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 Smethwick?
In Smethwick, 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 the West Midlands are close to the UK average, so the figures for Smethwick are close to our national guide. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Planning or building regulations stage
- 3D visuals
- Project size and complexity
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 Smethwick
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.
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
On a typical set of architectural drawings we handle:
- Structural calculations coordinated
- Party wall drawings where needed
- Tender-ready drawing pack
- Design options and sketch layouts
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
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 Smethwick
The West Midlands has large numbers of 1930s semis and Victorian terraces, which suit rear extensions, side extensions and dormer loft conversions.
We work across Smethwick and neighbouring areas such as West Bromwich, Birmingham and Halesowen. Postcodes we cover in Smethwick include B66.
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 Smethwick
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 much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Smethwick?
In Smethwick, 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.
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Smethwick?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Smethwick, including postcodes B66. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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 you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.