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 Chelmsford?
In Chelmsford, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,750 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Chelmsford. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £1,500–£4,750 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £4,750–£6,000 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Planning or building regulations stage
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Number of design options
- 3D visuals
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 Chelmsford
Before anything is built in Chelmsford, we confirm which approvals apply 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
What we take care of:
- Tender-ready drawing pack
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Design options and sketch layouts
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Structural calculations coordinated
- 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 Chelmsford
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
From CM1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Chelmsford and the surrounding parts of Essex.
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
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about architectural drawings in Chelmsford
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Chelmsford?
In Chelmsford, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,750 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 Chelmsford?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Chelmsford, including postcodes CM1 and CM99. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.
What are building regulations drawings?
More detailed drawings and specifications showing structure, insulation, fire safety, drainage and ventilation, used for building control approval and pricing.
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.