Industry Awards are a powerful marketing advantage as they showcase your work and capability as a builder. Whether you make the shortlist or win the award, either way you can demonstrate to potential clients how great your work is. Additionally, the organisations that run these awards programs often have promotional plans associated – meaning if you are lucky enough to win and award, your will reap the benefits of the additional publicity associated.

In the building industry, there are several awards programs that cater for entrants ranging from small family-owned businesses right up to the biggest names in the residential building industry. There are awards run by associations such as the HIA or Masterbuilders or independent awards such as the Australian Construction Awards.

It’s cliché, but you’ve got to be in it to win it. No project is too small to enter – judges are looking for a range of criteria suited to all types of builds. However, we understand you might feel the process is daunting, so we’ve compiled a few tips to help you put your best foot (or best project) forward.

1. Plan your submission

Once you find an award category that is relevant for your business and project, start with pen and paper and jot down all the details of your project. Focus on the mandatories like project name address, completion date, who else you need to credit for the project. Then start to add points around why this project is special and worthy of an award. Think about how you have responded to the needs of the client as a starting point.

2. Tell a story

Now that you have the bones of the submission, start to tell a story. You will be super familiar with your project but others won’t be. So, writing your submission like you are telling the judges a story is a good approach. Remember, they will be reading many submissions just like yours – try to focus on the things that make your project unique and don’t be afraid to really sell yourself!

3. Pay attention to detail

Make sure you understand the details of the submission guidelines – don’t go over the word count and get your submission in before the deadline. Also understand the judging criteria. Make sure you address each of the criteria somewhere within your submission.

4. Review and re-write

Don’t rush your submission. Take your time. Write and then rewrite again! It’s a good idea to get a friend or family member – preferably someone not familiar with the project – to review your submission. Ask them to playback to you what they think is special about your project to see if you have nailed the story.

5. Great photography

iPhone photos just aren’t going to cut it. It’s time to call in the professionals. You’ll need 10-12 photos to accompany your submission. Brief your photographer on the story you are telling and ask them to capture relevant images.