How Much Does It Cost to Draw Floor Plans
Reviewed and approved on March 19, 2021, past Tom Grupa and 9 practiced architects on HomeGuide.
Builder fees
Architect fees are 5% to 20% of construction costs for residential projects (custom homes, remodels, extensions) and iii% to 12% for commercial structures. The boilerplate cost to hire an architect is $v,000 to $sixty,000 to design firm plans. Architects charge hourly rates of $100 to $250 to draw plans.

Fee type | Average cost |
---|---|
Stock-still fee (drawing plans) | $2,000 – $20,000 |
Stock-still fee (total service) | $15,000 – $80,000+ |
Hourly rate | $100 – $250 |
Per centum of construction price (concept designs) | 5% – 8% |
Percentage of structure price (custom house) | 8% – 15% |
Percentage of structure toll (remodel) | ten% – 20% |
Per square foot | $2 – $15 |
Table of contents
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- Architect fees
- Cost to draw plans
- Boilerplate cost to hire
- How much practice architects charge?
- Hourly rate
- Percentage of construction cost
- Per square foot
- Fixed prices
- Combination
- Architect fees for residential projects
- Remodel, home addition, or extension
- Custom house plans
- Commercial architect fees
- Architects fee structure and design schedule
- How to know if you need an architect
- Architect vs. drafter vs. designer
- Frequently asked questions
- How long practice drawings take?
- How to hire an builder
- Questions to ask
- Legal considerations
- Architects virtually me
How much does an architect cost to draw plans?
Architectural drawings cost $2,000 to $20,000 for a builder's set of house plans needed to obtain permits and accurately estimate construction costs. Calculation detailed drawing specifications, construction documents, and projection direction raises the price to $15,000 to $eighty,000+.

Level of service | Average toll |
---|---|
Basic drawing plans | $2,000 – $20,000 |
Full service plans | $xv,000 – $80,000+ |
Total-service architect fees for designing and managing large homes or circuitous projects tin can cost $100,000 to $300,000 or more.
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Architectural plans are also called construction drawings, blueprint plans, or blueprints, and may include:
- Site plans, floor plans, and roof plans
- Exterior elevations from each side of the construction
- Basement or foundation plans, including footings and begetting walls
- Detailed drawings of specific elements
- Section drawings showing cantankerous-department views of the structure
- Mechanical, electric, and plumbing (MEP) system plans
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Average price to hire an builder
The boilerplate cost to rent an architect depends on the chore size and whether the architect draws the initial plans or oversees the entire project.

National average cost | $15,000 |
Minimum toll | $500 |
Maximum cost | $150,000 |
Average range | $five,000 to $lx,000 |
*Based on 48 responses reported past HomeGuide members.
How much do architects charge?
Architects charge fees based on a percentage of construction costs, an hourly rate, a fixed price, or per foursquare human foot. An architect's fee structure depends on the project'south size, the complication of the blueprint, location, and the extent of services provided.
Architect hourly rate
Builder hourly rates are $100 to $250 per hr on boilerplate, depending on the architect's experience, skill level, and location. Architectural firms charge $60 to $100 per hr for piece of work by an intern and hourly rates of $160 to $350 for a chief architect or senior partner.

Title | Boilerplate hourly rate | Experience level |
---|---|---|
Intern / freelance | $60 – $100 | 3 to 8 years |
Builder | $100 – $200 | More than 8 years |
Primary builder | $160 – $350 | Oversees the architectural firm |
Architects typically use hourly rates for smaller projects, and there'south often a negotiated cap on the number of hours they can work.
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Architectural design fees as a percentage of construction cost
Architects' pattern fee percentages average viii% to 15% of the construction price, but range from v% to xx% depending on the project's complication and the services included. With the average cost to build a house at $155,000 to $416,000, architect fees add $12,400 to $62,400.

Service level | Percentage fee | Includes |
---|---|---|
Bones blueprint & express services | 5% – 10% | Includes plans and limited services only. |
Moderate design & full services | 10% – xv% | Includes total pattern services, construction documents, behest, and new construction administration. |
High-level design & full services | 15% – twenty% | Includes full design services, construction documents, bidding, and new structure assistants for more than complex projects. |
Architect cost per foursquare foot
Architects charge $two to $xv per square foot, depending on the architectural services included and the amount of work. Architects toll $four,000 to $xxx,000 on boilerplate for a ii,500 foursquare human foot house.

Service | Cost per square foot | Includes |
---|---|---|
Concept development | $1 – $5 | Includes the initial consultation and bones design plans. |
Structure documents | $1 – $v | Include detailed plans and specifications required for permit approval and an accurate estimate of structure costs. |
Construction administration | $2 – $5 | Includes behest and negotiating with builders and conducting site visits to ensure construction adheres to the architectural drawings. |
Fixed prices for an architect
Some architects charge fixed prices for small projects where the telescopic of work is straightforward and can easily estimated upfront. Architects typically don't charge a lump sum for big projects due to the many variables involved in the blueprint and construction procedure.
Combination fee structure
Many architectural firms use a combination of fee structures, depending on the project stage. Architects may charge on an hourly ground for the initial consultation and design phase, then ready a pct, flat fee, or per square foot pricing after determining the projection's size and scope.
Additional building designer fees
Architects charge extra for building blueprint revisions, add-on services, and reimbursable expenses:
- 3D renderings price $200 to $800 per image on boilerplate for interior and exterior images.
- Architects nib separately for reimbursable expenses, including printing, photocopies, postage or shipping fees, courier service, travel expenses, and mileage.
- Most architects accuse for blueprint revisions fabricated at the client's request after construction has already started or changes due to issues during the construction phase.
- State surveys cost $1,000 to $i,500 for new home construction. Remodels and home additions may also crave a survey.
- Building permits cost $500 to $ii,000 for new abode construction or remodeling, depending on the location.
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Builder fees for residential projects
Builder fees for residential projects are 5% to twenty% of the construction budget or $2,000 to $fifteen,000 on average. Architect fees are viii% to 15% for custom homes or new builds and 10% to 20% for remodels. Some architects accuse 5% to 8% for initial concept designs with no added services.

Construction blazon | Average fee |
---|---|
Concept designs only | 5% – 8% |
Custom dwelling / new build | viii% – 15% |
Remodel, addition, or extension | 10% – 20% |
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Cost of architect for remodel, home addition, or extension
The toll to hire an architect for remodels and home additions is x% to 20% of construction costs. An builder costs $2,000 to $15,000 to build a home addition. Architects also investigate the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems, charging $100 to $250 per hour for enquiry.
An architect costs more for house renovations than new homes because they must create Record Drawings depicting the existing structure before cartoon new design plans.

Custom business firm plans cost
Custom home plans price $2,000 to $20,000 for the blueprint alone, which may not include detailed specifications or construction documents. By comparison, pre-designed stock business firm plans cost $500 to $5,000, depending on the home's size and style. Architects charge $100 to $250 per hr to customize a stock program.

Type | Average toll |
---|---|
Pre-designed stock edifice plans | $500 – $5,000 |
Custom house plans | $ii,000 – $20,000 |
When purchasing stock home building plans, have a local architect or builder review them to ensure they comply with local building codes.
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Commercial builder fees
Architect fees for commercial projects are iii% to 12% of construction costs, depending on the complexity. Commercial architects charge three% to ix% to design simple buildings like warehouses or parking garages, while office buildings cost 4% to ten%, and complex structures similar hospitals cost v% to 12%.

Building blazon | Average fee |
---|---|
Warehouse, parking garage, or uncomplicated building | 3% – nine% |
Office building, school, or hotel | iv% – 10% |
Hospital, lab, specialized facility, or other circuitous building | 5% – 12% |
*As the total upkeep goes upwardly, the fee structure slides down.
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Architects fee construction and pattern schedule
The architectural blueprint process includes five phases—known equally the Builder's Basic Services—including the initial meeting and schematic design, design development and drafting, structure document cosmos, negotiation with builders, and project direction or construction assistants.

Phase | Percent of projection | Features and deliverables |
---|---|---|
Pre-design | Varies |
|
Schematic Design | 20% |
|
Design Development | 10% |
|
Construction Documents | twoscore% |
|
Bidding and Negotiation | 5% |
|
Construction Administration | 25% |
|
Many architects base their fee schedule on the design phases. Request a coming together at the end of each phase to review progress and inquire the architect to address any questions or issues.
Pre-blueprint and data-gathering
The pre-design phase includes a consultation to hash out ideas, decide the client's upkeep and needs for the new space, review the architect's process and fee schedule, and perchance visit the holding.
Schematic design
The architect creates initial concept designs that may include preliminary drawings, sketches, floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and a site plan, and presents the designs to the client for blessing.

Pattern development
The architect refines the design, adds more particular to the drawings, specifies outside and interior materials and finishes, and works with engineers to design the structural, mechanical, electric, and plumbing systems.
Hiring a structural engineer costs $100 to $220 per 60 minutes on average.
Construction documents
The architect produces multiple sets of detailed technical drawings and specifications required to obtain building permits and accurate construction cost estimates for behest.
Behest and negotiation
Builders submit competitive bids based on the architectural drawings. The architect assists the client by answering contractors' questions, clarifying details from the drawings, and evaluating bids to ensure they encounter all requirements.
Structure administration
The builder conducts periodic site visits to monitor the construction and confirm it complies with the drawings. The architect acts every bit the customer'southward representative, working with contractors and structural engineers to answer any questions, approve changes to the plans, and approve the contractor'south requests for progress payments.
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How to know if you demand an architect
Y'all may demand a expert architect if your project meets any of the post-obit criteria:
- You are edifice a new abode and need structure documents for permits or financing.
- You lot want an experienced professional person to handle space planning and design a layout that works best for your family'due south needs.
- You are calculation a 2nd story or large addition to your home.
- You are remodeling a historic home.
- You want an energy-efficient dwelling house that makes the best employ of the location and surrounding landscape.
- Your electric current dwelling house has problem areas and you want help reconfiguring the infinite.
- Your project has unique or circuitous structural considerations.
- Y'all are edifice on a complicated site or a location with challenging terrain.
- You're on a budget and want an architect to devise ways to get more features at a lower cost.
- Your state requires building plans to be stamped past a licensed architect.
Title | Function |
---|---|
Architect | Licensed and experienced in designing the structural, spatial, and technical aspects of a home. |
Edifice designer / Home designer | Specializes in designing private homes but may not take the structural or technical expertise of a licensed architect. |
Draftsperson | Creates drawings and plans based on the architect's design. |
Interior designer | Creates the look and feel within the dwelling house through décor pick and space planning. |
Architect vs. drafter
A draftsperson creates architectural drawings subsequently the architect completes the blueprint. The drafter typically works with a licensed architect who oversees the projection and stamps the concluding plans for approval. Draftsperson fees are $thirty to $120 per 60 minutes.
Architect vs. home designer
Domicile and building designers provide architectural blueprint services merely lack the same licensing or training requirements as architects. Building designers specialize in private homes and typically accuse less than architects but may non have the same engineering or structural systems expertise.
When hiring a home designer, look for a Certified Professional Edifice Designer who is a fellow member of the American Plant of Building Design (AIBD).
Architect vs. interior designer
Interior designers focus on the look and feel within a dwelling house while architects pattern the structural, technical, and rubber aspects. Interior designers make indoor spaces functional and visually appealing past improving the flow, presenting article of furniture and décor suggestions, and overseeing the decorating process. Interior designers cost $50 to $200 per hour on average.
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Often asked questions
How long does information technology accept for an architect to draw up plans?
Architects take 2 to half-dozen months on average to draw up plans, including all the construction documents necessary for building permits. First drafts of conceptual or schematic designs take 2 weeks to 1 calendar month to consummate afterwards the initial consultation.
Communicate often with the architect throughout the project. Timely responses and decisions from clients speed upwards the process.
How much do architects charge for blueprints?
Architects charge $2,000 to $20,000 for blueprints for a business firm, non including design revisions or structure administration. Blueprints are too called architectural drawings or plans.
Why are architectural drawings important?
Architectural drawings are disquisitional in ensuring the final construction matches the design. Detailed drawings allow homeowners to visualize the finished dwelling and get accurate cost estimates. Inaccurate drawings may cause misunderstandings betwixt the builder and homeowner, resulting in higher costs and delays.
How are architect's fees calculated?
Architects' fees are calculated every bit a percentage of the total construction costs, an hourly charge per unit, a stock-still lump sum, or foursquare footage. Fees depend on the complication of the pattern, the project size, and the services included. Architects lower their rates for larger loftier-budget projects.
How much does an architect make?
Architects make $fifty,000 to $140,000 per year on average, depending on experience. Architect hourly rates range from $60 to $100 per hour for interns or junior architects to $160 to $350 per 60 minutes for principal or senior architects.
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How to hire an builder
Follow these steps to ensure yous hire the right architect that is the all-time fit for your project:
- Find out which architect designed other homes you admire. Await at photos of their past work. Confirm the architect specializes in designing residential homes.
- Read their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Request references from previous clients.
- Request an initial consultation. Discuss your needs, goals, and ideas for the project. Wait for an architect who is enthusiastic about your project and gauge your rapport to ensure the human relationship will be positive.
- Determine the upkeep. Discuss budgeting options with the architect to ensure you have a realistic agreement of exactly what yous get. Get the upkeep written into the contract to protect you from budget overruns later on.
- Confirm the architect's fee structure. Ask the architect to specify in writing which services are included in the fee. Asking a complete listing of additional services to avert unexpected costs.
- Hire the architect before selecting a builder. Accurate structure estimates and competitive bidding from full general contractors are only possible after an architect creates drawings and detailed specifications.
- Read the contract advisedly earlier signing. Ask for clarification on any points you don't empathize.
Questions to enquire
Enquire these questions from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) upfront when interviewing architects.
- Are you a licensed registered architect?
- What is your design philosophy and procedure?
- What projects take y'all worked on that are similar to my scope of work?
- What is your fee structure?
- Which services are included in your fee, and which services toll extra?
- Exercise you lot charge for an initial consultation, and if so, how much?
- How long will the pattern procedure take?
- How will the plans be delivered? Do yous provide 3D renderings?
- What challenges do yous foresee with my projection?
- What is your strategy for bringing in a project on time and on budget?
- How much interest will you have in choosing and buying fixtures and finishes?
- Do y'all work with a specific builder?
- How often can we meet on-site with the contractor?
Legal considerations
Ownership of the plans – Co-ordinate to the standard contract from the AIA, the architect retains copyright ownership of the plans and can sell to other builders or homeowners unless specified otherwise. The homeowner is granted a not-sectional license to utilise the plans for merely 1 structure project.
Blueprint and construction errors – The architect or builder may be held responsible for edifice errors, depending on the contract's terms and the cause of the mistake. Consult with an attorney near you to accost whatever liability issues.
- The architect is typically liable for construction defects that occur due to improper designs or miscalculations, or for failing to discover defects when inspecting a home for compliance with the design plans.
- The builder is typically liable for errors caused by not complying with the plans and specifications.
State requirements – Check local requirements to ostend whether building plans need to be stamped with a licensed architect's or engineer'south seal to get a permit.
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted architects:
Become gratuitous estimates
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Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/architect-cost
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