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 Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,250–£4,000 for planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the North East, where domestic building work typically costs around 10% below the national average. Council application fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Planning and building regulations drawings for a typical extension | £1,250–£4,000 |
| Larger or more complex projects | £4,000–£5,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Project size and complexity
- Number of design options
- Planning or building regulations stage
- Structural engineer’s fees
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 Tyne and Wear
Here is how the rules work for a set of architectural drawings 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
What we take care of:
- Design options and sketch layouts
- Building regulations drawings and specification
- Measured survey of the existing house
- 3D views on request
- Planning drawings: plans, elevations, site and location plans
- Structural calculations coordinated
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 Tyne and Wear
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Towns we cover in Tyne and Wear include Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, South Shields, Gateshead, Washington and Tynemouth.
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 Tyne and Wear
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.
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.
How much does a set of architectural drawings cost in Tyne and Wear?
In Tyne and Wear, a set of architectural drawings typically costs £1,250–£4,000 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.
Do you prepare architectural drawings in Tyne and Wear?
Yes. We prepare architectural drawings across Tyne and Wear, including postcodes DH3, DH4, DH5, DH6 and NE1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.