How Much Do Residential Drafting Services Cost?
Industry Insights
•
4 min
Team Evolution
Mar 28, 2025
If you’re planning a remodel, addition, or new home and searching things like “residential drafting services cost,” “how much do drafting services cost,” or “price for house plans near me,” you’re probably trying to answer one simple question:
What should I realistically budget for professional drawings?
Let’s break it down in a clear, straightforward way so you know what to expect.
The Short Answer
Residential drafting services are typically priced one of three ways:
Per square foot
Flat project fee
Hourly rate
For most single-family homes and remodel projects, pricing is commonly calculated per square foot, often ranging between:
$1.00 – $5.00 per square foot, depending on complexity and scope.
Many professional drafting services also have a minimum project fee, especially for smaller projects.
What Affects the Cost of Drafting Services?
Several factors determine where your project falls within that range:
1. Project Size
Larger homes naturally require more drawing time and documentation.
2. Project Complexity
A simple layout update costs less than:
Major structural changes
Multi-level additions
Custom home designs
3. Permit Requirements
Some cities require additional details, elevations, or documentation for approval.
4. Existing Conditions
If you need as-built drawings created before design work begins, that adds scope.
The more complex the project, the more coordination and drafting time is required.
What Does $1.25 Per Square Foot Really Mean?
At Evolution Drafting, our standard residential drafting rate is:
$1.25 per square foot
With a $2,000 base minimum fee
Here’s what that looks like in practical terms:
2,000 sq ft home → approximately $2,500
3,000 sq ft home → approximately $3,750
Smaller remodel projects → $2,000 minimum
This pricing structure keeps things predictable and transparent.
It also places us toward the lower-to-mid range of the industry average, while still delivering professional, permit-ready construction drawings.
Why Is There a Minimum Fee?
Smaller projects still require:
Initial consultations
Site review or plan review
Setup time
Permit documentation preparation
Even if the square footage is lower, the foundational work remains similar. A minimum ensures the time invested is covered properly while still keeping pricing competitive.
What’s Included in Residential Drafting Services?
While scope varies by project, drafting services typically include:
Floor plans
Elevations (if required)
Construction details
Layout revisions
Permit-ready plan sets
The goal is simple:
Provide clear, accurate drawings that builders and permitting departments can confidently use.
Are Drafting Services Worth the Cost?
Professional drafting services can help you:
Avoid permit delays
Prevent costly construction misunderstandings
Ensure measurements and layouts are accurate
Streamline communication with your builder
Trying to shortcut this step often leads to change orders, delays, or rejected permits — which can cost far more than the drafting investment itself.
Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Project
Every remodel or new build is unique. The most accurate way to understand your cost is to:
Know your approximate square footage
Understand your project scope
Confirm local permit requirements
From there, a drafting team can give you a clear estimate.
If you’re planning a remodel, addition, or new residential build and want transparent pricing with no surprises, our team is happy to provide a detailed quote based on your project specifics.
Request a quote to get started and see how your project fits within our $1.25 per square foot structure.
