Price Out Drafting: 2D Floorplans, 3D Models & More
Last Updated: December 19, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Summary: CAD Drafting Services Cost #
The majority of drafting copanies will bill an average of $80 to $120 an hour. Architects are more expensive, costing $130 to $150 an hour.
Revisions to existing plans are less expensive than drafting original plans.
A draftsperson, or architect, is typically hired when you need to design something with a personal touch.
They are the people to see if you need a set of plans for an airplane, vehicle engine, or other complex mechanical system.
Drafting services are often synonymous with CAD services. CAD is simply the software that drafting service use to make their drawings.
Typical plans for houses, buildings, and parks, can be bought through an architectural firm without needing to hire a draftsperson individually.
A specialty house, municipal building, or commercial building that can't be found in pre-drawn plans will have to be drawn up by a licensed architect or draftsperson.
Architects and draftspersons differ in that, structural plans drawn up by a draftsperson must be signed off by an architect and structural engineer before they can be approved for construction- an architect's plans only have to be approved by the structural engineer.
How Much Does Drafting Service Cost? #
Hiring drafting services to create 2D drawings or 3D models for architects and contractors typically costs:
2D Architectural Drafting
- Single family home plans: $1,500 - $3,000
- Interior office space: $800 - $1,500
- Building addition/remodel: $500 - $2,000
3D Modeling & Renderings
- 3D home model: $300 - $800
- Photo renderings: $100 - $250 per view
- 3D walkthrough animation: $500 - $1,500
As-Built Drawings
- Document existing conditions: $250 - $750 per floor
Hourly Drafting Rates
- Residential Draftsman: $50 - $80 per hour
- Licensed Architect: $100 - $150 per hour
Most residential drafting/modeling services range from $500 to $3,000+. Complex AS-built documentation, permit plans for new construction, and luxury home modeling fall on the higher end.
Real-World Drafting Service Costs #
Here are some real-world quotes from people on how much they paid for drafting services:
"I paid a draftsman $1,200 to create permits plans for a home addition." - James T., Ohio
"Was quoted $3,500 by a designer to draft full architectural plans for my new single family home." - Anne B., Texas
"Hired an architect student to create as-built plans of my ranch floorplan to remodel. $500 per floor." Kevin R., Pennsylvania
"Paid $750 for 3D renderings of my kitchen remodel to help visualize the designer's concepts." - Olivia S., Maryland
"I had a draftsman create digital CAD construction drawings of our living room for $300." - Noah P., Arizona
"Was charged $1,800 by a local firm for animated 3D walkthroughs of my future master suite addition." Emma C., Nevada
As shown, residential drafting service costs range from $300 for basic 2D floorplans to $3,500 for complex new home designs. Architectural visualization is $500 to $1,800+.
Other Key Drafting Service Pricing Questions #
What impacts the cost of drafting services?
The key factors that affect drafting pricing include:
- Project Type & Scope - Floorplan sketching vs engineering permit plans
- Level of Detail - Concept drawings vs final as-builts
- Turnaround Time - Drafting scope in 24hrs or less costs 50%+ extra
- Designer's Experience - Apprentice draftsman vs architect rates
Having an upfront scope summary is vital for accurate drafting quotes. Be detailed on plans formatting needs and design intricacy expectations as well.
Who are cheaper drafting alternatives?
Some ways to save on residential drafting costs:
- Hire architect or draftsman apprentices at lower hourly rates
- Use DIY home design software with templates and wizards
- Outsource plans to offshore virtual assistant services
- Consult local technical/vocational schools with student designers
However quality, code compliance and liability protection may be concerns with really cheap DIY or outsourced drafting options. Research qualifications thoroughly first.