How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Floor Plan Designer? (2024)

The cost to hire a floor plan designer ranges between $800 and $2,700, or an average project cost of about $1,750. Rates start at $50 and go as high as $130 per hour for a draftsperson to draw up blueprints or a house plan. Plans for a three-bedroom house require at least 10 hours to complete, and typically cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

Architectural drafters or draftspersons draw blueprints for new homes, renovations and additions. They use CAD (computer-aided design) software to design the architectural plans and technical drawings necessary for the engineering and construction of the space. These services may be offered through architecture and design firms, or on a freelance basis by independent professionals.

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Types of Floor Plans

For interior design or construction mock-ups, floor plan design software may be adequate. But construction and remodeling jobs typically require a set of blueprints drawn with CAD software.

Floor Plan Software

Building construction professionals and designers normally use floor plan software during the proposal and decision making phase of design. It lets them create a house plan in as little as two hours for a three-bedroom home. The software creates a 3D floor plan that the designer uses to build 2D and 3D renderings for the construction or design presentation.

It offers a faster, lower-cost alternative that is easy to change, but shows far less technical detail than CAD. DIYers can purchase a subscription-based software for about $20 per month.

CAD Blueprints

CAD software is much more detailed and requires about 10 hours to develop the floor plan of a similarly sized house. Architects and engineers use CAD software to create the technical drawings that provide the documentation required for construction. These plans are much more detailed and specific than those produced by basic floor plan software. CAD drawings are much more costly and are only needed after the design has been finalized. CAD software is not DIY friendly. If you need blueprints, hire a professional drafter.

Cost of Drafting Services

The cost of hiring a draftsman adds to the bottom line, but it is necessary whenever original blueprints are required. The final cost of drafting services is affected by the project size, complexity, plan requirements, tools used, timeframe and location. Costs double or triple in big cities compared to rural or suburban rates. The average cost of drafting services range from $800 to $2,700 to draw up blueprints for new construction, remodels or additions.

Hourly Rates for Architects

An architect is a licensed professional who has a four-year college degree, several years of professional training and has passed a grueling multi-part exam. This person has the training and expertise to perform design, drafting and engineering. Some licensed architects describe themselves as designers, but only licensed architects may claim that title. The cost to hire an architect ranges from $100 to $350 per hour.

Hourly Rates for Certified Drafters

A draftsperson or designer who is not a licensed architect can also design floor plans. They often work under the supervision of engineers or architects, but many offer their services on a freelance basis. Voluntary certification is available, but academic and professional experience vary significantly. It is important to review portfolios and check references before contracting a freelance designer draftsperson. Certified Drafter charges range from $80 to $150 per hour.

Hourly Rates for Freelance Drafters

Freelance rates vary widely due to experience and location. Rates range between $35 and $150 per hour. Some charge by the project, with fees mirroring the industry average at around $1,700.

Drafting Costs Per Square Foot

Because of wide variations in plan details, drafting costs per square foot also vary significantly. Fees for drafting services range from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. The cost for an architect runs from $1.25 to as much as $10 per square foot.

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Blueprints

Architects and contractors use the printed floor plan, or blueprints, as a manual for building the project. They are used for developing the design ideas, communicating with clients, providing direction for the builder, recording completed work and making a record of the existing building. Blueprints are digital files, so the only added cost is for printing hard copies.

Printing Costs

The cost of printing ranges from $.06 to $25 per sheet. One or more hard copies may be included in the drafting fee. The average set of house blueprints has 10 sheets per level. A full set of prints includes all the sheets for the whole project. Technology has reduced, but not eliminated, the need for hard copy prints. Extra prints will cost more.

  • Paper sheets run $0.05 to $8.50 per sheet
  • Waterproof Tyvek sheets cost $3 to $20 per sheet
  • Bindings and covers add $2 to $20 per set
  • Sizes range from 8.5-by-11 inches to 36-by-48 inches

Cost of Alterations

Once the plan has been approved, changes cost between $400 and $2,500, depending on the details. Be sure to communicate well with your pro, and submit all ideas and revisions before final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can draw up a floor plan?

If you need technical drawings for a major renovation or construction project, you can hire either an architect or a drafter to create the blueprints.

Do I need a draftsman or an architect?

If you need engineering and design expertise along with technical drawings, an architect is the right way to go. But if you already have the engineering and design work done, a draftsperson can turn the design into blueprints for the builder to follow.

Who do I hire for architectural drawings?

An architect, drafter or engineer can create architectural drawings.

Can a draftsman design a house plan?

Check with your local building authority. In most circumstances, a drafter can create a complete set of blueprints without the aid or oversight of an architect. Only hire those with education and proven experience in drafting, preferably with credentials such as certification by the American Design Drafting Association.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Floor Plan Designer? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Floor Plan Designer? ›

The cost to hire a floor plan designer ranges between $800 and $2,700, or an average project cost of about $1,750.

How much does it cost to have plans drawn up? ›

As a basic rule of thumb for private residential projects, a residential architect typically charges between 10-15% of the construction cost for full architectural services. This can be reduced to 3.5% – 5.25% if you use your architect for the initial design stage only*.

How much does interior design floor plan cost? ›

Interior stylists and decorators charge home interior design price anywhere from ₹50 to ₹500 per sq. ft. If furnishing, flooring, false ceiling, etc., are included, the rates may be as high as ₹2000 to ₹4000 per sq. ft.

How much does floor plan software cost? ›

Create professional event layouts for less
Planning PodSimilar Tools / Plans
Floorplans Pro 30$39 /month$49/month
$69/month
$208/month

How much does a draftsman cost vs architect? ›

Price: Draftsman

The cost of an architect's fees are often 5% to 20% of the total home cost, while the cost for blueprints from a draftsperson averages around $1,800.

How much does it cost to get floor plan drawings done? ›

Drafting Costs Per Square Foot

Fees for drafting services range from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. The cost for an architect runs from $1.25 to as much as $10 per square foot. Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new floors! Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.

How much does it cost to get a set of plans drawn up? ›

The average cost of drafting house plans is $700 to $1,500 for pre-drawn plans and $2,000 to $10,000 for custom house plans. Residential drafting fees and blueprints cost $0.35 to $5.00 per square foot. Drafting services charge $30 to $120 per hour.

Can I design my own floor plan? ›

You don't have to be an architect or an interior designer to create a floor plan. Regardless of your design experience, visualize your ideas for any space on Canva Whiteboards. Kickstart your project with one of our customizable floor plan templates.

Do interior designers do floorplans? ›

On most projects, architects take part in material and FF&E selection. Likewise, interior designers create floor plans and draft drawings like interior elevations. Both groups coordinate with consultants, review plans for code compliance, and work with contractors during construction.

What is a reasonable budget for interior design? ›

No matter the billing strategy, most interior design projects will cost, in total, between $1,500 to $12,000 for the designer themselves, not including furniture costs. The average for a typical home is about $5,000.

Is there a free app to draw floor plans? ›

Planner 5D Floor Plan Creator lets you easily design professional 2D/3D floor plans without any prior design experience, using either manual input or AI automation.

Do you have to pay for floor planner? ›

Floorplanner is free for most users. You can create as many Basic projects (with 1 design & SD exports) as you want, and you have full access to your projects with a Free account, even if you downgraded from a paid subscription. We minimize data collection and will never sell your data.

Is a building designer cheaper than an architect? ›

An Architectural fee can run anywhere between 2% and 15% of construction costs depending on who you are engaging and what part of the country you are in. Builders and Designers will cost less or even be free. Just be aware that they usually roll the design fees into your construction cost.

Should I hire a draftsman or architect? ›

If your project is relatively small, like a quick remodel, it's usually best to use draftsperson or a building designer. In these cases, they can give you everything you need without the unnecessary cost of an architect. For larger projects, most people choose to use either a building designer or an architect.

What percentage do architects charge for design fees? ›

Architect fees often come down to which of their services you choose. Both flat fees and percentages of the project cost will vary. Beyond drawing up house plans and blueprints, architects cost between 5% and 15% for new construction management and between 12% and 20% for renovations.

What is the cost of drawing plans? ›

What is the Fees of Architect in India?
Type of projectArchitecture consultancy fees
Structural and operating drawingsRs. 8,000-Rs. 9,000 for each floor
Drainage, plumbing, and electrical drawingsRs. 6000-Rs. 7500 per floor/per drawing
Single-storey floor planRs. 4000-Rs. 6000 up to 1500 sq ft plot
2 more rows

How much do architects charge for planning permission? ›

Architects' fees will vary, based on their experience, expertise, track record, level and quality of service (read more on how to find a good archtiect here). An architects' fees up to planning submission will be around 30%-35% of their overall project fee up to practical completion of the works.

Do I need an architect to draw plans? ›

In most communities, for most remodels, an architect isn't required. But in others—specifically some urban areas—you may need an architect or engineer to sign off on your plans. Check with your local building department to be sure.

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