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 Birmingham?
In Birmingham, 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). Prices in the West Midlands sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Birmingham reflects that. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Number of design options
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Project size and complexity
- Planning or building regulations stage
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Planning and building regulations in Birmingham
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. In England drawings are prepared to suit the local planning authority’s validation list and, later, building control.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a set of architectural drawings:
- Tender-ready drawing pack
- Party wall drawings where needed
- Measured survey of the existing house
- 3D views on request
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Design options and sketch layouts
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 Birmingham
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
If your home is in Birmingham or close by in Smethwick, West Bromwich and Shirley, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Measured survey
We visit and measure the house so the drawings start from accurate information.
- 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 Birmingham
How long do drawings take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from survey, depending on revisions.
What drawings are needed for planning?
Usually existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, a block plan and a location plan. Some councils need more.
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.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Birmingham, including postcodes B1, B2, B3 and B4. Every project starts with a free home visit.