Do I Need an Architect to Draw Plans?

If you’re building a new house or planning major renovations, you’ll need a set of detailed house plans for the contractors to follow. An architect can draw up house plans as part of the design and construction process to ensure your house is built exactly to specifications and in compliance with building codes and regulations.

What Does an Architect Do?

An architect is a licensed professional who plans and designs the construction of a building. Architects can also oversee the construction process to ensure the architectural plans are followed, the build is in compliance with all local regulations, and the building is structurally sound. 

Unlike a designer, an architect designs every aspect of a building, including structural elements, utility placement, materials, and more. Architects provide detailed construction plans, called blueprints, that illustrate every detail of the design so that the contractors can build exactly to the architect’s specifications.

Do You Need an Architect to Draw Plans?

If you’re trying to decide what to save on when building a house, you may wonder if you need an architect to draw up plans. In some cases, you may not need to hire an architect, while in others, it’s something you just can’t skip.

Complex Projects

For projects like building a new house, adding on to an existing house, or undergoing major renovations, you’ll want to hire an architect. Any project that involves structural work needs a licensed professional to draw plans who is trained in making buildings structurally sound and can design plans that ensure your home’s structural integrity.

Space Optimization

If you’re looking to optimize the space within your existing home, you may not need an architect to draw the plans. Unless you’re doing major structural work, a designer can help you make the most of your home’s space. If you’re building new, hiring an architect for space planning will help you optimize your new space and incorporate it into your building plans.

Building Regulations and Local Requirements

For some projects, you may be legally required to hire an architect. Local building regulations can spell out the types of projects that need to be designed by an architect, and you may need to file plans drawn up by an architect with your municipality in order to begin construction.

What Other Professionals Can Draw Plans?

If your project doesn’t require an architect to draw the plans, you can hire a draftsperson. A draftsperson will provide you with a set of construction-ready plans and may work with an architect, designer, or builder to obtain the technical specs to draw up the plans. A draftsperson costs an average of around $1,700 to hire to draw plans.

How Much Do House Plans Cost?

Hiring an architect can cost 5% to 20% of your total project cost. In most cases, house plans will be included in the architect’s fees when designing your house. Hiring an architect just to draw up plans averages between $125 and $250 an hour.

DIY House Plans vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re building a new home or doing extensive renovations, hire a local architect to draw up plans that meet all building codes and ensure your home is structurally sound. You can draw up your own interior floor plans used for decorating or space optimization purposes using floor planning software, but keep in mind these will be far less detailed and accurate than plans drawn by a professional, so you shouldn’t use DIY plans when it comes to complex construction projects.