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 Kent?
In Kent, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,750–£5,000 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £1,750–£5,000 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £5,000–£6,250 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Structural engineer’s fees
- 3D visuals
- Project size and complexity
- Number of design options
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 Kent
Before anything is built in Kent, 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
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:
- 3D views on request
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Party wall drawings where needed
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Structural calculations coordinated
- 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 Kent
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Towns we cover in Kent include St Peters, Maidstone, Gillingham, Chatham, Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone.
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 Kent
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.
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Kent?
In Kent, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,750–£5,000 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.
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 you prepare architectural drawings in Kent?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Kent, including postcodes BR8, CT1, CT10, CT11 and CT12. Every project starts with a free home visit.