How Much Do Architectural Drawings Really Cost in 2026?
Homeowners planning an extension, loft conversion or renovation are often shocked by how confusing architectural fees can be. One company quotes £500, another £5,000 — yet nobody explains what you are actually buying.
This guide explains what architectural drawings really cost in 2026, what affects the price, and how to make sure you get drawings that lead to planning approval and a buildable project — not delays and redesigns.
What Drawings Do You Actually Need?
Most UK home projects require three separate drawing stages. Skipping any of them causes problems later.
Measured Survey Drawings
These are accurate drawings of your existing property, created from a professional site survey.
They include existing floor plans, elevations, roof plan and accurate dimensions.
Without these, all new designs are guesswork.
Planning Drawings
These are the drawings submitted to your local council.
They show proposed layouts, elevations, roofs and massing.
They are designed to satisfy planning policy and neighbours, not builders.
Building Regulations Drawings
These are the technical drawings used by Building Control and builders.
They include structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage and compliance with Parts A, B, L, M and E.
Without these, your project cannot legally be built.
How Much Do Architectural Drawings Cost in 2026?
These are realistic UK price ranges for professional residential projects.
Measured Survey
£250 – £600
Planning Drawings
£600 – £1,500
Building Regulations Drawings
£800 – £2,000
Planning + Building Regulations Package
£1,200 – £3,000
These figures reflect the cost of doing the job properly, not just producing planning sketches.
What Makes One Project More Expensive Than Another?
Fees increase when the house is larger, the design is complex, structural openings or steelwork are required, the site is in a conservation area, or the project includes flat roofs, basements or large glazing.
A simple rear extension is far cheaper than a wrap-around extension with structural openings, drainage changes and fire design.
Why Cheap Drawings Usually Cost More
Many low-cost online services only provide planning-only drawings.
This often leads to builders being unable to quote, Building Control failures, redesign fees, delays and extra professional costs.
In many cases, homeowners end up paying twice.
Why Planning Drawings and Building Regulations Drawings Are Not the Same
Planning drawings answer:
“Does the council approve this?”
Building Regulations drawings answer:
“Can this be built safely and legally?”
They are completely different technical standards, and you need both.
What Should You Budget for Drawings?
As a rule of thumb in 2026:
Small extension → £1,200 – £2,000
Loft conversion → £1,500 – £2,500
Large or complex extension → £2,000 – £3,000+
On a £100,000 build, professional drawings typically cost 1–3% of the total project — but they control whether the other 97% goes smoothly.
How Draw & Plan Works
At Draw & Plan, we provide accurate measured surveys, council-ready planning drawings, and fully buildable Building Regulations drawings, including fire safety and structural coordination — all for fixed, transparent fees.
We do not sell sketch packages that leave homeowners stuck between planning and construction.
To get a fixed price for your project, visit www.drawandplan.com and request a quote.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult relevant professionals and local authorities before undertaking any development or change of use.
