Building brokers can help inexperienced home builders navigate their process, but there are some important questions to consider, Consumer Protection WA warns.
Daniel Paton, whose business offers property advocacy help to people wanting to build their own home, said building brokers were similar to mortgage brokers in connecting clients with builders.
"They're really there to make sure what you want to build and matching you and fitting you with the best builder for that product," Mr Paton told 102.5 ABC Perth.
He said the introduction of many different building options in WA meant many people wishing to consider building needed to get more advice.
"A building broker can be really beneficial just to help you think about things you might not have considered, but also steer you in the right direction of what builder naturally aligns with what you're trying to actually create."
Like mortgage brokers, building brokers are not paid by their clients, but by the building company that is awarded the work, and the fees typically range from 2.5 to 4 per cent of the construction price.
"Before building brokers, there were sales reps who worked for the builders to facilitate the signing-up of projects for builders," Mr Paton said.
"They were paid by the builder as a percentage of the construction cost, and it's the same model…
