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 Exeter?
In Exeter, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,500 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Exeter reflects that. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £1,500–£4,500 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £4,500–£5,500 |
What moves the price most:
- 3D visuals
- Planning or building regulations stage
- Project size and complexity
- Measured survey complexity
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Planning and building regulations in Exeter
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Tender-ready drawing pack
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Structural calculations coordinated
- 3D views on request
- Measured survey of the existing house
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 Exeter
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
We work across Exeter and neighbouring areas such as Heavitree, Exmouth and Tiverton. Postcodes we cover in Exeter include EX2.
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
Approval
We follow the application through to a decision and pass on the approved drawings.
Questions about architectural drawings in Exeter
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.
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 long do drawings take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from survey, depending on revisions.
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Exeter?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Exeter, including postcodes EX2. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Exeter?
In Exeter, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,500–£4,500 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.