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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £2,000–£5,750 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £2,000–£5,750 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £5,750–£7,250 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Measured survey complexity
- Planning or building regulations stage
- 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 Forest Hill
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
What we take care of:
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Structural calculations coordinated
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Party wall drawings where needed
- 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 Forest Hill
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
From SE23 outwards, we take on projects throughout Forest Hill and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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
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 Forest Hill
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Forest Hill?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Forest Hill, including postcodes SE23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can I use the drawings with another builder?
Yes. Drawings you pay for are yours to use for the project.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £2,000–£5,750 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 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.
