colour boards
- Faster approvals and quicker build start
- Fixed or minimal cost increases
- Designed by professionals
- Simple decision making - no overwhelm
- Ideal for tight budgets
Limitations to consider
- Limited customisation
- Set options only - no mixing and matching
- Less personal involvement in design
Best suited for:
- First home buyers
- Property investors
- Time-poor buyers
- Anyone who wants a simple, stress-free process
What Is a Colour Selection Appointment?
A colour selection appointment is a personalised design consultation, usually held in a builder’s selection studio.
This is where you choose every finish in your home, often guided by a consultant or interior designer.
What happens at a colour appointment?
- You visit a selection studio
- You choose finishes step by step
- You’re guided through each category (flooring, tiles, tapware, etc.)
- You can upgrade or customise materials
What you can customise
- Bricks and facade finishes
- Flooring types and colours
- Kitchen and bathroom fittings
- Tapware and hardware
- Paint schemes
Why Choose a Colour Appointment?
For many owner occupiers, this is one of the most exciting parts of building.
Benefits of colour appointments
- Full personalisation
- Tailored to your style and preferences
- Guided by professionals
- Ability to follow design trends
- Greater control over the final look
Things to be aware of
- Can add time to your build
- Can significantly increase costs
- Requires preparation and decision making
- Can feel overwhelming without planning
How Much Do Colour Selections Cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on your builder and inclusions.
Typical ranges (as discussed in the episode):
- Single storey: approx $3,000 - $7,000
- Double storey: approx $10,000 - $20,000+
- High-end builds: can exceed $40,000+
In extreme cases, upgrades can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Key tip:
Always ask:
- What’s included in the base price?
- When selections happen - before or after contract
- What allowance you should budget
How Long Do Colour Appointments Take?
- Small homes: 2 - 3 hours
- Larger homes: 4 - 6 hours
- Double storey homes: may require multiple sessions
Pro tip:
Take advantage of studio tours before your appointment to reduce overwhelm and prepare your ideas.
Colour Boards vs Colour Appointments - Quick Comparison
Speed
- Colour board: Fast
- Colour appointment: Slower
Customisation
- Colour board: Limited
- Colour appointment: Fully custom
Cost control
- Colour board: Fixed
- Colour appointment: Variable
Stress level
- Colour board: Low
- Colour appointment: Can be high
Ideal for
- Colour board: Investors, first home buyers
- Colour appointment: Owner occupiers, custom builds
How Do You Decide What’s Right for You?
Choosing between a colour board and a colour appointment comes down to a few key factors:
Go with a colour board if you:
- Want a fast and simple process
- Are building an investment property
- Prefer cost certainty
- Don’t want decision fatigue
Choose a colour appointment if you:
- Want full control over design
- Have a clear vision for your home
- Enjoy the design process
- Are building your long-term home
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Colour Selections
If you’re going down the colour appointment path:
- Do your research beforehand
- Create inspiration boards (e.g. Pinterest)
- Decide on a general theme early
- Visit the selection studio in advance
- Set a clear budget for upgrades
- Be ready to make decisions on the day
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not budgeting for upgrades
- Walking into the appointment unprepared
- Over-customising an investment property
- Ignoring professional advice
- Trying to change selections after finalising
FAQ
Are colour boards included in the build price?
Often yes, but some builders may charge for upgraded palettes. Always confirm upfront.
Can I change items on a colour board?
Generally no - they are fixed packages, although minor changes may be allowed in some cases.
Are colour appointments worth it?
Yes - if you value customisation and plan to live in the home long term.
When do colour selections happen?
It depends on the builder. Some do it pre-contract, others post-contract.
Can I go over budget at a colour appointment?
Yes - very easily. That’s why setting a budget beforehand is critical.
Glossary of Terms
Colour Board A pre-selected package of finishes designed by professionals.
Colour Selection Appointment A personalised session where you choose all finishes for your home.
Standard Inclusions Items included in the base price of your build.
Upgrades Optional enhancements that cost extra.
Selection Studio A showroom where you choose materials and finishes.
Key Takeaways
- Colour boards are fast, simple, and cost-effective
- Colour appointments offer full control but require time and budget
- Your choice should align with your goals, budget, and personality
- Preparation is key to avoiding overwhelm and overspending
- Always understand what’s included before making decisions
Watch or Listen to the Full Episode
Ready to dive deeper? Watch or listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4OX91TXo4g
About the Home Building Hub Podcast
The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips. Explore more episodes at http://www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.
Disclaimer
This article was generated by AI based on a transcript of our podcast episode and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.