Pausing the game before entering Build or Buy mode is the easiest way to make sure that your Sims don't do anything while you are building and buying.
If the method you're using to pause the game isn't working well, try a different method.
- Click the Pause button at the bottom of the screen.
- Press 0 on the keyboard.
- Press 0 on the numpad.
- Press P on the keyboard.
- Press ` on the keyboard.
If you have to do things more than once to make the Sims do them, then do them more than once. It's irritating, I know, but it's the only suggestion I have.
