When you’re ready to tackle that renovation you’ve been dreaming about, one of the first questions you’ll face is: who’s going to draw up the plans? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let me break it down for you in a way that’ll make sense.
Architects vs Building Designers vs Draftsman
There are actually three main professionals who can draw renovation plans in Australia: architects, building designers, and draftspeople (or draftsman). Each brings something different to the table, and understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your project.
Architects: The Premium Option
Architects are the Rolls-Royce of the design world. They’ve spent 5-7 years at university, done practical training, and passed rigorous exams to earn their stripes. If you’re looking at a complex home renovation, heritage work, or have a healthy budget, an architect might be your best bet.
You’ll pay for this expertise though. Architect fees typically range from $2,000 to $4,400 for renovation work, depending on where you live. In Sydney, expect to pay around $3,200 for simple renovations, while Melbourne might set you back $4,400. They can also charge a percentage of your total project cost – anywhere from 5% to 18%.
Building Designers: The Middle Ground
Building designers are like the sweet spot between architects and draftsman. They’ve usually done a TAFE course (around 2 years) or have architecture qualifications, plus practical experience. In Queensland and Victoria, they need to be licensed to prepare building documentation.
What I love about building designers is that they offer custom design work without the hefty price tag of an architect. They typically charge between $5,000 to $15,000 for renovation projects, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want design flair without breaking the bank.
Draftsman: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Draftsmen are your most affordable option, usually charging between $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of your project. They’re skilled at creating technical drawings and documentation, but they don’t typically offer design services.
For a simple extension, you might pay around $2,800 for a small to medium single-room extension, or $3,200 for a larger extension. They’re perfect when you already know what you want and just need someone to put it down on paper properly.
What Each Professional Actually Does
Here’s where it gets interesting. Architects handle everything from initial concept through to project management. They’ll work with you on creative solutions, manage other consultants, and can oversee the entire build process.
Building designers bridge the gap between architects and draftsman. They can design custom renovations, prepare council documentation, and often specialise in residential work. Many building designers offer both building design and interior design services, which can be incredibly handy for renovations.
Draftsman focus on the technical side – turning your ideas (or an architect’s concepts) into detailed construction drawings that builders can work from. They’re the detail-oriented professionals who ensure everything is drawn to scale and meets building codes.
Our All-in-One Alternative
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a home renovation builder that could actually handle the entire design and approval process for you. Well, that’s exactly what we do here at Jonathan Homes. We’re a Sydney-based builder who manages every detail from design to approvals, which means you don’t have to juggle multiple professionals or worry about coordination between different parties.
This approach is a real game-changer for your renovation project. Instead of hiring separate architects, designers, or draftsman, then coordinating with builders, we provide end-to-end project management that covers everything from initial design consultations through to the final build. We can work with your existing plans or design from scratch, creating custom floor plans built to suit your space requirements. We know what common mistakes to avoid and can work with you to add real value to your property.
What’s particularly impressive is our zero stress approach – we manage every detail for you, from design to approvals, ensuring what we call an “exquisitely tailored, stress-free experience”. This is backed by our 7-year structural warranty and the fact that you work directly with Jonathan himself, giving you the added benefit of avoiding the disconnect of multiple intermediaries.
What You’ll Actually Need
For most renovation projects, you’ll need several types of drawings:
- Concept plans to visualise your ideas
- Development application (DA) drawings for council approval
- Construction drawings for your builder
- Detailed plans for trades like plumbing and electrical work
The professional you choose will determine how much of this they can handle. Architects can do it all, building designers can handle most residential work, draftspeople excel at the technical documentation, and full-service builders like Jonathan Homes manage the entire process from concept to completion.
My Take on the Industry
Having worked in this space, I’ve seen homeowners make the mistake of going too cheap or too expensive for their needs. The key is matching the professional to your project’s complexity and your budget.
If you’re doing a simple extension or renovation where you know what you want, a skilled draftsperson can save you thousands. But if you’re struggling with how to make your space work better, or dealing with a tricky site, the design expertise of a building designer or architect becomes invaluable.
The full-service builder approach is particularly appealing if you want to avoid the hassle of managing multiple professionals. When you’re dealing with heritage properties or complex renovations, having someone who understands both the design and building sides of the equation can save you countless headaches.
I’ve also noticed that many homeowners underestimate the importance of good design. A well-designed renovation isn’t just about making things look pretty – it’s about creating spaces that work better for your family’s lifestyle. That’s where the design professionals really earn their keep.