Quick summary: plans cost in UK home projects
For most homeowners, plans cost between £500 and £1,500 for common projects like house extensions, loft conversions or garage conversions. This typically includes survey, existing and proposed drawings, site plans and submission to the council.
- Simple projects (porch, garage conversion): £300–£700
- Mid-size extensions or lofts: usually £700–£1,200
- Major redesigns or new builds: can reach £2,000–£4,000+
- Building Regulations plans, structural calcs and fees are usually charged separately
The total cost of plans depends on the size of the project, who prepares them (architect vs technician), and whether you also need detailed plans for Building Control or builder pricing. Always ask what's included before accepting a quote.
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How much do plans cost?
Most homeowners will pay between £500 and £1,500 for architectural or technician plans to support a planning application or a permitted development certificate. If you also need plans for Building Regulations or builder pricing, the total fee can be higher.
- Small projects: £300–£700 (e.g. porch, garage conversion)
- Typical house extensions: £700–£1,200
- Two-storey / complex remodels: £1,200–£2,500+
- New builds or extensive work: £2,500–£4,000+
Read more on related topics in our guides to planning permission drawings cost and planning permission costs.
What do house plans include?
A typical householder “plans” package will usually include:
- Measured survey of your home (sometimes charged separately)
- Existing and proposed floorplans
- Elevations (how the house looks from each side)
- Site plan and location plan
- Optional: roof plans or sections for lofts or complex designs
- Optional: planning application submission
Most drawings are prepared by an architectural technician, technologist or architect. Some firms also include 3D views or interior layouts.
Planning drawings vs Building Regulations drawings
This is a common source of confusion. Many homeowners don’t realise these are separate things.
Planning drawings
- Show what your proposed design looks like
- Used for planning applications or permitted development checks
- Focus on layout, size, materials and how it fits the street
Building Regulations drawings
- Show how your project will be built (structure, insulation, drainage etc.)
- Used for Building Control approval
- Often require a structural engineer’s input
Our guide on plans for Building Regulations explains what those drawings include and when you need them.
Not sure if you need planning or Building Control drawings?
Tell us your project and we’ll advise what plans are required and what they usually cost.
How to reduce plan costs without cutting corners
- Be clear on your design brief — fewer changes = lower cost
- Group works into one application where possible (e.g. loft + rear extension)
- Use a technician or planning firm instead of a high-end architect for straightforward designs
- Check if your project qualifies for permitted development – no full application needed
- Compare 2–3 quotes – but make sure you’re comparing like-for-like inclusions
If you're unsure whether you need planning permission at all, use our guide: do I need planning permission?
FAQs: plans cost
What is included in planning drawings cost?
Usually: survey, existing and proposed floorplans and elevations, location plan, site plan, and optional submission of the application.
Why do some plan quotes seem so cheap?
Some online providers cut costs by avoiding site visits, offering limited revisions, or asking you to provide measurements. This can work for basic projects, but not all councils will accept these plans.
Do I need Building Regulations drawings as well as planning ones?
If you're doing structural work, new drainage or adding habitable space, yes — planning drawings show the concept, but Building Control needs construction detail. See our Building Regulations guide.
Who should I get to draw up my plans?
Architectural technicians and technologists are often the best value for typical home extensions. Architects are useful if you want high-concept design, but cost more. Always check local experience and what's included in the fee.
Can I draw my own plans?
You can — but most homeowners find the drawing standards hard to meet. Plans must be to scale, accurate, and formatted correctly. Mistakes often lead to rejection. See our drawings guide.
- Most homeowners pay£500–£1,500 for planning drawings
- Simple projects£300–£700 (porch, garage conversion)
- Major projects£2,000–£4,000+ for full redesigns or new builds
- Usually includesSurvey, drawings, site/location plans, application support
- Does NOT includeBuilding Regulations plans, council fees, structural engineer input
- Top tipAlways confirm what's included before accepting a quote
Official resources
For national guidance and regulations, check:
How Plans Made Easy can help
Understanding your plans cost is just one step. We help homeowners prepare the right drawings first time, saving delays, confusion and stress. Our team explains what you need — and what you don’t — so you’re not paying for services you don’t require.
We support everything from straightforward extensions to more complex remodels, always tailored to your council’s local expectations.
Ready to move your project forward?
Plans Made Easy can prepare compliant plans, manage submissions, and guide you from idea to approval.
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