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 the Lothians?
In the Lothians, 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 Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for the Lothians 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Project size and complexity
- Planning or building regulations stage
- Structural engineer’s fees
- Number of design options
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 the Lothians
Here is how the rules work for a set of architectural drawings in Scotland. In Scotland drawings are prepared for the planning application and the building warrant, which must be granted before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
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:
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Measured survey of the existing house
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Structural calculations coordinated
- 3D views on request
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
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 the Lothians
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Towns we cover in the Lothians include Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik and Broxburn.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, talk through what you want and record the existing building.
- 02
Concept design
Options for layout and appearance, revised until you are happy.
- 03
Drawings and documents
The drawings and forms the council and building control need.
- 04
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application and deal with questions from the council or building control.
Questions about architectural drawings in the Lothians
Do you prepare structural calculations?
We coordinate a chartered structural engineer for calculations and beam designs.
Do you prepare architectural drawings in the Lothians?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across the Lothians, including postcodes EH10, EH11, EH18, EH19 and EH20. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in the Lothians?
In the Lothians, 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.
How long do drawings take?
Typically 2 to 6 weeks from survey, depending on revisions.
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.