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 Cardiff?
In Cardiff, 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 Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Cardiff are adjusted to reflect 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Measured survey complexity
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Project size and complexity
- 3D visuals
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Planning and building regulations in Cardiff
Approvals for a set of architectural drawings in Cardiff follow the rules for Wales. In Wales drawings are prepared to suit the council’s validation requirements and Welsh building regulations.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Structural calculations coordinated
- Design options and sketch layouts
- 3D views on request
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Tender-ready drawing pack
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 Cardiff
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
Cardiff sits in South Glamorgan. We cover the whole of Cardiff, including postcodes CF10, CF11, CF14 and CF15.
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
Drawings and documents
The drawings and forms the council and building control need.
- 04
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about architectural drawings in Cardiff
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Cardiff?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Cardiff, including postcodes CF10, CF11, CF14 and CF15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, 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.
Can I use the drawings with another builder?
Yes. Drawings you pay for are yours to use for the project.
How long do drawings take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from survey, depending on revisions.
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.