How Much Does a Draftsperson Cost to Hire? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $820 - $2,711
The average cost to hire a draftsperson is around $1,733, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $820 and $2,711 depending on the type and scope of the project.
Hiring a draftsperson costs an average of $1,733, depending on the scope of the project and the size of the building or add-on they’re planning. Your total can sit as low as $300 and reach as high as $5,000 based on these factors. Let’s take a look at how these factors can affect the cost of hiring a draftsperson and what to know before hiring one.
- Average
- $1,733
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $5,000
Draftsperson Cost Factors
There are a few important factors to consider when estimating the cost of hiring a draftsperson, with the type and scope of your project being the most influential.
Type of Project
Draftspersons draw up plans and blueprints for construction crews and contractors to follow to bring a vision of a home design to fruition. They can handle a few types of projects, and the specific services you need will play a major role in the price you’ll pay.
Drafts for entire homes, which you’ll need for new construction, will push toward the higher end of the price range, while plans for a small home addition or bump-out will cost significantly less. You may also need an as-built drawing of your existing home if you’re planning demolition or an extensive rebuild.
The table below includes some average costs for common drawings a draftsperson may provide.
| Project Type | Plan Cost |
|---|---|
| As-built drawing | $0.40–$2.50 per sq. ft. |
| Home addition | $400–$2,000 |
| New construction | $2,000–$20,000 |
Scope of Project
The drawings you need from a draftsperson will vary in complexity. They can range from as-built drawings that typically include structural elements and to-scale dimensions to new construction plans that require drawings of mechanical elements, like HVAC ducts, electrical box placement, and more, in addition to the structural and to-scale drawings of the structure itself.
More intensive projects will cost more, as they take more time and often require more extensive knowledge of local building regulations to ensure everything is up to code.
Property Size
The size of your new structure or add-on is another important factor to consider, as draftspersons often charge by the square foot or consider the property size. In most cases, drafting fees fall between $0.40 and $3.00 per square foot, with simpler projects like as-built drawings closer to the lower end and new construction plans toward the higher end of the range.
It’s also worth mentioning that a draftsperson’s fees will likely be a bit more affordable if you’re working with an open floor plan, as the lack of division in your space can make for less work.
| Project Size (sq. ft.) | Average Drafting Fees |
|---|---|
| 500 | $200–$1,500 |
| 1,000 | $400–$3,000 |
| 1,500 | $600–$4,500 |
| 2,000 | $800–$6,000 |
Location
The cost of hiring a draftsperson can also vary based on your location, as labor costs fluctuate with the local cost of living. Prices tend to be higher in major cities and in more expensive states near the coasts.
| State | Draftsperson Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $2,470 |
| Florida | $1,770 |
| Georgia | $1,570 |
| Illinois | $1,640 |
| Michigan | $1,570 |
| New York | $2,140 |
| North Carolina | $1,690 |
| Ohio | $1,630 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,640 |
| Texas | $1,590 |
DIY Project Drafting vs. Hiring a Professional
It’s possible to do your own house drawings to help you and your professionals conceptualize your vision for your new home or add-on. You can use the power of design software to draw things to scale and even get an idea of how different building materials will look in your space.
However, DIY drawings will almost never be a stand-in for the work of a professional draftsperson. Experts not only have the skills and experience to create accurate three-dimensional drawings that your contractors can work from and reference, but they also have an intimate understanding of local building regulations. They can ensure each portion of your design conforms to building codes.
A draftsperson or architect will also be crucial for planning new construction, as they will include specific dimensions and placement for mechanical components like air ducts, electrical boxes, light fixtures, and more that a DIYer would likely struggle with. For the best results, always hire a professional draftsperson or architect to complete your drawings and make sure your home turns out the way you envision.
Cost of Common Drafting Add-Ons
Budgeting for a draftsperson’s fees is just the first step in completing your project, so it’s a good idea to estimate the cost of the actual work you’ll be carrying out to make sure everything fits within your budget. Below are some common add-on services and building costs you may face alongside the cost of hiring a draftsperson.
Cost to build new construction: $139,000–$526,000
Cost to build a bump-out or add-on: $10,000–$43,000
Cost to add a dormer: $6,000–$25,000
Cost to alter your existing floor plan: $350–$10,000
Cost to hire an interior designer: $2,000–$15,200
Cost to hire an architect: $2,200–$11,600
Cost to hire a structural engineer: $350–$800
How to Save Money When Hiring a Draftsperson
Hiring a draftsperson won’t cost more than {{nationalAvgRangeMaxCost}} in most cases, so the service isn’t terribly expensive when compared to the total cost of your project. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your total as low as possible.
Make sure a draftsperson is right for the job. Draftspersons are ideal for smaller jobs or general drawings when you already have plans from an architect or structural engineer. If you’re starting from the ground up, you might save some money by starting with an architect, as they often have draftspersons on staff. If you’re just working on perfecting a space that’s already built, you could save money by hiring a designer as opposed to an architect to achieve the look you’re going for.
Consider speeding things up by doing DIY drawings first. In some cases, starting with detailed DIY drawings can speed up the process and reduce labor costs when hiring a draftsperson. It can also help ensure you nail your vision.
See what services your draftsperson provides. Some draftspeople solely provide drawings, while others can work with your contractors to keep everyone on the same page. If you don’t need project management services, be sure your draftsperson isn’t charging for them.
Get at least three quotes. Lastly, shop around and get estimates from at least three local architects or draftspeople. Compare the services offered, the pricing, and each professional’s portfolio to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes, hiring a draftsperson will be more affordable than the cost of hiring an architect. However, it’s important to note that the reason is because these professionals provide different services. Draftspersons are more affordable because they do more general mock-ups that help align your contractors with your vision for your home renovation project. An architect will provide more detailed drawings that include technical specifications, structural considerations, and even mechanical components, like electrical box and HVAC ductwork placement.
In most cases, you should hire a draftsperson for simpler projects like minor home renovations, and you should hire an architect for new construction, structural changes to your home, and large home add-ons. If you’re working on a larger project that demands an architect or structural engineer, your professional will often have a draftsperson on staff and include their services in your estimate.
You can draw your own house plans using three-dimensional modeling software, but in most cases, you’ll need an architect to draw up the final plans. Architects understand local building regulations and requirements, so their plans will be necessary for getting permits approved, and they’ll also ensure your home is structurally sound. DIY house plans can be a good place to start to help visualize your project, but you should always defer to a professional before trying to proceed with the project.