How much does it cost to design a house?

Most homeowners spend an architect’s design fee in a typical range of about 5%–15% of the construction cost. Many projects also include additional charges for things like site measurements, surveys, or permit support.

If you don’t yet know your construction cost, a good next step is to get a ballpark from a licensed general contractor (or a recent similar project) and then ask the architect for a clear scope-based quote.

Costs also depend on your city’s requirements. Some places want more detailed permit drawings than others. Rules vary across the US, so always confirm what your local building department expects.

An architect’s fee is tied to workload. The biggest drivers are usually project type, site conditions, and how “complete” your drawings must be.

For example, a renovation may be simpler than a new custom home, but it can require more coordination if walls move, plumbing changes, or the building has older systems. A site with steep slopes, complex utilities, or tricky access can add time.

Other factors that often change the cost: whether you need permits, how many design iterations you want, whether you’re designing for accessibility, and how many consultants must be coordinated (like civil/structural/mechanical work).

These are general, educational ranges. Your local market and project scope can move the numbers up or down.

New custom homes: Many people see architect design fees roughly in the 8%–15% of construction cost range, especially when you need full permit-ready drawings.

Additions and renovations: Often around 6%–12% of construction cost, depending on how much existing building work and code compliance is involved.

ADUs: Many ADU projects fall around 6%–12% when the plan is coordinated for permitting, but costs can rise if the site or existing home conditions are complex.

Commercial design: Typically varies more widely because tenant improvements, accessibility, life safety, and permitting requirements can add steps.

Architects usually work in phases. The fee can be structured per phase, so it helps to understand what each phase includes.

Schematic design (early concept): The architect helps shape the layout, massing, and basic options. This is where you choose direction.

Design development (more detailed): The drawings and decisions get more specific—dimensions, materials, and coordination begin.

Permit-ready drawings (often called construction documents): This is the detailed set needed for permits and bids. If you only want concept sketches, costs can be lower. If you need code-compliant permit drawings, costs are higher.

Ask the architect to list deliverables and what’s included in their scope. That’s the fastest way to avoid surprises.

Beyond the architect’s base design fee, you may pay for project “inputs” and coordination. Common examples include:

Site surveying (if needed), soil-related studies, or geotechnical reports.

Special inspections, code consulting, or accessibility requirements depending on your project.

MEP coordination support (MEP means mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems). Often, other licensed engineers handle the detailed engineering, while the architect helps coordinate layouts so everything fits.

Plan review and resubmittals can also add time if the city requests revisions. You can’t assume approval, so ask how revisions are handled in their proposal.

If you want a clearer estimate, ask: “Which of these will we likely need for my project, and how are they priced?”

If you’re planning a custom home, addition, renovation, ADU, or commercial project, we can help you find and get matched with a licensed architect. It’s free for you.

When you share basic project details, we connect you with architects who can support your scope—especially for permit-ready drawings. You can then ask for a fee proposal that matches your stage goals and local permit needs.

Start here: Get matched. You can also explore our guides and services to learn how the process typically works and what to ask before you hire.