What is a set of architectural drawings?
Architectural design turns your ideas into drawings that a council and a builder can work from. It starts with a measured survey of the house, then design options, planning drawings and, once approved, detailed building regulations drawings and specifications.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Aberdeen and Grampian?
In Aberdeen and Grampian, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,250 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Aberdeen and Grampian are close to our national guide. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £1,500–£4,250 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £4,250–£5,250 |
What moves the price most:
- Measured survey complexity
- 3D visuals
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Project size and complexity
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Planning and building regulations in Aberdeen and Grampian
Here is how the rules work for a set of architectural drawings in Scotland. In Scotland drawings are prepared for the planning application and the building warrant, which must be granted before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a set of architectural drawings:
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Design options and sketch layouts
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Measured survey of the existing house
- 3D views on request
How long does it take?
Allow 2 to 6 weeks for drawings, depending on complexity. If the drawings are for a planning application, add the council’s decision period once they are submitted.
Building in Aberdeen and Grampian
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Towns we cover in Aberdeen and Grampian include Aberdeen, Elgin, Peterhead, Inverurie, Fraserburgh and Westhill.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 02
Design options
Sketch layouts to agree the approach before detailed drawing starts.
- 03
Application drawings
Plans, elevations and supporting documents prepared for the council.
- 04
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and deal with questions from the council or building control.
Questions about architectural drawings in Aberdeen and Grampian
Can I use the drawings with another builder?
Yes. Drawings you pay for are yours to use for the project.
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Aberdeen and Grampian?
In Aberdeen and Grampian, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,250 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Aberdeen and Grampian?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Aberdeen and Grampian, including postcodes AB10, AB11, AB12, AB13 and AB15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need an architect?
Not necessarily. For extensions and lofts, an architectural technician’s drawings are common. For complex or sensitive sites, an architect may be better.