If you’re building a custom home, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is this: Do we need to hire an architect, or can we just work with a draftsperson? This draftsperson vs architect dilemma is very common, so you are not alone!
But I get it … when you’re investing hundreds of thousands (or more!) into a home you plan to love for decades, every decision can feel high-stakes.
So in this episode, I’ll cover the differences in cost and design support between a draftsperson and an architect so that you can move forward with confidence, knowing what the best option is for your situation.
Draftsperson vs. Architect: What’s the Difference?
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
👉 Overwhelmed and unsure where to start with your home build? Learn my exact 4-step framework to build your dream home—on budget and without regrets—in this free class. 👈
Below is the full transcript for this podcast episode.
If you’re building a custom home, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is this: Do we need to hire an architect, or can we just work with a draftsperson? This draftsperson vs architect dilemma is very common, so you are not alone!
But I get it … when you’re investing hundreds of thousands (or more!) into a home you plan to love for decades, every decision can feel high-stakes.
So in this episode, I’ll cover the differences in cost and design support between a draftsperson and an architect so that you can move forward with confidence, knowing what the best option is for your situation.
Welcome back to the Before You Build podcast. I’m your host Carrie Barker (aka Caroline On Design), and today in episode 86, we’re talking about the differences between an architect and a draftsperson … primarily the cost and level of design support you get.
Draftsperson vs Architect: What’s the Actual Difference?
Here’s the Cliffs Notes version:
- A draftsperson (also called a drafter) is a trained professional who creates the technical drawings and blueprints needed for construction. They typically work from your ideas or a rough sketch to produce plans your builder can follow.
- An architect is a licensed design professional who not only draws your plans but also brings creative and structural expertise to shape your entire home, inside and out, with function, aesthetics, and building codes in mind.
In simpler terms, think about it this way … a draftsperson is like a translator (of your design ideas) and an architect is more like an author (i.e. they come up with the design ideas).
Architect or Draftsperson: What’s the Cost Difference for a Custom Home?
Cost is a huge deciding factor when it comes to choosing between an architect and a draftsperson (and the price difference is huge).
- A DRAFTSPERSON typically charges either a flat fee or an hourly rate that ends up being somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000, which is often equivalent to about 1% to 3% of your total home build cost.
- With an ARCHITECT, the fees can vary widely, but most architects charge around 5% to 15% of your total construction cost. Just to put that in real numbers … if you plan to build a $600,000 home, your architect fees alone could be $30,000 to $90,000 (which is a significant investment).
When we built our own custom home, we worked with our builder and then a draftsperson to bring my floor plan vision to life. This decision saved us thousands of dollars (that we could later put into our home).
We started by working with our builder … he used his design software to help me bring my vision to life. And I’m not going to lie, it took about a million tweaks to get it just right (well not quite a million, but A LOT of tweaking).
Once the plan was where I wanted it, we handed it off to a draftsperson to draw up the official construction plans. So we got our dream custom home design without the high architect price tag.
This kind of hybrid approach is a great option if your builder is open to helping you refine your layout and you feel confident guiding the design direction.
Do I Need an Architect to Build a House? (Check Local Codes First!)
Now, one really important thing to consider … some cities require a licensed architect to create your floor plan.
Always check with your builder (or local building department) to see if this is a requirement where you are building.
This is more common in homes built in areas where the topography is trickier (like coastal communities and mountain communities).
When a Draftsperson is a Good Option for Custom Home Design
If an architect is not required, and you:
- already have a clear vision for your floor plan
- are using a semi-custom builder or modifying a stock plan
- want to keep your design costs low
If this is the case, a draftsperson can absolutely work.
Just remember, they won’t guide you through the whole design process … you’ll need to be clear on your layout, your lifestyle needs, and your custom home priorities.
Want help clarifying your family’s lifestyle needs and custom home priorities? Join us inside BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ , and I’ll walk you step-by-step through this (for WAY cheaper than an architect)!
Who to Hire to Design a Custom Home That’s Timeless and Functional
If you:
- want a one-of-a-kind, fully custom design
- have a unique lot that needs creative planning
- need support with structural, zoning, or aesthetic decisions
- want a home that’s beautiful, functional, and stands the test of time
… then an architect can be a great option. Their expertise helps tie together structure, style, and function.
HOWEVER, here’s what many first-time home builders don’t realize …
Those first and last bullet points (i.e. a one-of-a-kind, fully custom home and a home that’s beautiful, functional, and timeless) can absolutely be achieved without an architect.
That’s exactly why I created BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ … to help you define your vision by getting crystal clear on your needs, and confidently leading your project from the very beginning.
Here’s the reality … whether you’re working with a draftsperson, builder, or architect, your clarity and vision are what make the difference in ending up with a house you like vs a house you LOVE.
Building a Home: First Steps to Get Clear and Avoid Costly Mistakes
Hopefully, you’re feeling a little clearer on the differences between a draftsperson vs an architect, and you have an idea of the option that is best for you.
A draftsperson is a great option if you have confidence in yourself to lead the floor plan design process, you want to save thousands of dollars, and, most importantly, an architect is NOT required in your city.
On the other hand, an architect is a great option if you feel more comfortable having a professional design your home layout and create the plan for you.
Here’s what I want you to keep in mind though …
Whether you hire an architect or a draftsperson, your clarity and preparation will determine how your home turns out. The only way you’ll love the finished product is if YOU are clear on how your family will live in the home and what YOUR must-haves are.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
I had to do it on my own, but you don’t have to because I took everything I learned and bundled it into my signature course, BEFORE YOU BUILD℠, that walks you step-by-step through the home build planning and design process.
Following these steps helps you avoid costly mistakes, design a home that fits your family’s lifestyle, and stay in control from day one.
So if you want to save money and use a draftsperson but you don’t feel confident in your design vision, I’ve got you!
🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠, follow the BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ BLUEPRINT, and you’ll gain a crystal clear vision of your future home, and you’ll walk into meetings with your builder, architect, or draftsperson feeling fully confident and prepared to create your perfect floor plan.
