How Much Do Blueprints Cost in 2025?
Building blueprints cost an average of $1,732
Blueprints cost between $819 and $2,710, with an average price of $1,732.
The total price depends on the project type, printing costs, and drafting fees.
If alterations are required, expect to pay between $400 and $2,500 or more.
Architects charge more for their services than freelance draftspeople, on average.
New build house plans are the most expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Hiring a professional ensures your blueprints are accurate and meet all building codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Blueprints cost $819 to $2,710, with an average of $1,732. The total price depends on factors like the scope of your project and the type of plans you need. Whether you're planning a new build or an addition, architects and draftspeople can create the perfect house plans for you. Use this guide to understand which factors impact the price of house plans and find out how much you’ll need to budget for this project.
Blueprint Cost Factors
Today, most blueprints or architectural drawings are offered as digital files. While architects and contractors usually include the cost of printed plans in their estimates, they might sometimes ask you to order prints from a professional reprographer.
Think of a house plan as the manual for your building project. Blueprints not only show you how the final product will look but also provide step-by-step instructions to get there. Several factors affect the total cost of your house plans, including the type of plans you need, printing costs, drafting fees, and alterations.
| Cost Factor | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Printing | $0.06–$20 per sheet |
| Drafting fees | $0.50–$10 per sq. ft. |
| Draftsperson | $75–$125 per hour |
| New build drafts | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Alterations | $400–$2,500 |
| As-built drawing & survey | $0.40–$2.50 per sq. ft. |
| Architect | $100–$200 per hour |
| Structural engineer | $150–$250 an hour |
Printing Costs
Printing costs range from $0.06 to $20 per sheet. For an average house, you will have 10 sheets per level, and a complete set includes all the sheets for your entire project. While many pros use digital PDF blueprints on tablets and laptops at the job site, classic prints come in different materials and sizes.
Paper sheets range from $0.05–$8.50 per sheet and are printed on 20-pound paper or thicker. However, they can get wet and tear on the job site.
Tyvek sheets range from $2–$20 per sheet, but they’re waterproof and durable, eliminating the need for multiple sets.
Bindings and covers add $2–$20 per set.
Sheet sizes range from 8.5x11 in. to 36x48 in.
Architectural D size paper is the most common, measuring 24x36 in.
Reprographic services specialize in blueprint printing.
Drafting Fees per Square Foot
Drafting fees range from $0.50 to $10 per square foot, depending on your project:
For basic or small additions, expect rates between $0.50–$3 per square foot.
Standard home plans range from $3–$5 per square foot.
High-end custom projects are $6–$10 per square foot.
Architects charge at the higher end of the spectrum, especially for plans for new construction.
Hourly Rates
On average, drafting services cost between $50 and $130 per hour. Most projects take 10 to 13 hours to complete, but larger, complex, or commercial projects can take much longer. Many freelancers offer a flat rate for a full project, averaging $1,750.
The cost to hire an architect ranges between $80 and $200 per hour, with most projects averaging $5,000. While architects often handle large-scale commercial buildings or complex homes, many also provide simple house blueprints for residential projects.
New Build Drafts
If you're building a new home, expect to pay more for blueprints than for home addition plans because starting from scratch requires more work. Custom plans add between $2,000 and $20,000 to your new home's construction cost.
Alterations
Making alterations to your blueprints costs an average of $800, but prices range from $400 to $2,500 or more for complex changes. To save money, finalize all your ideas and revisions before approving the final plans and moving ahead with construction.
As-Built Drawing & Survey Costs
An "as-built" set of plans shows the existing building before any new construction begins, while the proposed plans outline the scope of work. As-builts serve as a benchmark of where your building stands, so your architect can provide demolition, framing, and foundation plans. For more extensive projects, you also need mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans.
Your architect can create an official record drawing from the as-builts, representing the final version of the building as constructed. These plans are helpful if you or future homeowners want to make structural changes, like an addition or remodel.
If you have an older building without up-to-date plans, an as-built survey costs between $0.40 and $2.50 per square foot, depending on the building's complexity, size, and the level of detail you need.
Other Blueprint Types
Beyond additions and new builds, you might encounter several other types of blueprints that can be useful for your projects.
Mechanical House Plans
A mechanical plan is a technical drawing that includes the locations of outlets, HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliances. These plans cost the same as any other drafting project and are usually included in the price. They’re also helpful during the construction phase of an addition or new structure.
Civil Drafts
Civil drafts are plans for bridges, highways, sewers, or government-related projects. They vary significantly in cost depending on the project.
Commercial Building Plans
Commercial plans have no relatable cost range as they’re project-specific. Most local and state governments have enacted regulations specifying that only licensed architects can design commercial building projects.
However, architects employ and oversee drafters. The architect designs the building, and the drafter turns that design into technical drawings. The architect then reviews and approves, or “stamps,” the final blueprints.
Budgeting for House Plan Costs
House plans are essential for many projects, but they don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep your costs down:
Use Existing Drawings: Custom house plans are more expensive than pre-approved ones. Working from existing drawings can help you save money.
Consider a Draftsperson: Architects charge more for drafting house plans. Hiring a draftsperson or freelancer can lower your drafting fees.
Finalize Your Design Early: Avoid changing the designs after they're drafted to save on alteration costs.
Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from several professionals in your area to find the most cost-effective option.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Blueprints
While it's possible to draw your own blueprints, the process is complex and often requires professional input. You'll need a complete understanding of design specifications, precise layout planning, and strict adherence to building codes.
Creating your own plans might save you money upfront, but without expert review, you risk errors that could affect safety and compliance. To ensure your blueprints are accurate and meet all building codes, it's best to hire a local draftsperson or architect near you.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can hire a qualified architect, draftsperson, or engineer to draw accurate architectural plans. For residential projects, a draftsperson or engineer can produce comprehensive blueprints that meet all code requirements. Having an architect or licensed contractor review the drawings ensures your construction proceeds without errors or delays. Always verify professional credentials and communicate your project needs clearly to get precise and reliable designs.
Yes, a draftsperson can design a house plan and produce a complete set of blueprints for residential projects without an architect’s supervision. They deliver detailed technical drawings that meet building code requirements and include every necessary specification. Always confirm that your draftsperson holds proper certification and extensive professional experience. Contact your local building department to ensure that their work complies with all regulations, guaranteeing a safe and accurate design.
Blueprints are detailed technical drawings that explain a building’s design and layout. They provide a complete visual and written guide that transforms ideas into actionable plans. Blueprints establish clear communication between clients, design professionals, and contractors, and serve as the definitive instructions for constructing or altering a structure. They also maintain records of the completed work for future reference and evaluation.
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