ProQuest: Connecting Homeowners with Design & Build Pros

ProQuest is the final module in BuildQuest's planning platform. By the time a homeowner reaches ProQuest, they have completed ProjectProfile, built vision boards in VisionSpec, and worked through their budget in CostCompass. ProQuest lets them share all of that work with architects, designers, and contractors in one organized project brief.

This episode walks through ProQuest from both perspectives. Bill Reid explains how homeowners search for professionals, what goes into the project brief, and how professionals respond. The goal is alignment before formal engagement so neither party wastes time on projects that were never realistic.

HOW HOMEOWNERS USE PROQUESTProQuest gives homeowners two search options. Deep search tools match them with professionals based on project criteria, location, and quality level. Or they can invite professionals they already know. Homeowners save the ones they want to work with and send them a project brief.

The project brief includes property information, family profile, design direction, vision boards for every room, timing, budget range from CostCompass, and a personal introduction letter. Homeowners control what they share. Budget range is optional, but sharing it eliminates the biggest source of wasted time.

When homeowners send invitations, professionals receive an email with a link to the brief. Professionals can accept and review the project, or decline. Homeowners get notified either way. If a professional accepts, they can message the homeowner, request a meeting, or respond with budget feedback using BuildQuest's built-in tools.

HOW PROFESSIONALS USE PROQUESTProQuest is not a lead service. Homeowners pay for BuildQuest, which means they are serious. Professionals receive project-specific invitations from homeowners who have already done the planning work.

When a professional receives an invitation, they review the project brief. They see the property, the family profile, the design preferences, the vision boards, the budget range, and the timing. If they are interested, they accept. If not, they decline and the homeowner knows not to follow up.

Professionals can respond with questions, suggest a meeting, or use the budget tools to create their own budget and share it back. The budget builder pulls from the homeowner's project criteria and lets professionals adjust design fees, consultant fees, permit costs, contingencies, and construction costs. They can share a detailed budget or just a total dollar figure.

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