How much does a drafter cost?

How much does a draftsman cost? The cost of hiring a draftsman typically ranges from $3,000 to $18,000, depending on the complexity and scope of your project. On average, you can expect to pay around $9,000 in Australia.

Also referred to as a drafter or draftsperson, a draftsman specialises in creating detailed technical drawings and plans for building projects, whether it’s a new home or renovations requiring a building permit. If you’re exploring your options and wondering, “How much does a draftsman cost?”, you’ll find that drafters are often a more budget-friendly alternative to hiring an architect while still offering professional expertise.

In this guide, we explore:

• What does a draftsman do?
• Draftsman costs per hour and by project type
• What factors affect the cost of a draftsman
• How to hire a drafter, and more.

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What does a draftsman do?

When planning to build or renovate your home, you may overlook the need for a draftsman—a key professional whose expertise could save you time and money.

A draftsman, also known as a building designer or architectural drafter, specialises in creating precise, scaled technical drawings. These can range from new house designs and granny flats to home extensions and other structures.

Draftsmen often collaborate with architects, assisting in translating architectural concepts into detailed construction plans. Many also work independently, providing initial designs and finalised plans directly to clients and builders. Even if you purchase pre-drawn plans, having a draftsman review them ensures they meet local building codes and regulations.

In essence, a draftsman is a critical link between your vision and a structurally sound, regulation-compliant project.

Read more: What is drafting, who does it & how is it done?

How much does a draftsman charge per hour?

While the total cost of a draftsman’s services can range from $3,000 to $18,000 per project, hourly rates typically fall between $80 and $200, depending on the drafter’s experience, expertise, and your location.

In addition to hourly rates, some draftsmen charge by project size, offering a per square metre fee. For such pricing, expect to pay between $20 and $40 per square metre, which can be a cost-effective option for straightforward projects.

Although many drafters provide fixed-price quotes for the entire project, understanding these rates helps you gauge the fairness of a quote or explore alternative pricing structures. Be sure to confirm whether revisions or council submission assistance is included in the pricing.

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The cost of drafting services for a typical building project

Here are some general estimates for various renovation projects:

Small to medium room extension

The cost of a draftsman’s services to draw plans for a small to medium single room extension will average $2,800.

Medium to large home extension

The cost of house plans for adding a medium to large two-room extension is roughly $3,200.

Full custom redesign or renovation of larger house

You can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 plus for a full custom redesign or renovation of a larger house. If your home is quite old and will need more intensive work to make sure it meets building codes, the cost can be on the higher end of the scale.

Knockdown rebuild

The cost of hiring a draftsman for a knockdown rebuild can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the design and any structural considerations. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $18,000 for the drafting services required to submit plans to the council for a knockdown rebuild project.

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How much does a draftsman cost for house plans?

If you’re building a new house and need a drafter to create house plans, this can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000. This price usually includes the preliminary drawings, as well as two rounds of revisions and the final drawings.

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What factors affect the cost of a draftsman?

The cost of hiring a draftsman can vary significantly depending on several factors. Since most drafters work independently and set their own rates, the following elements often influence the price:

Location

Drafting costs differ based on your city or state. Areas with higher living costs or unique environmental factors (e.g., high-wind zones or bushfire-prone areas) may require more specialised plans, increasing expenses.

Size of the Project

Larger homes or extensions require more time and detail to draft, which naturally increases the cost. Many drafters charge per square meter, ranging from $20 to $40/m²​.

Experience Level

More experienced draftsmen tend to charge higher rates, reflecting their expertise and familiarity with complex projects and regulations.

Type of Plans

• Preliminary Plans: These are basic, initial drafts and are generally less expensive.
• Detailed Plans: These involve additional specifications and intricate details, which take more time and cost more.

Alterations to Existing Plans

If your project involves modifying approved or pre-existing house plans, the cost will typically be lower than starting from scratch.

Council Submission Assistance

Some draftsmen include submitting plans for council approval as part of their service, while others charge extra for this. Be sure to clarify this beforehand.

Structural Engineering Requirements

Projects requiring the input of a structural engineer, such as for complex builds or renovations in challenging conditions, will add to the overall cost.

Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget and communicate effectively with your draftsman. Always request detailed quotes and discuss the scope of work to avoid surprises.

Should my drafter be licensed?

The need for a licensed drafter depends on your location in Australia:

• Queensland and Victoria: Drafters must hold a valid license to legally operate. Licensing ensures they meet professional standards and are qualified to produce accurate and compliant plans.
• Other States: Licensing is not mandatory, but it’s essential to verify their qualifications, experience, and membership in an industry association, such as the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA).

In Victoria, drafters can hold one of three classes of registration based on their specialization:

1. Domestic Building Construction: Creating working drawings for residential projects.
2. Interior Fit-Outs: Designing and drafting plans for interior spaces.
3. Utilities and Services: Producing technical drawings for infrastructure like water, hydraulics, and sewerage systems.

Most drafters gain their qualifications through a TAFE course or diploma, which typically takes about two years to complete. This education provides them with the skills to create accurate and detailed plans.

Before hiring a drafter, check their educational background, registration (if applicable), portfolio, and references. This due diligence ensures you hire someone who is skilled, trustworthy, and suitable for your project.

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Is a draftsman cheaper than an architect?

Yes, a draftsman is generally more affordable than an architect. A draftsman typically costs less than an architect because they are not required to be licensed in most states, and their qualifications can be completed much faster compared to an architect, who usually undergoes seven years of study.

Architects also oversee more responsibilities and will work on the project from start to finish, while drafters are not qualified to oversee a building construction project. An architect is trained to produce more complex designs than a drafter, so if your house plans are more intricate or you need the designer to also manage the project, then it might be a better option to hire an architect.

If you only require help to submit the plans to council while your builder handles the rest, then hiring a drafter will prove more cost-effective.

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Hiring a drafter and getting quotes

Want to know how much a draftsman will charge for your project? Before requesting quotes, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you need from the drafter.

Make sure to inform them about:

• The scope of the project
• The desired look and style of the project
• Whether you already have a concept design for them to work from

Ask the draftsman how they charge—whether it’s by the hour or per square metre—and clarify what the price includes, such as revisions or additional services.

To get an accurate sense of rates in your area, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several draftsmen using resources like Yellow Pages.

Want to find a draftsman in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

* All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.