Architects’ Fees: What You Should Really Pay for Planning Drawings in East Sussex
If you’re a homeowner in or around Hastings considering an extension or conversion, you’ve already taken the exciting first step toward creating your dream space. But then comes the inevitable question: how much will the architectural drawings cost?
It’s a common concern that can often lead to sticker shock when dealing with traditional architecture practices. Many homeowners worry about high fees, complex contracts and long lead times.
At Balkham Design, we believe that high-quality, detailed architectural planning shouldn’t come with an intimidating price tag or a frustrating waiting period. We understand that your home project is a significant investment, and you need an agile, affordable service from a team that understands the local landscape and local council requirements. Here is an honest breakdown of traditional architectural costs and how our approach is designed to save you money without ever compromising on the quality of your plans.
The True Cost of Traditional Architects
Traditional architects often use one of two pricing models for residential projects: a percentage of the total build cost (often 8–15%) or high fixed fees. While this covers a complete, end-to-end service, many homeowners only need the critical first steps: the accurate drawings required for planning permission and Building Control.
Why Traditional Architectural Fees Can Be So High:
- Complex Overheads: Large firms carry significant costs—city-centre offices, multiple staff, and layers of management. These expenses are factored into your fee, meaning you pay for their overhead, not just the quality of the drawing.
- The Full Package: Their fees often include full project management, site supervision, and interior design consultation. If you plan to manage your builder directly, or only need drawings for a straight forward garage or dormer conversion, you’re paying for services you don’t actually need.
- Lack of Agility: Large practices typically have longer lead times and less flexibility, meaning your project can stall before it even begins, costing you time and pushing back your completion date.
For homeowners in East Sussex focused on common, value-adding extensions, these costs can seem unnecessary and prohibitive.
High Quality Doesn’t Mean High Cost: The Outline Design Difference
We created Balkham Design to offer a better model. We strip away the unnecessary overheads and focus on delivering exactly what you need to successfully submit your application and get an accurate build quote: precise, professional architectural drawings and design consultation.
Our streamlined process allows us to be significantly more affordable than larger, traditional firms, and we pride ourselves on a quicker turnaround on planning drawings.
How We Add Value Without the High Price Tag:
- Focused Service: We specialise in planning drawings, design consultation, and Building Control applications for extensions and conversions. This focus makes us experts in these specific areas and eliminates the cost of unrelated services.
- Agile and Efficient: Operating locally, we maintain low overheads and an agile workflow, allowing us to deliver your plans faster and more efficiently. Your project moves quickly from concept to council submission.
- Local Expertise: We are based near Hastings and regularly work with local planning authorities across the South East. This local knowledge helps us draft plans that are more likely to be approved the first time around, avoiding costly resubmission fees and delays.
Getting Your Project Moving, On Budget
Choosing a cost-effective drawing service isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about making a smart investment.
When you have a high-quality, professional set of architectural drawings from Outline Design, you don’t just secure planning permission; you gain control over your budget. Builders need clear, detailed plans to provide accurate quotes. Ambiguous drawings lead to contingency costs, miscommunication, and expensive mistakes on site.
By investing in our affordable, high-quality plans, you ensure:
- Financial Clarity: You can compare builder quotes apples-to-apples, knowing they are based on the exact same specifications.
- Faster Start: Our quick turnaround means you can begin the tender process and secure a builder sooner.
- A Smooth Build: Clear plans prevent costly on-site delays and changes.
Don’t let high fees keep you from unlocking the potential of your home. Outline Design delivers the same professional-grade plans as a large practice, with the speed and affordability that homeowners in Hastings and the surrounding areas deserve.
Ready to Discuss Your Extension?
If you’re considering a garage conversion, a dormer conversion, or any home extension project, we’re ready to help.
Contact Balkham Design today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us show you how affordable professional architectural planning can be.