A home addition is one of the best ways to gain extra living space without moving, but everything begins with a clear, accurate set of drawings. If you’ve never hired a drafter before, the process can seem confusing — but it’s much simpler than most folks expect.
Start by gathering the basics: your property dimensions, any previous house plans you may have, and a rough idea of the space you want to add. A good residential drafter will take this information, verify measurements, and discuss how the new addition will connect to the existing structure. That includes rooflines, foundation considerations, and how the interior flow will change.
When choosing a drafter, look for experience in residential work, especially additions and remodeling drawings. Additions must tie structurally into the current home, and that requires someone who understands framing, load paths, and building code requirements. Ask about pricing, turnaround time, and whether site visits or as-built measurements are included.
After you approve the preliminary layout, the drafter creates a full plan set — floor plan, elevations, sections, foundation, roof framing, and any details required by the local code office. Once completed, you simply submit your drawings for a permit. Hiring a qualified drafter ensures your addition is well-designed, safe, and ready for approval without unnecessary delays.