How Much Do House Plans Cost? [2024]

Building a new home or renovating starts with getting a professional to design plans. Without good planning, it will be difficult to achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing results.

The cost of house plans can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the scope of the project and who you hire to produce the drawings. For this, you'll need to engage the services of a building designer, drafter or architect.

Which should you choose to draw up your house plans and how much do they cost? Read this guide to help you work out:

• What does a building designer do?
• What is the difference between a building designer and an architect?
• How much do house plans cost?
• Hiring a building designer or drafter

What does a building designer do?

Building designers produce plans and design drawings for new homes, renovations, extensions and other structures, such as granny flats. They will obtain a brief from their client and work to their budget to produce a design concept and preliminary design.

They also assess the site, liaise with the local council to obtain planning permission and building approvals, and submit any other documentation that councils may require. They often do the preliminary and final drawings for private clients and builders.

What is the difference between a building designer and an architect?

The main difference between a building designer and an architect is their level of professional regulation and education. As architects are more highly qualified, they charge more than a drafter or building designer.

Most building designers are qualified drafters who train via a TAFE course. Many will have all the creative and practical skills that domestic architects have, but their fees are typically lower, making them a cost-effective alternative to an architect.

Whether you choose an architect, building designer or drafter, their fees can vary considerably according to their level of service:

• A basic service will include a client consultation, site visit, project design and a briefing with relevant consultants, such as your builder. Drawings will be of a minimum standard only.
• A more enhanced service will also include coordination of other consultants, landscape design, electrical layout and interior design, including layouts of fixtures and fittings.
• Full service will include all of the above, plus assistance with contracts and ongoing assistance during the construction process.

Read more: Architect, building designer or draftsperson?

How much do house plans cost?

The cost of house plans is usually calculated as a percentage of the total price of the project, with less expensive projects taking up a slightly larger percentage than more expensive projects. For example:

• A new home or renovation that costs $190,000 might cost 7.5% of the total ($14,250) for full service or 5% ($9,500) for basic service.
• For construction costs over $500,000, fees are likely to amount to approximately 7% and 4.75% respectively.

For a ballpark idea of house plan costs for some typical renovation projects, expect to be charged:

• $2,800 for plans of a small/medium single room extension
• $3,200 for plans of a medium/large extension, adding two rooms
• $3,900 for plans of a full redesign/renovation of a large house

This is a rough guide only. In order to get an accurate quote for the cost of house plans, you will have to contact a designer directly.

Hiring a building designer or drafter

When you're getting quotes for house plans, you should choose a service based on their level of expertise and appropriateness for your project. Whether you decide to go with a building designer, architect or drafter, ask them for:

• Proof of their professional qualifications (in some states, such as Queensland, you are obliged to use a licensed building designer)
• Any state or nationally-recognised professional association they belong to
• Their portfolio, so you can see if their designs appeal to you
• References and/or examples of their previous work in your area

Ultimately, you will want to contact your drafter or building designer in person to determine if they are the right fit for you. You will want to feel comfortable with them and feel comfortable talking with them about all aspects of your building design and they should be willing and anxious to listen to your input.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.