Buildertrend’s Selections tool simplifies the way you present and manage design choices throughout a project.
Whether you create a polished presentation for your client to review these options or use Selections for budgeting and internal documentation, this feature will streamline both your project and financial management processes.
From appliances to paint colors, Selections helps you streamline tracking by:
Organizing Selections using default or custom categories and locations.
Edit or delete these categories and locations for neat and organized tracking.
Create and manage allowances tied to selections, helping to control budgets.
Allowances can be shared across multiple selections or kept specific to individual ones.
Selections can also be shared with subcontractors or vendors who are involved in installation or need to be aware of approved choices.
Selections Overview I Help Center Video
Selections Overview II Help Center Video
Creating Selections
Begin by selecting a Job, then navigate to Selections from the Project Management dropdown.
Next select New Selection from the Selections dashboard.
Create your Selection by entering key details such as the Title, Category, Location, Deadline, and more. When finished, click Save.
Selection Fields
Expand for a detailed description of each Selection field
Expand for a detailed description of each Selection field
Selection Details Fields
Title – The name of the selection item.
Require client to make a selection – Ensures the client must choose an option before the job progresses.
Category – Groups the selection under a specific type (e.g., Flooring, Appliances) for organized tracking.
Location – Specifies where the selection applies within the project (e.g., Master Bathroom, Kitchen).
Single vs Shared – Determines whether the allowance amount is unique to this selection or shared across multiple selections.
Allowance – Sets the budget for this selection, helping to track costs and avoid overruns.
Deadline – Set a specific date or link the Selection to a schedule item by which the client must make a selection to stay on schedule.
Description Tab
Public Instructions – Visible to clients, this field provides clear guidance or requirements related to the selection, such as specs, installation notes, or decision details.
Internal Notes – Only visible to your team, this section is used for documenting background details, reminders, or internal instructions that don’t need to be shared with the client.
Files & Discussions Tab
Attachments – Upload relevant files or create new Word/Excel docs directly from the task.
Adding Choices to your Selections
Adding choices to a selection in Buildertrend allows you to present your clients with clear options for products, materials, or finishes.
Each choice can include pricing, descriptions, photos, and vendor information to help clients make informed decisions. This not only keeps your project organized but also ensures alignment between you, your clients, and any involved subcontractors.
After saving your new selection, you can start adding choices by clicking Create New Choice or using the Add Choices dropdown within the Choices tab of the selection item.
Create your Selection by entering key details such as the Choice Title, Product Link, Include in Budget, Attachments, Price Details, and Product Description. When finished, click Save.
Repeat these steps to add as many choices as you'd like the client to review and choose from. When you're ready for them to make their selection, click Send to release the selection item for their review.
Selection Choice Fields
Expand for a detailed description of each Choice field
Expand for a detailed description of each Choice field
Choice Details
Choice Title – The name of the option being presented for the selection.
Product Link – A URL to the product page or resource where clients can view more details.
Include in Budget – Indicates whether the cost of this choice should be included in your Job Costing Budget prior to being chosen by your client.
Files
Attachments – Upload relevant files or create new Word/Excel docs directly from the task.
💡Pro Tip
Include photos of the choice options so that your client has a better understanding of the choices they are deciding on.
Price Details
Provide cost information for the choice items:
Flat Fee – Enter a single total price for the choice without itemizing costs.
Line Items – Break down the total cost into individual components for more detailed budgeting and transparency.
Request From Sub/Vendor – Send a request to a subcontractor or vendor to provide pricing for the choice.
Product Description
Description – Use this field to provide detailed information about the selection choice, including specifications, features, or any relevant details that help clarify what is being chosen.
Approving Choices
From the Selection, your client can approve which choice(s) they want.
If the client is active, they can review and make selections directly within the client portal.
If the client does not have portal access, you can approve the choices on their behalf to keep the process moving.
After clicking Approve next to the desired selection choice, the client will be prompted to provide a signature and has the option to leave additional comments, creating a clear record of their decision.
Once a Choice has been approved, a notification will be sent to your team and any subs, vendors, or installers listed.
Templating your Selections
Feature Templates in Buildertrend save time, effort and ensure accuracy between projects of similar type.
Selection Templates can be broken into tier groups or act as an all-inclusive design catalog. This not only saves time and effort but also promotes consistency and accuracy across projects. Create as many templates as you need to simplify the selection process and deliver a more efficient
Templates can be created from scratch or by copying from an existing job. Use templates to pre-plan selections and choices, which can be imported into future jobs.
Templating Selections Help Center Video
Interested in Learning More? 📚
The Buildertrend Learning Academy is your one-stop-shop for your online education, whether you're new to Buildertrend or an experienced user looking to learn more.
If you have any questions or require additional support, feel free to chat with us, send an email: support@buildertrend.com, or give us a call at 1-888-415-7149. We’re always happy to help.